Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.