Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to 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 treatment methods are employed.