Pet’s come in all types, whether you prefer a dog, a cat, a rabbit or a bird, your animal is a significant part of your life, and they can be extremely helpful while you are in recovery. The first year of recovery is generally the hardest, so you will need as much support as possible, regardless of whether it is through human support or pet support? The bond you have with your pet is special, they rely on you for their companionship, and you feed them, play with them etc. And just as they rely on you to have a safe and healthy life, you, in turn, can rely on them to be sources of support while you are in addiction recovery. Here are just a few of the benefits of having pets while in recovery.
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The first in a series of three recovery guides for the first three years of sobriety, First-Year Sobriety uses the voices of many women and men who are struggling in the often baffling territory of their first year of sobriety to show that despite their differing experiences, all are united in the process of giving life without alcohol or other drugs a chance.
Great for Stress Relief
It’s a proven fact that a dog, cat, or other types of pets are great sources of support. Therapy animals are brought to nursing homes to boost the mood of elderly residents and brought to hospitals to cheer of seriously ill patients because the interaction works. The same concept applies to those who are going through addiction recovery. Loneliness is one major challenge people often face early in recovery, and pets can relieve loneliness. When your emotions are starting to get the best of you, and your stress levels are through the roof, in most situations, all it might take to calm you down is the comfort of a pet. Pets reduce stress in several ways. Caring for your pet also reduces stress. When you try to make a pet feel happy, you feel happier yourself. Studies have also found that spending time with pets’ releases oxytocin, sometimes called the love hormone, which reduces stress.
The Relaxation & Stress Reduction WORKBOOK
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world.
Responsibility
It’s common for parents to get their children a pet a source of teaching their children responsibilities. The same goes for someone in addiction recovery; having a pet will help you learn to be responsible Having a pet to take care of forces you to set aside your own problems for a moment and take care of something else. Pets will demand attention, food, whether you feel like it or not. You will have something to take care of. Yes, it is common for many people in early recovery to feel as though they can’t take of themselves, so how can they take care of an animal. The good news is, it’s simply instinct and you can do it. Knowing that you must care for another living creature, someone besides yourself brings out a new side of you that was lost during your addiction.
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Companionship
Those in addiction recovery, especially in the early stages, tend to feel lonely. They often feel like an outcast simply because they are no longer hanging out with the same circle of acquaintances. While it may be common to occasionally choose solitude, most people don’t like the feeling of being alone. Pets help those in addiction recovery because you will never be completely alone. There will always be another living creature there to provide you with companionship. Your pet will provide you with unconditional love. When you get home from work or school, your pet will be there waiting for you. Pets simply help people in addiction recovery. A dog for instance is always happy to see you it’s different from a person but is helps and makes you feel good and worthy.
Yoga Cat Recovery MedallionI Pray, I Meditate…..I Still Want To Smack Someone!” Yoga Cat Medallion. Sometimes a little humor is required! A great coin to give to a sponsee or an old timer, fitting for all!
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