Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.