How can dogs help fight addiction

Dogs have been used professionally for their therapeutic qualities for several years. Programmes which see dogs being taken to old people’s homes and children’s wards are now common place, but more recently their therapeutic powers have been extended to those battling the disease of drug and alcohol addiction. Although there is still much research that needs to be conducted within the field, here is a brief overview of the positive effects which dogs can bring to the treatment of addiction.

Combat stress

Several studies have been conducted which clearly demonstrate that pet ownership or time spent with animals can help to reduce stress, depression and anxiety- so much so that connections have been made between animals and lower blood pressure. Stress can be a trigger both for the start of addiction and for relapse, and therefore the calming qualities of animals is a powerful tool in helping to combat it.

Empathy

Many of those that suffer from addiction have had their sense of empathy eroded by years of self-centred behaviour. Building relationships with animals can be a lot easier than it is with humans, they ask no questions and make no judgements, and can therefore help to restore an addict’s emotional connection with those around them.

Responsibility

Reintroducing responsibility back into lives is a key component of the road to recovery. Taking care of an animal is a great way to try and build this sense of responsibility back up. Dogs are too a large extent, completely reliant upon their owners for their well-being and their love-without-question approach to those humans helps to engender that sense of responsibility.

Self-worth

Many of those suffering from addiction have hit rock bottom in terms of how they think about themselves. Not only have their friends, families and society as a whole given up on them, they have also given up on themselves. As dogs make no judgements they can assist in restoring this sense of self-worth. Even the simple act of stroking a dog will be greeted with a wagging tail- seeing that their actions can cause happiness in another living creature can be a huge step on the road to recovery.

A familiar face

A number of recovery centres are now allowing for their patients to bring their own pets in with them- and studies have indicated that this helps enormously with the recovery process. Allowing pets to live with their owners incurs a whole host of extra administrative and practical costs, therefore many centres are reluctant to introduce it. However, the success of those centres which have is doubtless to be recreated in many more over the coming years

Joy

For many addicts the simple notion of joy has been removed from their lives. Watch any room into which a playful dog enters and you can automatically feel people’s spirits being lifted. The ability of animals to create happiness, seemingly out of thin air, should never be underestimated.

This article was written on behalf of Dogscorner.co.uk an online community and shop for dog owners. Find local dog sitters, walkers, vets and more, as well as shop for dog clothes, toys, treats and dog beds with Dogs Corner.