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 who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, end substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.