Addiction is a serious issue that can cause great turmoil in a person’s life. It can damage relationships, lead to financial problems, and cause physical and mental health issues. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help people to overcome their substance abuse disorder and lead a healthy and happy life. Animal therapy for addiction is a promising new treatment for those struggling with addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, animal therapy may be a helpful treatment option. Red Oak Recovery®’s North Carolina ecotherapy for addiction can provide the support and guidance you need to overcome your problems and live a sober life. Contact us at 866.457.7590 today to learn more.
What is Animal Therapy?
Animal therapy, also known as pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy, is part of a specific therapeutic group called ecotherapy. This is a type of therapy that uses animals to help people with physical, mental, or emotional issues, and it has been shown to be helpful for a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction.
Animal therapy for addiction takes many different forms, but the premise is the same: to help people struggling with addiction recover by using the therapeutic power of animals. This can be done in individual or group sessions, and it may involve activities like grooming, walking, or even just spending time with cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits and chickens.
The involvement with animals can reduce pain, lower blood pressure, and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. For people in recovery, animal therapy can provide much-needed companionship, support, and love.
How Does Addiction Animal Therapy Help During Recovery?
Addiction recovery can be a long and difficult process, but animal therapy can help to make it a little bit easier. Here are five ways that addiction animal therapy can help:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
One of the main reasons that people turn to substances is to cope with stress and anxiety. Animal therapy can help to reduce these feelings, making it easier to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
2. Provides companionship
In recovery, it’s important to have a support system. Family and friends can be a great source of support, but sometimes they’re not available or they may not understand what you’re going through. Animals can provide the companionship you need, and they’ll never judge you or tell you what to do.
3. Teaches responsibility
Caring for an animal can help to teach responsibility, which is an important skill in recovery. Caring for a pet can help you to develop a sense of purpose and routine, both of which are essential in early recovery.
4. Increases feelings of happiness and well-being
Spending time with animals has been shown to increase feelings of happiness and well-being. This can be helpful in recovery, when emotions are often up and down.
5. Improves social skills
Animal therapy can also help to improve social skills. This is important in recovery, as social support is a key factor in maintaining sobriety.
Animal Therapy for Addiction at Red Oak Recovery®
Animal therapy can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction recovery. If you are interested in learning more about this type of therapy, Red Oak can help. We offer animal-assisted therapy as part of our holistic approach to treatment, and our experienced and compassionate staff can answer any questions you may have.
If you’re struggling with addiction, animal therapy may be the helpful treatment option you need. Addiction animal therapy as part of our comprehensive treatment program that also includes individual and group therapy, an alumni program, and other evidence-based treatments.
Contact us today at 866.457.7590 and start our animal therapy for addiction treatment program.
