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 may help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.