Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may possibly not have been capable of being helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.