Dual diagnosis can be a situation 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 not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.