How Pets Help with Recovery at Women’s Sober Living Homes

Some sober living homes allow pets while others have their very own resident dogs. These furry friends can bring healing and joy to the recovery process.

Should pets be allowed on the grounds of sober living homes? The only reason against it is due to pet dander and potential allergies. Residents should be advised that their may be pets on site in helping to determine if this sober living home is a good fit. Otherwise, having a well mannered dog(s) can prove to help residents get and stay sober. Many individuals report an unwillingness to go to sober living if they cannot have their dog with them, as it helps them emotionally, spiritually, mentally and psychologically. Research has shown this to be true. Another option is to have a resident pet on site, which does not replace an individual’s own animal, but can offer the same benefits.

It is often difficult to find a pet friendly sober living home that is structured and provides comfortable amenities. It is well understood that dogs may be a big part of your life. When you become newly sober and are looking for a women’s sober living, you want to take care of your pets and take them with you on your journey to recovery.

Animals offer a therapeutic and calming effect for residents. This can increase the potential for long-term sobriety. Countless studies prove that owning and caring for a pet helps alcoholics and addicts for the following reasons:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Decreases stress and therefore minimizes anxiety
• Provides a sense of purpose and motivation to participate in life
• In sobriety, the stress of the “real” world and the real-life issues that arise can be trying and even relapse-invoking. By combatting the stresses and sadness in life with a pet, we give ourselves an even better chance at long-term sobriety.
• Many individuals come into recovery with a confused sense of a Higher-Power and talking to their animal may be the first step in building this relationship.
• By owning and playing with a pet, pleasurable and calming chemicals like serotonin and dopamine are released. These chemicals combat the nasty side effects of stress hormones, battle depression, and help keep your immune system in fighting shape.
• Boosts self-esteem
• Makes you feel capable, responsible and caring
• Pets overall make us feel better. They provide unconditional love and affection and give clients the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility by caring for their pet while enrolled in a women’s sober living program.
• Having your pet with you may help you develop relationships with other residents. It’s always easier to strike up a conversation when you have something in common.

Having a pet accompany their owner during sober living may be a key to lowering stress and using ordinary coping skills instead of drugs or alcohol to face challenges. Many individuals struggle with identifying their emotions and research has shown that animals help emotions surface, thus allowing people to process them in a therapeutic setting. Junction House Recovery & Sober Living Homes in Pennsylvania would love to introduce you to our dogs!