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 who may not have been able to be helped previously, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.