Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance 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, finish substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.