Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.