Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.