Can Pets Help Your Recovery?

Dog ownership can increase the chances of a successful addiction recovery. From easing distress in the early stages of alcohol or drug rehab through, to be a solid support for those who have entered addiction recovery, animals have a lot to offer those struggling from addiction. Through all stages of treatment and recovery, pet therapy is becoming more and more common and for good reason. I just happen to love dogs, but any animal is still a great idea (as long as it comes with a puppy)!

Benefits of owning a Pet in Addiction Recovery

Pets provide unconditional love Pets love unconditionally and are always there for you, ready to receive your care and attention. Pets never criticize or judge you and this unconditional acceptance can help those in addiction recovery rebuild their self-esteem. It does not matter what mistakes you make during the day, they will be there to happily greet you when you get home. Pets provide a level of social support that makes you feel needed, wanted, and loved.

Pets help you learn about yourself Animals, especially dogs, exhibit total emotional honesty. They cannot hide their feelings and will show signs of fear, anger, happiness and relaxation. People can learn and benefit from experiencing this emotional honesty. After years of numbing emotions through drug and alcohol abuse, recognizing and expressing emotions is a skill that has to be relearned. Animals can also reflect the emotions shown by the person handling them. If you are fearful and anxious around a dog, the dog will also act fearful and anxious. This mirroring can help people recognize their emotional state and learn to relax.

Pets help you build relationships with other people Entering addiction recovery almost always means letting go of old relationships and building new ones. People can easily form bonds with pets, often more easily than starting new relationships with people. Pets are great listeners. You can talk to them about anything, and even practice difficult or nerve-racking conversations with them. Having a pet can get you out of the house to meet other pet owners at the dog park or pet store and can give you a topic for starting a conversation with someone new. While pets are great companions, in addiction recovery forming and nurturing healthy and supportive relationships with other people is imperative.

Dog owners exercise more Research shows dog owners exercise more often, and exercise is an important aspect of addiction recovery. Your dog can be great motivation to get out for a walk and reap all the . Even if you are not going for a run with your dog every day, pets often get you outside in the fresh air and sunlight for at least a few minutes, and this alone can help improve your mood.

Pets help reduce stress Finding healthy ways to manage stress is an important aspect of preventing relapse, as stress is a major relapse trigger. The natural stroking of a dog is calming, and pet therapy has also been shown to help keep blood pressure levels lower.

Pets make you smile and ward off loneliness Animals are always doing cute things that will make you smile and encourage you to become more playful. Just the act of smiling improves mood and boosts the production of Dopamine. Their playful presence can also help you overcome loneliness — which is important if you want to stay sober in the long run.

Pets encourage responsibility Pets are an added financial and emotional responsibility, which is something you should seriously consider before adopting one and bringing it home. When you are ready however, having a pet can help you re-establish your feelings of self-worth and competence. Caring for another living thing will help you see outside yourself and your own needs.

Safe Haven Recovery is a boutique Florida Treatment Center located in Miami, FL. We specialize in Suboxone Maintenance & Detox, along with, Couples Treatment. Call us today at 866-447-4650.

About the Author

Matthew Koenig is a freelance writer and principal of Last Call Marketing which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, SEO and Social Engagement. Concentrated in addiction recovery, Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.