Recently, Moose and Bear joined the team at The Aviary Recovery Center. You may be relieved to learn that they are not actually a moose and a bear, but rather two adorable canine coworkers.
The pups are just a year old and new to our team, but The Aviary’s belief in the power of animals to help people in recovery from a substance use disorder—and who may also be dealing with a co-occurring mental health disorder—is longstanding.
Moose and Bear will, for example, provide the unconditional love and care that animals can offer to humans. The dogs’ presence is sure to bring feelings of joy and a sense of comfort to everyone they encounter—from the people we serve to the staff members who provide the service.
In honor of Moose and Bear’s arrival at The Aviary Recovery Center, let’s take a closer look at the ways in which animals can be a powerful part of the recovery journey.
How Animals Can Help in Recovery
Animal-assisted therapy is one way a person in treatment for or recovery from a substance use disorder might interact with animals (and we will have more to say about this later in this entry), but many of the benefits animals can provide are available to pet owners, too. Indeed, a dog or other animal can be a great partner in your recovery journey for a number of reasons.
- Animals can provide a useful reflection. Sometimes an animal’s ability to understand what is happening in your emotional life, or even in terms of your physical needs, can be sharper than your own. Paying attention to how your furry friend is behaving can give you insight into your own situation.
- Animals offer unconditional love. We mentioned above that Moose and Bear will be providing the love and care that animals are so gifted at sharing. That sort of love is on offer, of course, from pets as well—and it can be remarkably reassuring and helpful during the tougher moments that are part of recovery. Being able to count on the love of an animal no matter what can help bolster your self-esteem, see you through a craving, and more. Indeed, an animal can be your confidant and the heart of your “happy place” in many situations.
- Taking care of an animal can help you take care of yourself. Animals in your home require care from you—and that can mean you start taking better care of yourself. For example, walking a dog is a great way to get some exercise, and exercise is good for your physical health, your mental health, and by extension, your recovery. The needs of your pet can be the spark you need to get out of bed on a tough day, to work through a difficult situation without turning to drugs or alcohol, or nudge you into contacting a (human) friend when you are struggling.
Say Yes to the Neigh-sayers: The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy
If you are thinking about getting a pet, the odds are fairly good that you have not been including horses in your pros and cons lists—unless you happen to have the land and the wherewithal to care for them.
But horses can be quite therapeutic. In fact, at The Aviary Recovery Center, we are proud to provide equine-assisted therapy to those who might benefit from the experience.
Here’s how it works: Folks, we are working with the equine center with members of their group therapy community. Still and all, the activity can be personalized for each individual taking part in the therapy. While observing the horses interacting with one another, those in treatment can reflect on their own experiences and how horses’ behavior might provide insight into their own.
Many of those who participate in equine-assisted therapy report that the experience provides a sense of calm that can be elusive in other settings. That feeling of peace can help a person build the foundation for improved mental health and for their recovery. For those who find the experience helpful and meaningful, we are happy to make referrals to other providers who offer similar services once a person’s time in residential treatment comes to a close.
The People and Animals of The Aviary are Here to Help
At The Aviary Recovery Center, located near St. Louis, Missouri, we provide individualized treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. We are consistently recognized as one of the nation’s premier providers of substance use disorder treatment—and we are even better with Moose and Bear on the team!
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, it might seem as though there is no route to reclaiming your life. We can assure you that the road to recovery starts with effective treatment. We will see you through medically-supervised detoxification and our robust rehabilitation program. We will also provide ongoing resources and support once your time in treatment has ended. When you are ready to get started, we are, too.
