• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
anaheimlighthouse.com

Your Beacon of Hope!

Questions? Call Now(877) 959-5909
  • About Us
  • What We Treat
  • Treatment Options
  • Our Facility
  • Admissions
  • Learn About
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Awards & Recognitions
  • Yelp & Google Reviews
  • Client Testimonials
  • Accreditation & Licensing
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Press Releases
  • Alchohol Abuse
  • Drug Addiction
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Trauma Victims
  • Veterans Program
  • Holistic Treatment
  • Specialties
  • Detox Alcohol & Drugs
  • Drug Rehab
  • Inpatient Rehab
  • Complete Residential Care
  • Partial Hospitalization
  • Intensive Outpatient
  • Intervention
  • Family Support
  • Verify Insurance
  • Financing Options
  • Coronavirus Safety Procedures
  • Alcoholism
  • Health and Wellness
  • Life in Recovery
  • Love and Relationships
  • Opioid Addiction
  • Parent Resources
  • Relapse and Recovery
  • Substance Abuse
  • Opioids
  • Sleeping Pills
  • Stimulants

Pet Therapy For Substance Abuse: How Having A Pet Helped Me In My Addiction Recovery

Jun 19 2020
Categories:Life in Recovery

Being in addiction recovery is not an easy process. There are many ups and downs. Sometimes, the struggle to be sane and stay sober can be extremely difficult. While going to a trusted addiction treatment center, regularly attending recovery meetings, and surrounding myself with a supportive network all helped towards my recovery, one notable decision that helped me a lot was getting a dog.

You might be thinking: Getting a dog? What does that have to do with giving up your addiction? Believe me, I was not very convinced that these two are connected in any way until I myself experienced the restorative benefits of taking care of a pet. To give you a short background, I’ve never had a pet in my life. My family is not just the type to take care of animals inside the home. So even when I moved out and got my own place, the idea of getting a pet did not enter my mind.

Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.
Call (877) 959-5909 Now to Speak with a Specialist

Fast forward to when I was just fresh out of rehab… I was offered a puppy by my cousin whose dog just gave birth. She said that having one might help me with my recovery. At first, I was reluctant. As a single person living alone and struggling to stay sober, am I even capable of taking care of another living being? My cousin said that she’s willing to take the puppy back after two weeks if it does not work out but I should at least give it a shot. I looked at the photo of the puppy and gave in. What I did not expect was how this decision actually helped me in so many ways.

It gave me a sense of responsibility which is empowering

Pet TherapyThe first few days of having the puppy in my house were exhausting. I had to feed the puppy, potty train it, play with it, walk with it and just give it a lot of attention. I also had to buy toys and do some research on how to take care of it. To be honest, I was ready to give up during those early days. It was just a lot of work!

However, in retrospect, I realized that that experience kept me busy and it took my mind off my addiction. Instead of thinking about drinking or using drugs, I had something else to occupy myself with.

The responsibility of raising the puppy all by myself also helped restore my self-esteem, which used to be pretty low. Before I had a pet, I was always questioning myself and I was not confident that I could put my life back on track. I was afraid nobody would trust me anymore. But since I was responsible for this puppy, I suddenly had this drive and motivation to do better, even in just this single task.

It helped me establish a routine

Pet TherapyBefore I had my dog, I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted and when I wanted it. I had an erratic, irregular life schedule.  In my spare time, I would just laze around the couch, eat in front of the TV, or a lot of times, I would stay out and party until the wee hours. During the weekends, I would sleep and wake up at odd hours, with no routine at all.

This all changed when I had my puppy. Suddenly I had to have a routine. I had to wake up early for a short walk around the neighborhood. I had to make sure meal times for my puppy were at regular schedules. I also had to give up staying out late as much as before because I was worried about leaving my pet long hours, which made me less tempted to visit bars and the usual party hangouts.

The routine I developed for my dog also gave me an opportunity to create a daily routine for myself. I also started doing more physical activity because I had to walk and play with my dog every single day.

I gained constant companionship

Being in isolation is tough. I admit that the feeling of being alone and having nobody to turn to are some of the reasons why I would reach for a beer or use recreational drugs. My family and friends all have their own lives to lead, their own issues, and their own struggles so I used to feel that I couldn’t impose on them or expect them to be there for me 24/7.

While being in a supportive recovery group helped me a lot in this struggle, having a dog was life-changing for me. I didn’t realize how loyal dogs can be and that they are warm, adoring, and devoted beings. Just being around my dog makes me feel loved and comforted. It seems like my pet knows when I’m feeling down and it instantly cheers me up with its antics. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I come home and my dog is there to excitedly welcome my return. This simple gesture makes me feel that everything will be okay.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.

