Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.