Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.