Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their drug use 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 folks with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.