Confidential Contact Form

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Privacy Policy

Learn About Lighthouse

  • Affordable Drug Rehab and Detox Center
  • CARF Certified
  • Homelike setting and world-class facilities
  • State licensed and certified
  • Most PPO insurance accepted
  • Specialized Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs
  • Licensed and well-qualified professional staff
KNOW MORE

BLOG CATEGORIES

All Categories Alcoholism Drug Facts Health and Wellness Love and Relationships Opioid Addiction

Recent Posts

Gabapentin

What Will Gabapentin Test Positive For?

September 22 2023
Gabapentin

Can You Snort Gabapentin? Here's Why You Shouldn't

September 18 2023
Xanax Alternative

R039 Yellow Bar: Dangers of This Xanax Alternative

September 7 2023
Green Xanax

Green Xanax: Is It Addictive?

August 29 2023
Suboxone Block Opiates

How Long Does Suboxone Block Opiates?

August 22 2023

WHY CHOOSE LIGHTHOUSE

  • Affordable Drug Rehab and Detox Center
  • CARF Certified
  • Homelike setting and world-class facilities
  • State licensed and certified
  • Most PPO insurance accepted
  • Specialized Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs
  • Licensed and well-qualified professional staff

Google Reviews

Christopher Tamburello

Christopher Tamburello

Absolutely loved this place. Great counselors- my counselor was Johnny. Great Alumni aftercare program that helps keep you connected. I highly recommend Lighthouse for anyone struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
Josh Mugol

Josh Mugol

When I first stepped in to fill out the paper work to get admitted to housing, I immediately felt welcomed. If you treat the staff, therapists, and doctors with respect and use common courtesy, you will get more in return. The staff is run by former addicts/alcoholics so they...
Teresa Egan

Teresa Egan

The Lighthouse saved my life. I was willing to do whatever it takes to learn how to live a new way of life. Before I came into the program I was a hollow shell just wanting to die.. The staff loved me until I could love myself, and taught me how to deal with myself. I have a...

Related Posts

Aug 22 2023

How Long Does Suboxone Block Opiates?

If you or someone you know has been struggling with opioid addiction, the name "Suboxone" might have crossed your path. As one of the leading medications in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), Suboxone has garnered attention for its effectiveness in helping individuals overcome their dependence ...
Aug 07 2023

Fake Pee For Drug Test? 5 Reasons NEVER To Use One

When you're facing a drug test, it can feel like an impossible situation. But no matter where you work or what the testing policies are, one thing is certain - cheating on a drug test with fake pee is never worth the risk. While searching for ways to pass your screening may seem like the easiest ...
Apr 19 2023

The Truth About Snorting Xanax: Why It Should Never Be Done

Xanax is a popular prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but some people abuse Xanax for recreational purposes. One of the ways they try to increase the effects of the drug is by crushing and snorting Xanax pills. However, this method of administration can have danger...
Apr 13 2023

Overcoming Percocet Addiction: Understanding The Risks And Finding Help

Percocet, a prescription pain reliever containing oxycodone and acetaminophen, has become an increasingly common drug of abuse in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of overdose deaths are related to opioids such as Percocet. This is alarmi...
Apr 05 2023

Mixing Hydrocodone With Alcohol: How Dangerous Is It?

Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed pain reliever in the United States, with millions of prescriptions dispensed annually. Unfortunately, one of the more dangerous aspects of this drug is its ability to interact negatively with alcohol. Mixing hydrocodone with alcohol can have serious consequenc...
Mar 28 2023

Sober Spring Break Is A Thing And It’s Amazing!

Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but it can be hard to do that when alcohol and drugs are involved. If you're looking for an alternative, why not try a sober spring break? In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of sober spring break and provide you with  tips for planning ...

We Accept Insurance

Don’t see your provider? Contact us to confirm coverage.

3 Easy Options to Get Started or Learn More

You Call Us

We are here to answer your questions. Learn about detox, treatment, costs, or anything else. Give us a call now.
(877) 959-5909

We Call You

Complete this secure form to receive a fast response from our support team
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Verify Your Insurance

Quickly confirm your coverage using our fast & easy verification system. We accept most insurances (and financing).
Verify My Insurance
  • About Us
  • What We Treat
  • Treatment Options
  • Our Facility
  • Admissions
  • Learn About
  • Contact Us

Connect With Us

(877) 959-5909
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3iC5RfaDKJtxZ2ElpR_z6g https://www.facebook.com/anaheimlighthouse https://www.instagram.com/anaheimlighthouse https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=10137502278264528885&hl=en&_ga=2.115856006.1810716125.1602095673-2075768318.1587360385

1320 West Pearl Street, Anaheim, CA 92801

Licensed and Certified by the State Department of Health Care Services 300188AP Exp. 5/31/2024
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services 300188CP Exp. 5/31/2024
Certified by the State Department of Health Care Services 300188FP Exp 5/31/2023

Copyright © 2023 Anaheim Lighthouse. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Web Accessibility