Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.