Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, stop drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.