Have you ever heard of alcohol and drug rehab centers using dogs as a form of therapy? It might sound unusual, but it’s actually slowly becoming an accepted practice. These furry companions are known as therapy dogs and have been helping people struggling with addiction to overcome their challenges. While not all rehabs have therapy dogs (most don’t), we are proud to have them here at The Bluffs!
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of having therapy dogs at rehab and how they can make a difference in the recovery process. Let’s dive in and find out why these four-legged friends have become an essential part of our drug rehab program in Ohio.
Do We Really Have Therapy Dogs In Rehab— Yes!
Drug rehab can be a daunting experience for those going through it. The idea of being away from loved ones and trying to overcome an addiction can be overwhelming. But, we have therapy dogs on site to help with these issues.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to individuals in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and yes— even in drug rehabs. These furry companions offer unconditional love and help reduce anxiety and stress.
Having therapy dogs in drug rehab has become more common over the years because they have shown great success in helping patients cope with their emotional struggles throughout the recovery process.
The presence of these furry friends can help create a calming environment where individuals feel safe to open up about their emotions without fear of being judged or criticized. Plus, spending time with animals has been known to release endorphins which promote feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Having therapy dogs in drug rehab is a unique approach that has proven successful for many of our patients. It’s just another example of how our different approaches are being used to help people recover from addiction.
What Exactly Are Therapy Dogs?
Therapy dogs are specially trained service animals that provide emotional support and comfort to humans. They are often used in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and, yes, even drug rehabs to help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Unlike other service dogs who are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, therapy dogs interact with a variety of people to improve their mental well-being. These gentle creatures have a calming effect on humans by providing unconditional love and companionship.
Therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes but they share common characteristics such as being friendly, patient, calm, obedient, confident and loving. Their temperament is the most important factor when selecting them for this type of work.
Their training involves socialization activities that include exposing them to different environments so they won’t be afraid or anxious around strangers or loud noises. They also learn basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come and heel.
The Specifics About Therapy Dogs at Rehab
For rehabilitation facilities specifically, training therapy dogs involves exposing them to different situations they may encounter while working. This includes familiarizing them with the sights, smells, and sounds of a rehabilitation facility. They are also taught how to interact appropriately with patients who may be struggling emotionally or physically.
One critical aspect of their training is socialization. Therapy dogs must be comfortable around people from all walks of life, including those who may have disabilities or special needs. Socialization helps ensure that they remain calm in busy environments and do not get overwhelmed by new experiences.
Therapy dogs bring joy into people’s lives by providing comfort during challenging times such as drug rehab treatments where patients may feel lonely or isolated from loved ones.
How Do Therapy Dogs Help In Rehab?
One of the ways in which therapy dogs at rehab can help is by reducing stress levels. Being around a friendly dog can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of relaxation. This can be especially helpful for those who are dealing with withdrawal symptoms or intense emotions related to their addiction.
Therapy dogs also encourage social interaction among patients. Many people struggling with addiction may feel isolated or ashamed of their situation. By spending time with therapy dogs, they have an opportunity to connect with another living being without fear of judgment or rejection.
Interacting with therapy dogs can also improve social skills as patients learn how to communicate with the dog effectively using non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice. This skill translates well into building healthy relationships with others outside of rehab.
Having therapy dogs in drug rehab can also motivate patients to engage more actively in their treatment programs by giving them something positive to look forward to each day.
Therapy Dogs at Rehab Have Many Benefits Including:
- Providing comfort and companionship
- Relieving anxiety and stress
- Enabling emotional responses
- Offers a safe being to love and whom can return your love
- Improving esteem with unconditional affection
Benefit From Our Therapy Dogs At Rehab in The Bluffs!
The use of therapy dogs in drug rehab programs has been proven to have many benefits. These specially trained animals provide a sense of comfort and support to those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. They help patients learn how to trust again, reduce stress levels, improve communication skills, and even promote physical activity.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or other related issues, reaching out to us at (850) 374-5331 for professional help could make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this unique opportunity!
