Addiction treatment tends to be a lonely journey. It requires the person to leave their friends, family and other loved ones. Although the residential facilities let you be in the presence of therapists and fellow patients, the feeling of loneliness persists. This problem is exacerbated during the early stages of recovery. In these times, the need for companionship goes up to the sky.
Pets can act as the perfect companion in these times and can give the support that the patients require. Now, we know that many rehab centers do not allow pets on-site. However, the perception towards pets in a recovery center is changing fast. Some of them are now recognizing the importance of pets for the betterment of their patients. Hence, they are now allowing for the pets to be present during addiction recovery:
#1 They are great for their well-beings
Newer research has unearthed the importance of animals in the process of therapy. Their presence has extended from several types of therapy and has also found a place in treating addicts and substance abusers. This also applies to people who have not been close to animals before. During recovery, your brain is relearning the process of releasing the normal amount of endorphins. Having a pet by your side will ensure that this process of transition is smooth.
#2 Instilling a sense of responsibility
We have to realize that taking care of a pet requires you to undertake a lot of responsibilities. Most addicts are not able to perform these responsibilities and their pets also suffer. The recovery process helps the addict take responsibility for their pet. These pet-friendly addiction centers will get the person to address the needs of the pet. It helps the person to understand how addiction affects the people around them and how to rebuild trust with them.
#3 Improving Social Skills
When a person goes deeper into an addiction, they get isolated from the people around them. Hence, it gets difficult for them to form social connections with other people. Even when they get out of the treatment center they have problems in talking and interacting in a functioning society. A pet allows you to have an interaction with other pet owners and becomes a good conversation starter. Your pet will also ease your transition into normal society after your therapy period is over.