Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.