Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, stop drug abuse because they can be correctly 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 abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.