Advantages of Having a Pet as a Recovering Addict
The connection between humans and their pets has existed for generations, and there are many excellent reasons for this.1. Pets give pure, unconditional love. Pets will never judge or criticize you, and all they ask from you in return is your care and attention. Knowing there is someone in your life who will accept you, no matter what, can do wonders to help you rebuild your self-esteem. No matter what mistakes you make during the day, they will always be there to welcome you home and make you feel needed. You may have human family members who will love you unconditionally, but the danger is that they will enable your addiction out of a misguided sense of love. Pets can never enable your addiction, but they will love you in spite of it.
2. Pets help you understand yourself better. Animals, especially dogs and horses, are emotionally honest all the time. It’s impossible for them to hide feelings like happiness, sadness and fear. After years of numbing emotions through drug and alcohol abuse, you will have to relearn how to recognize and express your emotions, and pets can be integral to that process.
3. Pets help reduce stress and loneliness. Because stress and loneliness can be such significant relapse triggers, people in recovery need to find healthy ways to avoid these problems. Interacting with your pet can help increase oxytocin levels in the brain, which can relax you and reduce anxiety and depression.
4. Pets help you build relationships with others. Staying committed to addiction recovery often requires you to let go of old, unhealthy relationships and create new ones. Because pets are always there for you, it’s easier to bond with them than it is to bond with people. Having a pet can also get you out of the house to meet other pet parents, and can be an excellent icebreaker as you seek to form new sober friendships.
5. Pets encourage responsibility. Before you adopt a pet, consider if you are ready for the extra financial and emotional commitment you’ll have to make in life. It’s not fair to your pet to neglect its needs. If you do decide you’re ready to take on the responsibility, having a pet can help you rebuild your feelings of self-worth and competence. A pet’s livelihood depends on you and the choices you make to provide a good home. Their reliance on you can help you feel worthy of trust as a pet owner.
