Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify 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 results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.