Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. 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 a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.