Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been able to be helped previously, end substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.