Animal-assisted and pet therapy can help with many challenges, including mental illnesses and substance abuse. When people interact with animals, despair, aggression, and anxiety are reduced, and an addict will feel more relaxed and satisfied with the experience. Animal-assisted therapy is available at many addiction treatment centers, including Mallard Lake Detox Center, which includes the use of cats, birds, bunnies, and horses.

Therapy animals most commonly include dogs and horses, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds can also be helpful in substance abuse recovery. No animal is more effective than another in this regard. Being without a beloved pet can cause undue stress and loneliness. Therefore, our facility offers pets to our patients, so your loved ones will have a companion during their treatment. The companionship of a pet will ease their anxiety, make themfeel more at home, and allow them to concentrate on their recovery.

Which Animals Are Usually Used in Pet Therapy?

Although horses and dogs are the most commonly used therapy animals, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds can also help treat addiction. Ducks and llamas have also been used in these therapies. Most therapy animals, according to studies, are considered to be helpful in a similar way.

Here’s How Having a Pet at Home Can Aid in Addiction Prevention and Treatment:

Reducing Negative Emotions

Negative emotions, such as worry, guilt, shame, and loneliness, make people more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. When you receive unconditional love from a beloved pet, you can relax, feel less alone, and have a more optimistic outlook on life.

Boosting Moods

Interacting with a pet improves one’s mood by increasing dopamine and oxytocin levels. Interactions between animals have also been shown to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. Happiness is often achieved with drugs, and having a pet is a healthy way to experience the same positive emotions and moods.

Stress Handling

By petting a dog or cat, you lower your blood pressure and relax. A study found that pet owners’ heart rates and blood pressure were more constant during stressful conditions than non-pet owners. Addiction is linked to psychological stress, and the ability of pets to help people cope with challenging conditions prevents them from becoming addicted.

Providing a Sense of Responsibility

Lack of discipline and substance use are connected. Among other things, pets can make people more responsible and reduce impulsivity. When you have a pet, you’re in charge of something else’s life. As well as encouraging self-control and accountability, it prevents addiction.

Development of Positive Habits

Dogs require regular walks, and a cat may insist on chasing a string in the backyard. Exercise and maintaining a regular schedule are possible when you have a pet. Therefore, the pet owner has less time socializing with undesirable people or engaging in unwantedbehaviors. Pets can promote healthy habits and positive lifestyle choices, lowering the risk of substance dependency.

To Find Out More About Our Pet Therapy Programs, Don’t Hesitate To Get In Touch With Mallard Lake Detox Center.

At Mallard Lake Detox Center, we offer the best treatment for a variety of addictions and mental health problems. Our pet therapy programs have been recognized as one of the best. To learn more, talk to our online team of experts or visit our treatment center