Living with an addiction can have a debilitating impact on many areas of your life, from your relationships with friends and family to your working life and ability to function day to day.
Even when on the road to recovery, addicts are met with challenges that they must work hard to overcome and stay on the path to sobriety. For many, this involves ensuring that they have access to the right level of help and support. After all, addiction and recovery can be an incredibly lonely and daunting place.
Thankfully, pets can offer some much-needed light on your darker days.
Here are some of the benefits that bring pets in addiction recovery.
When you’re a recovering addict, it’s not uncommon to suffer from anxiety and other mental health conditions. After all, adjusting to a life of sobriety can be tough and challenging.
However, the calming presence of a pet has been proven to soothe and help addicts to manage their anxiety, simply by just being there.
A huge part of recovery is finding new things to enjoy, and concentrating on living a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle.
Another advantage of having a pet such as a dog is that they will encourage you to get out and about, come rain or shine. Routine is incredibly important during recovery and staying active is crucial for your mental health and wellbeing.
A walk on the beach on a sunny day with your furry friend is a great way to boost your mood and soak up a healthy dose of vitamin D. Having pets in addiction recovery brings structure to your day and this huge responsibility helps to give you a new focus.
Building relationships with loved ones following an addiction can be tough. Regaining the trust of those dearest to you isn’t always plain sailing – give it time though – you will get there.
The love and support of a pet during your recovery should not be underestimated. Offering unconditional comfort and love, even on your darkest days, you can always rely on your furry best friend to see you through.
Remember: pets love you no matter what, pass no judgement, and are always by your side.
Many people form strong, unbreakable bonds with their pets, so it’s not surprising that they can play such an important role in helping addicts to navigate their recovery.
At ANA, we work closely with our clients to help rebuild their lives, gain confidence and self-worth and believe that they can live a healthy, responsible, and productive life, free of addictive substances.
Contact ANA today, our friendly team is on hand and ready to help.
