Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.