Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, end drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.