Playing fetch with your dog or petting your cat while you enjoy your favorite show on Netflix is more than just a great way to wind down after a long day. Growing evidence shows that pet ownership can help you stay on track with your recovery goals.
Benefits of Pet Ownership
Getting a pet is one way to continue building on the progress you’ve made in residential treatment. Some of the reported benefits of pet ownership for people in recovery include:
- Pets provide unconditional love and companionship. Your relationships with friends and family might be somewhat strained due to the effects of your past substance abuse, but a pet will never judge you for your past mistakes.
- Playing with and caring for a pet is a source of sober entertainment. Pets can be especially helpful as a distraction when you’re dealing with cravings.
- Spending time with a pet has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It takes time for your brain’s neurotransmitters to adjust to life without drugs and alcohol, but pets can help ease the depression and anxiety linked to withdrawal.
- The responsibility of feeding and caring for a pet will help you establish a daily routine. Routines that promote accountability help you develop the habits that are necessary for lasting sobriety.
- Playing with an active pet can be good exercise and encourage you to spend more time outdoors. Some pets are more active than others, but a dog that needs to be walked every day can be very effective at motivating you to get the exercise you need to stay on track with your recovery.
- Talking about your pet with others helps encourage social connections. Sharing funny stories about your pet is a simple way to make small talk, and bonding over a love of animals can help you form new friendships.
- Having a pet boosts confidence and self-esteem. Successfully caring for a pet is an accomplishment that can give you the encouragement you need to continue moving forward in your recovery.
Getting a Pet
When you are getting a pet, the most important thing to remember is to choose an animal that fits your lifestyle. Questions to ask include:
- If you live with other people, how do they feel about getting a pet?
- Does anyone have any allergies to consider?
- How much room do you have in your home and/or yard for a pet?
- How much free time do you have to devote to your pet?
- If you work long hours or frequently travel, how would you handle pet-sitting?
- Can you afford food, vaccinations, and necessary medical care for your pet?
While cats and dogs are by far the most popular pet choices, they aren’t the only option. For example, hedgehogs love to play with their owners, are very quiet, and can be trained through positive reinforcement. They also don’t have dander, which is a plus if you are allergic to cats or dogs. Birds, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, or ferrets are other popular pet choices.
Visiting an animal shelter or a pet store that offers pet adoptions can help you get a better sense of what type of pet is best suited for you and your family. Staff members can also answer questions you might have about how to best care for a particular pet or what to expect as a new pet adjusts to your home.
If you decide that owning a pet isn’t a good idea at this point in your recovery journey, keep in mind that many of the benefits of pet ownership can be gained simply by spending time with animals. Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers, and helping animals in this way can be a great source of satisfaction.
We’re Here to Help
While pet ownership offers many benefits for people in recovery, there’s no substitute for ongoing counseling and support. Farley Center offers a full continuum of care that includes extended care services designed to ease the transition back to independent living after completing our Maryland residential addiction treatment program. If you’re ready to change your life for the better, we’re here to help.
