Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions. People living with a substance use disorder (SUD) require comprehensive treatment, education, and support to move forward into a healthier way of life.
No two people have the exact same needs during treatment. There are many therapies, programs, and approaches that can help people address the complex roots of their addiction and move forward.
Animal-assisted therapy is a holistic approach to SUD treatment. This article will explore how animal-assisted therapy can support lifelong recovery from addiction. You will learn:
- How animal-assisted therapy works
- The benefits of animal-assisted therapy in addiction treatment
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggle with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore your treatment options or schedule an appointment.
What is Animal-Assisted Treatment?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves spending time with animals in a therapeutic setting. People in AAT may spend time relaxing with or caring for an animal.
Research has found that animal-assisted therapy can help to reduce stress and increase treatment compliance. These and other benefits may lower the risk of relapse and lead to better overall outcomes.
Therapy sessions may occur in a clinical setting or inpatient treatment center. People with SUD, mental health conditions, or other needs may attend regular therapy sessions or participate in this type of therapy as needed.
Some treatment centers offer AAT and other holistic therapies as part of people’s treatment plans. Holistic therapies like animal-assisted treatment can improve outcomes and help people stay committed to recovery.
While therapy dogs are the most common type of animal used in AAT, people may interact with various animals. These may include a dog, cat, small animal, or horse. Mental health and medical professionals can integrate equine therapy and other types of AAT into their client’s holistic treatment plans.
Therapy animals are different from service animals. Service animals are animals with training to provide specific services. Therapy dogs and other animals have special certification but do not perform tasks or provide assistance in most cases.
What are the Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Addiction Treatment?
Animal-assisted therapy (pet therapy) can help people stay active and engaged in their recovery. People who participate in AAT may have better outcomes and longer-lasting recoveries.
Here are five benefits of using animal-assisted therapy in addiction treatment.
1. Model healthy relationships
Living with an active addiction can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. People with addiction may have difficulty expressing emotions or processing past events.
Working with a therapy animal can help people learn how to develop healthy relationships. They learn to communicate more effectively, feel close to another being, and build empathy and patience.
2. Lower stress
Research shows that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure and increase endorphins (feel-good brain chemicals). Animal-assisted therapy can help people learn how to reduce stress levels, which can positively impact their resilience. Discovering new ways to reduce stress and feel good can help people avoid relapse.
3. Building trust
Many people in recovery struggle to trust themselves or others. Working with a therapy dog or other animal can help people feel comfortable expressing their feelings and opening up.
During therapy sessions, people spend time with an animal who loves and respects them, regardless of what they have done in the past. This can be profoundly healing for people in recovery–and a step toward building relationships with other people in the future.
4. Creating a positive environment
It goes without saying, but spending time with animals can be very enjoyable. Petting or snuggling with a therapy animal, watching them play, and making positive connections can boost the mood in any environment.
Animal-assisted therapy can be a positive, relaxing point in the day for people in recovery. Many people look forward to spending time with their therapy animals and benefit from it greatly.
5. Creating safety
For many, animals offer a sense of protection and safety. This can be especially helpful for people who are at the beginning of their recovery journey or are receiving treatment in a new environment.
These and other benefits of animal-assisted therapy can reduce the risk of relapse. Participating in pet therapy can help people stay more engaged and active in treatment. It can help them develop resilience and find new purpose in their life in recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our holistic addiction treatment programs. You may also contact us with questions or to set up an intake appointment.
Don’t wait another day to get the help you need and deserve. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us today.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Animal assisted intervention: A systematic review of benefits and risks
- JMIR Publications: The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence
- UCLA Health: Animal Assisted Therapy & What Science Says
- BMC Psychiatry: Animal-assisted therapy on happiness and life quality of chronic psychiatric patients living in psychiatric residential care homes: a randomized controlled study
