Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who might not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.