Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better know what triggered their substance 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 folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.