Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.