Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.