Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual must be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.