Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might 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 might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.