Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been able to be helped during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.