Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically 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 during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.