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 an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.