Pet-Friendly Rehab

There are two things that you have relied on to get you through the struggles of day-to-day life: your substance(s) of choice and your pet.

While your pet has provided you with unconditional love and has done nothing but bring positivity into your life, the drugs and/or alcohol that have you have been using certainly have not. In fact, your substance and abuse and addiction have dragged you in a downward spiral.

If you have hit rock bottom and are ready to rid your life of the toxic substances that have had a hold on you, but you don’t want to part with your pet while you seek treatment, a pet-friendly rehab center is exactly what you are in need of. At Start Sobriety Now, our pet-friendly rehab center partners understand the important role your beloved pet plays in your process of becoming healthy and whole.

Whether it’s a dog or a cat, your four-legged friend has been a constant source of love in your life. Bringing him or her along with you into rehab can help you on the road to recovery and sobriety.

The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Rehabilitation

There’s a reason why pets are called man’s (or woman’s) best friend: they provide unconditional love, build you up, give you a reason for being and just make you feel good. With that said, we understand that your pet be extremely beneficial to you while you are going through rehabilitation for substance abuse and addiction.

Bringing your pet to rehabilitation for addiction can give you the boost that you need when you feel like you aren’t going to be able to rise up and beat your addiction. He or she can give you the strength that you need to keep on going when the going gets tough. You will receive the quiet support that you can count on from a safe, loving companion that you can depend on.

Trying to get overcome your addiction on drugs or alcohol can be extremely stressful on its own. If you have a pet that you have to leave behind in order to attend rehabilitation, the stress you experience can be compounded even more. Rehabilitation centers that allow you to bring your dog or cat with you can make an enormous difference in your recovery. Pets don’t criticize and they are fairly easy to please. They also offer a friendly face and make you feel truly accepted wherever you may be. For many people who are just entering a rehabilitation program, fitting in and finding their own way can be difficult. In fact, many people report that they feel awkward, unsure, and self-conscious when they enter rehab. With your trusted companion by your side, you will never have to worry about feeling alone and will have someone with you that you can count on to not pass judgment while you go through recovery; after all, your pet didn’t pass judgment on you while you were in the height of your substance abuse and addiction. Speak with one of our addiction specialists for more information about our pet-friendly therapy partners and the role your pet plays in your treatment process.

Several studies have found that pets can provide profound benefits while going through rehab. These benefits include:

• Accountability: Taking care of your pet teaches you responsibility, which can help to improve your mental health. Improving your self-esteem is an important part of the recovery process, and completing estimable acts is an important part of developing your self-esteem. By taking proper care of your pet – feeding, walking, grooming, etc – you will build healthy habits that aren’t self-serving, which can really help you feel good about yourself and improve your recovery efforts.
• Reduced Stress. The companionship of a pet helps to reduce the symptoms that are associated with anxiety and depression, two problems that are very common among people who are in the early stages of recovery. There are very few things that can lift you up like being near your pet. Honestly, how can you not be happy when your dog is wagging his tail at the mere sight of you or when your cat is curled up on your belly and purring?
• Thinking of Someone Other Than Yourself: Recovering addicts tend to think only of themselves when they are going through rehabilitation. That’s because they feel anxious and overwhelmed once the drugs and/or alcohol are no longer in their lives. A pet can give you a sense of purpose by helping you think of someone other than yourself. This is critical for recovery, as it is often self-centered behavior and thinking that fuels addiction in the first place.
• Make You Feel at Ease. In the early phase of the treatment process, a lot of people feel uncomfortable. This is not only because they aren’t used to feeling sober, but also because they are surrounded by people that they are not familiar with. As a result, those who are in recovery tend to isolate themselves. Having your pet with you in rehab can help you feel more at ease. He or she can make you come out of your shell and improve your desire to interact with other people. Companionship and socialization are important parts of the recovery process. For more information on the benefits of pet-friendly rehab, call us today to speak with a trained treatment specialist.

Pet-Friendly Rehab: What to Expect

What can you expect at one of our pet-friendly rehabilitation centers? It depends on the facility. Some rehabs will allow your pet to stay with you in your room throughout the duration of your stay, while others allow pets to visit during scheduled times. Pets may be permitted to be present during the treatment process; for example, you may be able to bring your dog or cat with you to a counseling session, or you may be allowed to take your pet out for a walk, or while socializing with other patients who are attending rehab.

It is important to find out the procedures and practices of a pet-friendly rehab center before you check in. You want to make sure that you choose a facility that will allow you to associate with your pet in a manner that you are the most comfortable with. Speak with one of our addiction specialists who will be assisting with finding the best rehab facility for you.

If you or someone you love is battling addiction, a pet-friendly rehab could be the solution to recovery and leading a life of sobriety. Call us today at ­­­(800) 553-6192 for a free, confidential addiction assessment and take the first step toward recovery.