The Role of Pets in Addiction Recovery
Companionships and connections of all varieties can help anyone with substance use disorder stave off loneliness and feel like they are part of a community. This is, of course, beneficial for staying on the road to sobriety. In this blog, we will discuss why pets can be so beneficial for those struggling with substance use disorder and how they can help you recover.
If you or a loved one could benefit from 12 Steps to Recovery, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn about our comfortable residential setting.
Your Furry Freind Can Give Emotional Support and Connection
One of the biggest issues those with substance abuse disorder will face when they first begin their journey into sobriety is managing their emotions, especially when it comes to loneliness and feelings of worthlessness.
Pets can provide a consistent, nonjudgmental support system that will always come through with unconditional love, no matter how you feel about yourself. Most people rarely experience this in a relationship, especially those who turn to substances.
If the person with an addiction has lost others due to their substance use, they may feel abandoned and have a hard time trusting–an animal helps to overcome these barriers. Studies even bolster this by confirming that simply petting an animal can trigger oxytocin, which is the hormone responsible for bonding and reducing stress. When a person with an addiction experiences this response, it can calm their nervous system, which is already in overdrive, thanks to withdrawal symptoms and prolonged stress.
Establishing Routine and Responsibility with Pets
Those who are deep into addiction don’t often worry about things like routine; they may stay up late to use, oversleep, and even go without it for days at a time. Moreover, they don’t feed their body healthily, practice self-care, and may neglect hygiene. Pets, however, require that their owner help them stick to a routine of sleep, food, and water, and trips to the vet/or groomers.
When an addict needs to help their beloved pet, they can help themselves by following the same kind of routine. They can eat with their animal, sleep with them, go on refreshing walks daily, practice mindfulness, and schedule appointments on the same day.
Having a pet is an extra reminder that you must be fit and healthy to be a productive member of a social group, even if that’s just your pet and you. By managing to keep up with your pet’s needs, even if you sometimes neglect yourself, you can start to feel more accomplished and build your self-worth.
Boosting Physical Health With an Animal Friend
Your pet can absolutely help you gain self-esteem and feel less stressed in your daily life, but the benefits don’t stop there. When you have a support animal that needs exercise, you can improve your own physical health, too. A dog is an obvious choice, as you can walk it outside. Running, playing, and throwing a ball are all great exercises for those who are getting back into movement.
Playing with a cat daily with active toys like lasers or rolling yarn is also a good choice. Or perhaps you could build an outside playpen and do some gardening while your rabbits or guinea pigs play in the yard.
Being physical with a pet not only helps you bond but will also increase your overall health, which is much needed after long-term addiction.
Building Trust and Rebuilding Relationships with Pets
Sometimes, those with substance use disorder have broken relationships by lying, stealing, or being otherwise emotionally unavailable to those who need them. This is a scary place for anyone as it can make it hard to trust yourself and your ability to uphold relationships. You may worry that you will relapse and hurt people again, and you may fear that those actions were not a part of addiction but who you are. A pet is a good place to start to build trust in yourself again.
Caring for a pet requires commitment, understanding your needs and boundaries, and empathy and patience for your furry friend and yourself. By learning alongside a friend who will give you patience and kindness no matter what mistakes you make, you can begin to build your relationships once more.
Myrtle Beach Recovery – A Lifelong Companion in Recovery
Once you have taken all the necessary steps to overcome addiction such as short-term rehab and 12-step programs, it might be time to look into finding a furry friend. Having that emotional support, and constant connection can give you a reason to stay on the right path for your health. If you are looking for a support system outside of pets, Myrtle Beach Recovery can help. We have many resources available to help you find a group of people who can help you stay sober. Contact us today to find out more.
