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The idea of recovery can mean a lot of different things, depending on what someone is recovering from and how much it has affected their personal and professional lives. However, the idea of recovery as a forward-looking, transformational process is always at the heart of any recovery program. Even as someone is continuing their recovery on their own or attending intensive outpatient therapy, this transformational, forward-looking mentality can be aided by the use of a companion animal through the recovery process. Not only can spending time with an animal be very beneficial to one’s mental health, but they can also help someone continue to challenge their own responsibilities and life skills each step of the way in their own journey. Providing something that can unconditionally show affection, as well as instill values of responsibility and a continuous sense of pride, can help someone continue to transform their living style and own self-esteem and self-image.
Animals as a Judgment-Free Companion
Having a companion animal can help someone reflect on the person they are now, rather than dwell on the mistakes of the past. Having a companion animal, such as a dog, in recovery means that animal is reacting to someone in the present moment, and developing a new relationship based on how someone is in their new sober lives, rather than creating any preconceived notions based on potential stigmas. Animals are also less likely to judge someone or make assumptions based on one’s appearance, instead allowing each person to express themselves in the ways that make them comfortable in their own skin while still developing a meaningful relationship based on trust and positive, personal interactions.
Creating a Companion for the Day-to-Day Life
However, in order for someone to feel the unconditional love of a companion animal in their lives through any stage of their recovery, they will need to incorporate the support animal in their daily lives. This means establishing a schedule where someone can be feeding, watering, and otherwise caring for these important companions by doing things such as giving regular walks or baths, depending on the animal. The joy that each person and animal feel together is genuine and helps each person directly confront the notion of their own isolation. Combatting this isolation can be the first step in preventing relapses from occurring, and the constant attention both given to and received from a companion animal can help someone realize that their lives are both needed and never existed in a vacuum.
Having a companion animal can help each person establish an important, impactful daily routine that can minimize potential stressors that they may face, and directly cause someone to take control of the structure of their own lives. The nature of having a companion animal also forces each person to get their own exercise as they engage with their recovery animal.
Animals as a Symbol of Pride
Because these animals are adopted with recovery in mind, each can constantly represent each person’s own transformed future. It is something that requires someone to retain their sobriety as they move through their own lives, and the health and happiness of their companion animal can be the symbol and reward for someone taking their recovery seriously in the long run. The responsibilities of caring for an animal are numerous, but someone can take great pride in the forward-looking, committed path that they have set themselves on. The health and happiness that exists in the animal may also mirror the person in recovery themselves, all while providing the love that each person needs to find for themselves in recovery.
Means of Utilizing a Companion Animal
Before someone can adopt a companion animal for their continued recovery, it is important that they first ensure that they have the means to care for such a commitment. Animals do require money, time, and space in order to thrive and help the owner in the best ways possible. Those who are working long hours or do not have permission to house animals in their living residences may benefit from other methods in the interest of both the person and animal. However, for those that can utilize a companion animal in their continued sobriety, the benefits can help someone continually reinforce the transformational and optimistic outlook instilled by the recovery process.
Living on one’s own and coping with the myriad of stresses that come with daily life for someone in recovery can be a daunting task. Whether you are just beginning your recovery journey or looking to alumni programs to keep the transformational nature of recovery at the forefront of your mind, START UP RECOVERY can help you. With a number of programs and facilities available all focused on luxury and community, your time at START UP will provide a comfortable place to confront the difficulties and vulnerabilities that you may be facing, while surrounding you with a supportive group of like-minded people, each looking to learn from each other and grow each others’ strengths. The apartments available at START UP can help you continue to internalize the meaning of recovery for yourself and help you reach towards your own goals in sobriety. For more information on how we can help you, or to speak to a caring, trained staff member about the opportunities offered with us, call us today at (310)773-3809.