Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.