Dual diagnosis can be a situation 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 will help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.