When you first arrive at a rehab center, you might feel uncomfortable. The presence of your pet can give you a sense of comfort and help you deal with the situation better. You will also have peace of mind knowing that you will be there to take care of your pet. Anyone can get homesick when they are in a new place in a vulnerable state. It’s not a good idea to leave mid-treatment. Having your pet with you reminds you of the life before rehab, setting your mind at ease. A pet friendly drug rehab can provide Animal Assisted Therapy to guide you into a life of sobriety.
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
There are a lot of studies on Animal Assisted Therapy, and most of these studies show that AAT offers a lot of benefits. Being around an animal is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure. It doesn’t even need to be your pet. This kind of therapy has been shown to reduce reported anxiety, improve and stabilize mood, reduce reported feelings of stress or tension, improve tolerance to frustration, boost beta-endorphin levels, as well as improve anger management. It can also help raise the patient’s self-esteem. Having a pet around motivates you to become more activate since you need to take care of your dog. It also keeps you accountable for your well-being and recovery.
Pets are an excellent conversation starter. If you get clammed up when someone talks to you or you don’t know what to say, you can talk about your dog. It eliminates social pressure and makes it easier for you to interact with other people. Talking about your dog is a great way to start a conversation. Even if your new acquaintance is not an animal lover, it is still a great opportunity to jumpstart a friendly debate.
Some people don’t go to rehab because they have other responsibilities that are preventing them from eliminating alcohol and drugs in their life. For most, it’s their children or job. For some, it is their pet. They don’t have anyone who can take care of their pet in their place. When you choose a dog-friendly rehab, you don’t have to worry about your pet because you can bring him with you. You will learn a lot during the first few weeks in the facility. One of these is that you can be a caring and nurturing person. Having a pet around means, you are not only responsible for yourself. You also need to keep another life healthy and happy. This is a good chance to prove that you can care for someone other than yourself. You have to be responsible for your dog’s meals, bath, exercise, and health.
Look for a dog friendly rehab and ask about their setup. You should ask them if they allow patients to bring pets or if they have a dog in-house. If you’re planning to bring your dog with you, it is best that you find a rehab that allows patients to live with their pets inside the facility.