The recovery process from drug and alcohol addiction involves physical, emotional, and psychological healing and rebuilding. While traditional therapies in addiction treatment, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, or pharmacotherapy, are essential, the role of pets in the healing process is often forgotten.

Animal-assisted therapies have been an effective therapeutic intervention for healing mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Pets can provide individuals in addiction recovery with emotional and physical comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

5 Ways Pets Support Emotional Healing in Addiction Recovery

Drug and alcohol addiction often leaves people feeling disconnected, neglected, and anxious. Isolation from loved ones when recovering from addiction can be one of the most challenging aspects, fueling feelings of loneliness and depression. Mental and emotional healing plays a significant role in facilitating healing and long-term recovery from a drug or alcohol use disorder.

Traditional evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy, support groups, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are at the forefront of addiction recovery. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, provide a constant source of companionship when healing from a substance use disorder (SUD).

The emotional bond between a pet and its owner can expedite the healing process from addiction in psychological, physical, and social aspects. Owning a pet in addiction recovery can reduce stress and anxiety, encourage social interaction, promote physical activity, and foster a sense of responsibility in recovering individuals.

1. Pets Provide Unconditional Love

One of the most profound benefits of pets in addiction recovery is their unconditional love and companionship. Pets display affection without judgment, which provides recovering individuals with love and acceptance regardless of their past.

Many recovering alcoholics or drug addicts may have damaged relationships from their previous substance use and behaviors, which can lead to isolation. Rebuilding friendships and relationships in recovery can take time, leaving many individuals feeling lonely. Pet ownership can serve as a reminder for recovering people with an addiction that they are loved and valued, improving their self-worth and confidence.

2. Pets Help Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Mental health conditions are relatively common for individuals healing from a substance use disorder (SUD). When someone struggles with addiction and a mental illness, this is known as a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder.

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are all risk factors for drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Dealing with mental health issues in addiction recovery can be incredibly challenging and potentially lead to relapse.

Research shows that interacting with pets, whether sitting together, walking, or petting, reduces cortisol levels and increases dopamine and serotonin. Cortisol is the body's stress hormone, and serotonin and dopamine are the feel-good hormones promoting well-being. Spending time with pets is a natural form of stress relief that can assist traditional therapy methods in addiction recovery.

3. Pets Foster a Sense of Responsibility and Routine

Pet ownership requires establishing a structured daily routine, which is also essential when healing from addiction. From daily walks and scheduled feeding times to regular grooming and care, pets help foster a sense of responsibility for owners.

Routine and responsibility can help individuals in recovery establish consistency in their lives after addiction. The commitment to care for another living being encourages a sense of purpose and can help individuals avoid unhealthy patterns and fight cravings in recovery.

4. Pets Encourage Social Interaction and Combat Loneliness

Not only do pets aid in mental and emotional healing, but they can also encourage social interaction. Daily walks with your pet can serve as a bridge for developing social connections with other pet owners or lovers. Visiting pet-friendly parks can naturally encourage conversations with other pet owners, which can help reduce isolation.

Staying busy and out of the house while in recovery can combat loneliness and prevent depression and anxiety disorders. Loneliness and isolation are common triggers for relapse in recovery, making it critical to develop a strong support network after addiction.

5. Pets Increase Physical Activity

Physical health plays a significant role in the addiction recovery process. Pet ownership encourages individuals in recovery to engage in physical activity, whether going for daily walks in the park or running around the yard with them.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs often incorporate physical exercises like weight training, running, or yoga to aid holistic healing. Increasing physical activity improves physiological and mental health by reducing cortisol levels and releasing endorphins.

The Science Behind Pets and Addiction Recovery

Studies show that interacting with pets lowers cortisol and blood pressure while increasing oxytocin, serotonin, and prolactin levels. Oxytocin is often called the "love hormone" and is associated with affection, bonding, and social interaction. When oxytocin is released when interacting with pets, this creates a calming effect by reducing anxiety and stress. The bond between a pet and its owner promotes feelings of well-being and security, which critically aid in the addiction healing process.

As these feel-good chemicals are released, this helps recovering individuals with emotional regulation and fighting drug or alcohol cravings. The road to recovery does not end after detox and rehabilitation but is instead a long-term commitment.

Healing from a drug or alcohol addiction requires continuous support and effort to maintain holistic health in recovery. Pets serve as long-term recovery companions, offering support during moments of emotional instability, triggers, cravings, and loneliness. The unconditional love and bond between a pet and its owner can motivate recovering individuals to stay sober and continue their recovery journey.

Addiction Recovery Support and Resources

Real Recovery Talk offers individuals in recovery from alcohol abuse or drug addiction support and guidance. From one-on-one coaching sessions with a certified internal medicine specialist to individual sessions with our certified addiction counselors, we're here to help you on the road to recovery.

References:

• National Institutes of Health, 2018. The Power of Pets: Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions.
• Psychology Today, 2022. Animal-Assisted Therapy.
• Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021. Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach.
• Psychology Today, 2020. Do Pets Really Unconditionally Love and Unwind Us?
• Current Pain and Headache Reports, 2013. The Science Behind Animal-Assisted Therapy.
• Cureus, 2023. Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review.
• John Hopkins Medicine. The Friend Who Keeps You Young.
• UCLA Health. Animal-Assisted Therapy Research.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011. Treatment and Recovery.