Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, end substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.