Benefits of Pets In  Meth Addiction Treatment

It has been known that pets provide humans instant healing from whatever they are going through. The use of pets has been used in many therapies in meth abuse treatment, including animal-assisted therapy (AAT), and animal-assisted activities (AAA).

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) vs Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA)

AAT is a therapy that allows the measurement of the individual's progress and goals. It is not the conventional therapy because it is considered as a highly specific meth abuse treatment method where a professional sets the goals of the patient. An animal is used in order for the patient to achieve the given goals.

AAA on the other hand is a less precise form used in meth addiction treatment therapy. There are no specific goals set, except for the healing of the patient with the help of the animal. It is a more relaxed form of therapy an described as a "pet and enjoy" type of program.

What are the Benefits Of Animals in Drug Recovery program?

The benefits of AAA during the meth addict treatment programs are well noted. Regardless of what type of animals is taken care of, the benefits are all useful during the drug recovery.

• Improved moods

• Lower incidence of anxiety

• Low blood pressure

• Lower heart rate

• Less frustration

• Enhanced self esteem

• Anger management

• Less stress

• Mood stability

Animal therapy has been established as a part of several drug addiction recovery program such as meth addiction treatment. There are also results showing how animals help children to learn to read in schools. Reading to animals, provide the following benefits: increases enjoyment, reduces self consciousness and improves confidence.

How Does Animal Therapy Work?

Animal Therapy can be done in an inpatient/ residential and outpatient settings. In an outpatient treatment for meth abuse, the patient visits the treatment center to undergo the pet therapy on a schedule basis. The session usually last for 15 minutes.

In a residential meth addiction treatment center, the pet animal may be staying at the rehab center itself and taken care of by the patient, therapist and rehab staff. For instance, a patient achieves peace and acceptance during the therapy and treatment for meth addiction.

Even after the meth addiction treatment, the benefits provided by the animals are overwhelming. These animals may even keep recovering individuals to stay sober for a long time. It also teaches them to learn to care for themselves.

Considerations When Enrolling In Animal Therapy

Before signing for an animal therapy during the cure for meth addiction, ensure that you have checked the safety rules with the rehab staff. Check if the rehab center uses certified animal and certified handler teams.

This ensures that all the patients are safe while enrolled in the animal therapy. The animals should be trained, and they should have certifications for passing temperament tests to make sure that they are of a great help in the therapy.

Moreover, certified handlers are trained in handling animals to be used during the meth addict treatment therapies. They are aware of the best practices in the animal therapy programs, including the training of the animals to behave and grooming and preventing animals to undergo stress.