The Benefits of Adopting a Pet for Addiction Recovery

When you are working on your addiction recovery, it can be enormously beneficial to have something outside yourself to focus on and ease your distress. You will need a lot of support to succeed in your sobriety, and one holistic way to find this support is to open your home and your heart to a pet who needs a loving caregiver.

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.

Your Fresh Start Awaits

Complete Harmony is a California-based facility that provides alternatives to traditional 12-step addiction rehab programs. Our holistic treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, massage, acupuncture, relapse prevention and more. When you are ready to learn more, reach out to our compassionate team for ‘round-the-clock assistance.

Self-Care Rituals for Recovery

Certainly this isn’t the first (or last) time we’ll talk about the importance of self-care. You likely know by now that self-care is crucial for your recovery and lasting sobriety – and that it goes well beyond good hygiene, diet and exercise. 

Practicing self-care means carving out time each day to nurture your whole self – mind, body and spirit.  There are so many self-care rituals out there – from dry brushing to detoxing – but which ones will really work to enhance your recovery? Here are a few proven strategies to try today: 

• Stop and smell the roses. Whether literally or figuratively, taking time to slow down and smell the roses has multiple mental health benefits. You'll learn to live in the moment and appreciate your surroundings and, if you practice this outdoors, you'll reap the anxiety-busting benefits of nature, too. 
• Make the most of your mornings. Whether you take a morning walk or sip green tea and jot down your goals for the day, carving out some “you time” in the a.m. can help set the tone for a great day in recovery. 
• Practice spirituality. Spiritual practices like prayer or meditation can play a big role in recovery. Some perks: less anxiety, more optimism, fewer cravings and relapses. 
• Start a daily journal. Journaling is a simple and super powerful self-care ritual – and there’s really no right or wrong way to do it. Write down what you’re grateful for or the worst part of your day or some inspirational quotes – just get your thoughts flowing and down on paper. 

A Healthier Lifestyle With Deeper Purpose

At Complete Harmony, our holistic relapse prevention plans provide the tools you or someone you love needs for lifelong sobriety. After recovery, our staff encourages you to continue holistic therapies and find groups and community resources that support your commitment to sobriety. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.

Simple Steps for Soothing Self-Care

Some people say self-care is the foundation of addiction recovery. If you’ve completed rehab and/or an aftercare program, you’re likely familiar with the role self-care plays in your recovery and long-term sobriety.   

You may even know that self-care goes beyond just bathing, eating right, and exercising. It means nurturing your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial health. And it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. 

Here are just a few self-care tips you can put into action today: 

• Snuggle up with your loved one.
• Sit down with a good book; perhaps one that inspires you to become a better person.
• Sip a warm cup of herbal tea.
• Begin your mornings with a few yoga poses to clear your mind and energize your body.
• Head outdoors and soak up the sun as you take a long, relaxing stroll.
• Sit in a bubble bath and tune out to your favorite tunes.
• Organize your desk and tackle one pile of paperwork or bills.
• Light a scented candle and get creative by coloring, drawing, painting, or writing poetry.
• Give yourself a facial or pedicure.
• Wake up early and watch the sunrise.
• Pop some popcorn and cue your favorite Netflix series.
• Pour yourself a tall glass of water infused with cucumber or lemon.
• Sit and focus on your breathing. Close your eyes and let go of your worries.
• Make a list of long-term recovery goals. 
• Jot down five things you’re grateful for. 
• Set the alarm a few minutes early and stay in bed and meditate.

A Healthier Lifestyle With Deeper Purpose

At Complete Harmony, our holistic relapse prevention plans provide the tools you or someone you love needs for lifelong sobriety. After recovery, our staff encourages you to continue holistic therapies and find groups and community resources that support your commitment to sobriety. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.