Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what led to their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual must be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.