Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes 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 previously, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.