Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.