The Benefits of Alcohol Rehab with Animals On Board
By the time you reach the point of seeking treatment for an alcohol problem, you are probably pretty beaten down in spirit. Alcohol abuse and addiction can take a heavy toll on both the individual with the substance use disorder and anyone in his or her trajectory. A wake of broken promises, disappointment, and decimated trust bonds may have caused a great deal of disruption in personal relationships during the illness. In fact, sometimes it may seem as if the only friend you have left on the planet is your trusted pet.
A beloved dog or cat does not judge you for being an alcoholic. Animals may actually represent the ultimate judgment-free zone. Now that many addiction treatment centers are pet friendly, those in early recovery can benefit from alcohol rehab with animals on board. Pets provide unconditional love and support, and an overall boost in general well-being. For this reason, many rehabs are now accommodating these furry friends right along with their humans in recovery.
How Alcohol Rehab with Animals Can Benefit Recovery
The process of healing and recovering from an alcohol use disorder can be enhanced with the presence of your loyal pet. There are numerous health benefits associated with pet ownership, supporting both physical and mental well-being. In fact, according to research out of Miami University and St. Louis University reported by the American Psychological Association, pet ownership can go a long way toward improving overall feelings of belonging, staving off feelings of rejection, and providing a happier, healthier existence than those without a pet in their life. “The present work presents considerable evidence that pets benefit the lives of their owners, both psychologically and physically, by serving as an important source of social support,” the authors of the study wrote.
For individuals in treatment for alcohol use disorders, having one’s dog or cat on board can provide a conduit for increased social interactions with others in rehab, as well as many other advantages. The benefits of alcohol rehab with animals include the following:
Emotional Benefits of Alcohol Rehab with Animals
Overcoming a dependency on alcohol is incredibly difficult emotionally as well as physically. Having one’s loving pet along can help provide a distraction from the internal struggle of early sobriety. Owning a pet entails certain responsibilities. The pet being with you at rehab relies on you to take care of it, forcing you to get outside of your own head for the benefit of another being. Pets in rehab can offer several emotional benefits, including:
- Decreased depression
- Providing companionship
- Reducing stress
- Relieves boredom
- Improving overall mood
- Battling loneliness
- Receiving and expressing love
Physical Benefits of Alcohol Rehab with Animals
Having a dog along in rehab can also promote physical health benefits. Dogs need to be walked regularly, so by taking your dog to rehab you will be getting regular exercise. Cardio has abundant benefits for physical well-being, including:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Lowers heart rates
- Promotes better sleep quality
- Improves overall fitness
- Releases endorphins, improving mood
The many benefits of rehabs that are pet friendly on board make seeking out a pet friendly treatment program and sober housing environment quite advantageous to recovery. Not only does having one’s beloved pet with them in treatment benefit the individual on many levels, but it also adds to the enjoyment of others with you in rehab.
Riviera Recovery Provides Alcohol Rehab with Animals
Riviera Recovery offers luxury pet-friendly sober living and recovery support in the beautiful hillsides of Malibu, California. The team at Riviera Recovery understands the value of pet companionship in recovery and makes accommodations for your furry friends to accompany you. Riviera approaches recovery with an emphasis on discovering the joys found in living a sober and healthy lifestyle, offering a wide array of activities and day trips. For more information, contact Riviera Recovery today at (866) 478-8799.
