Everyone goes through hard times. When those hard times arise, a little unconditional love can be just the thing to see you through the moment. In a perfect world, that unconditional love would be readily available to each and every one of us, but the truth is that it can be hard to come by. Even if a person cultivates a spirit of empathy, their own situation, challenges, and needs may well make it hard for them to offer that empathy to other people.
Happily, however, there is often an alternative source of unconditional love. A pet can provide real benefits to those who love them—including reflecting that love right back. That can be great for most anyone, and it can be especially helpful for a person in recovery from a substance use disorder.
So let’s take a closer look at the benefits of having a pet—whether it is a dog, a bunny, a cat, a hamster, a lizard, a fish, or what have you.
First, an Important Note
We want to acknowledge right up front that having a pet is not a good fit for everyone. Some people simply do not care for animals. Others are beset by allergies or an ongoing fear of creatures of various sorts. You may also feel that taking on responsibility for a pet would lead to more stress, to financial challenges, or to conflicts with a family member, landlord, or other folks with whom you regularly interact. And there is the question of how you might react when your pet passes away. If you are thinking about getting a pet, it might be a good idea to talk it through with a close friend, a family member, or your therapist.
Joy? Yes. Judgement? No.
Sure, your pet might let you know in no uncertain terms if they feel there should be more treats on offer. But generally speaking, a pet can be counted on to provide love and support with no judgment. Your pet might be a great listener—someone you can pour your heart to without having to worry that you are about to receive unwanted advice or have someone dismiss the way you are feeling.
The fact that an animal can be counted on to provide many, many moments of joy and no moments of judgment means your pet can lift you up when you are feeling down—and that supports your recovery efforts.
That might sound a little mushy or like wishful thinking. You might be skeptical that a relationship with a pet can be positive for your emotional or physical wellbeing. We get it. But we also know that it has been demonstrated that a connection to a pet can help lower your blood pressure, relieve stress, and lessen the symptoms of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Having a relationship with an animal can lead to better self-esteem and higher confidence levels.
A Pet Is a Good Bet for Increased Activity
Some pets—perhaps especially dogs—offer the benefit of encouraging you to get more exercise because they need to be walked regularly. Exercise supports your physical health, your mental health, and your recovery.
But even if your pet is unlikely to become an exercise companion, the care and attention an animal requires will help you keep boredom and loneliness—two emotions that can upend your recovery efforts—at bay. No matter the pet—from a slow-moving lizard or an aloof cat to an aquarium full of colorful fish or a rabbit who likes to hop around the house—your animal will need your time, attention, and love. And that can keep you going, even when you are experiencing emotions that might threaten your recovery.
Alternatives to Pet Ownership
As we highlighted above, pet ownership is not for everyone. Some people, however, might feel they would benefit from an animal companion but limited space, financial considerations, and more might stand in their way. If that describes your situation, we have a few ideas.
First, you might enjoy volunteering at your local animal shelter. Doing so gives you access to animals as they await their forever homes—an activity that can be deeply rewarding. You could ask to join a friend when they walk their dog or if you could come over and play with their cat for a bit. You might even take up pet-sitting on occasion.
While none of those options provides an experience identical to having a pet of one’s own, each allows you to spend quality time with animals—and both you and the animals will benefit from the connection.
Are You Being Dogged by a Substance Use Disorder? We Can Help.
Located in Henryville, Indiana, Wooded Glen Recovery Center provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. We can help you put drugs or alcohol behind you so that you can start living your life again. When you are ready to make a transformational change for the better, we are ready and able to help you reach your recovery goals.