Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.