Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.