People recovering from substance abuse will need all the help they can get to slowly but surely succeed in their journey. Families of patients invest in different resources to aid their recovery: residential treatment, stress-free recreational activities, and medical applications. Anything to help their loved get one back on their feet.
But what if these resources are unavailable or don’t suit the patient’s preferences?
An adorable dog can save the day.
Service Dogs: The Answer to Recovery?
Emotional support and service dogs can help patients recover naturally from their drug dependence. These loyal pets do more than distract the patient with their delightful nature. They are also naturally gifted with a host of attributes that help their owners live their life to the full. In fact, they have a long history of assisting people in difficult circumstances.
In recent years, more treatment protocols take advantage of the way dogs can help prevent a relapse. More families are also submitting emotional service animal letters to hasten a loved one’s recovery and give them a new friend at the same time.
How Man’s Best Friend Makes a Difference
People struggling with substance abuse face plenty of physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Due to their drug dependence, their neurotransmitters and brain receptors require regular artificial stimulation with alcohol and drugs.
Therapy animals, such as dogs, provide a safer and natural way to simulate the patient’s pleasure receptors. They also help their owners develop healthy bonds and become accountable for someone other than themselves.
Dogs also act as a patient’s coping mechanism, especially when they experience stress. Individuals with service or emotional support dogs can turn to pet care as a way to cope. Bathing, grooming, and walking the dog is a great way to keep someone’s mind off their drug dependence.
Pups To Keep Them Up and Running
Exercise plays an important role in your loved one’s recovery. Help them stick to a simple physical fitness regime by letting them walk the dog. This also prevents feelings of isolation since they have to wake up early to exercise with their dogs. Patients can enjoy early morning runs or jogs with their pet pal on a leash.
Types of Support Dogs
There are three types of support dogs that help patients battle their struggle with substance abuse.
Emotional Support Dogs
These pets provide support and comfort in the form of companionship and affection. Emotional support dogs can live in certain types of housing that otherwise prohibit pets. In order to obtain one, you’ll need a medical letter of recommendation.
Therapy Dogs
Physicians can prescribe therapy dogs as part of the patient’s course of treatment. These dogs are usually part of the therapy team. Therapy dogs are perfect for patients who aren’t ready for the responsibility of caring for an animal full-time.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained pets that can perform observable tasks on command. Patients who require a full-time companion will benefit greatly from a service dog. These pets are extremely responsive to their owners.
Your loved one’s road to recovery can be one filled with sunshine, rainbows, and lots of puppy love. Make the journey more bearable with an adorable dog.
