Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.