It is scientifically proven that pets can help people lower their stress levels. So recovering addicts would likely recover quickly if they have at least one pet. I think if the recovering addict is on the stage where he can already take care of other people and he isn't the one that needs to be taken care of, then it is very much advisable to get a pet. Here is a link that enumerates the health benefits of pets: www.animalplanet.com/pets/benefits-of-pets/ What do you think? Do you have a pet? If yes, how does your pet or pets affect your life?
I love pets and in particular, dogs. I have 2 Chihuahuas and they helped me when I stopped smoking marijuana as I could go play with them and walk with them whenever I would feel the urge to smoke. Since I'm a fine artist, it was art and my two dogs that helped me not to think much about the drug. I agree with you that pets help people to lower their level of stress and a good example is the fact that old women love to have cats with them as one of their friends and part of their life. There are many animals or birds that one can make them their pets. If you don't have any pet you should try to keep one and see how that works out for you.
I agree, even just getting a low maintenance pet like a cat, bird or turtle can make a positive impact in people's lives. They also keep one preoccupied, so the more busy the mind is, the less likely it is that they will take drugs.
We have a number of dogs and cats at home. We even have a whole fish tank populated by little kois. Yes, it's true. Having pets does reduce the amount of stress you have to deal with on a daily basis. Pets are very sincere in their interaction with you and they're very vulnerable. You, as owner, would feel the need to care for and protect them. Thoughts of abuse will gradually dissipate in the face of such sincerity and innocence.
I have a dog. Cute and he always keep me company and security. I guess that's why pets relieves our stress. They offer companionship and loyalty sometimes even better than people. They won't leave you because they love you. It feels nice that when you go home, you will always find them there happy to see you. Always. It helped me deal with stress of managing my anger issues and smoking.
Correct, and that is actually why pets are better than people since they never will betray us, although some rogue pets might hurt or attack us, but that's a different story already. Have you heard about Joan River's story when her husband died, and that she attempted to commit suicide but she did not push through with it when she saw her dog? Since she thought that no one will take care of him when she dies. Pets can now even prevent people to commit suicide!
When I was going through a divorce with depression, my counselor had recommended a pet. She said that it helps with the transition from married to divorced. However, I was working three jobs, so it did not make since. I guess the need for income through the three job s a week filled the void my ex-husband left me with. Currently, my new and wonderful husband have a cat. He is a great cat. He was my husbands. Not really mine, which is totally fine with me. He is a high maintenance cat. He gets shots and pills for diabetes. As my husband said he is the most expensive free cat he ever had. So yeah a pet could be great. I would prefer fish. They are low maintenance. However, someone did post that having a dog got them outside, so there are different perspectives and pros and cons to each pet.
I have to agree. Pets or in my case my dog has done wonders for my sanity and it keeps me at peace knowing I have an affectionate friend that knows nothing but devotion for it's owner. My grandparents kept pets with them and it did wonders for their well being. Love and affection.
A lot of people i would think can feel alone as they're battling their addictions or recovering from situations so I think getting a pet is definitely a good idea. It sounds a little silly but I found its company, and company that doesn't judge you but it also gives you something to think about, a bit of responsibility you need knowing that your dog or cat needs you to look after him or her. Recovering from an addiction, is made a little easier knowing you have a reason to carry on, even the little things day to day can play a big part in recovery.
I have a very lazy elderly poodle. She keeps me sane. Brushing her is soothing and repetitive for me. Knowing she needs to go outside or needs fed sometimes is all that motivates me to get out of bed. No matter how alone I feel, I know she's there. It's also motivation to stay out of the hospital and alive because who would care for her if I was gone? She's important to me and dependent on me. I have to take care of myself as much as I can so I can be here to take care of her.
So your cat is diabetic? Mine shows symptoms of being one like drinking a lot and being hungry all the time and occasional oily fur, but luckily I never had to bring him to the vet, since I changed his diet early on. His pee still smells like before and not "sweet". I read that a diabetic cat's pee is too "sweet" and you can see ants all over the pee of a diabetic cat. Is that the case for your cat? We did have fish as pets before, but you must be diligent in replacing the water in the tank which we failed to do, otherwise the room would reek of fish smell if you haven't cleaned the tank in 2 weeks!
Absolutely. Taking care of pets can really help you recover. It somehow boosts your self-confidence/self-esteem, and develops your sense of responsibility. Plus, a pet can be a good companion whenever you're feeling lonely. I have a pet cat that I love so much and I consider her as part of our family. And yes, she keeps me sane and happy all the time.
I agree! I have a little yorker puppy and it just helps me to get my mind off of things. I feel that I need to be a good 'parent' for him and it makes me feel responsible, which is a very good thing since I lack this trait. I consider him as part of our family now.
I have problems with depression and my 3 bunnies keep me happy. When I'm feeling down, it helps to pet them because they give you a sense that they love you. I have had different pets over time and I have always noticed that when I'm sad or crying, they come to me, as to comfort me. Animals are amazing creatures and they are great to have when you're dealing with any kind of stress. Over the years I have noticed that when I am petting an animal, it really calms me down a lot. I actually feel a little sleepy because it calms me so much. I would definitely suggest anyone to get a pet bunny because they are easy to take care of and they are sweet pets. It is also very fun to feed them carrots and watch them run around like crazy. Stay strong, all of you. Love yourself and the others around you, please.
There have been a few studies that show the correlation between pets and recovery from addiction. The responsibility and process of caring for something creates a sense of being needed as well as focused. So, it keeps your mind off the negative experiences of the past and using. I think you adopt a baby puppy or kitten it can be particularly hear warming and take the whole process to a whole different level.
You are lucky to have that kind of comforting pets. As for me, I can't remember any incident that they initiated coming to me when I'm sad. They come to me at random. I have never noticed them coming when I'm sad or crying. Anyway, I have never taken care of a bunny before, but I think in the future I will consider taking care of one. They seem like a low maintenance pet.
I do know that when I was little I looked forward to getting back home from school just to see my little pup's eyes light up as I enter the front door. I would usually do something else when we had no pets, but when the dog was around, I seemed to focus most of my time and energy on him. And I really enjoyed it. I assume that's what's going on in an addict's mine, too - their minds become too preoccupied with their new pet and this stifles the urge to fill up their time by taking drugs or alcohol. Pets sort of act as a distraction and this really appears to do the trick.
I used to have pets and I admit that I never really fully understood their value until I grew up a bit. When I was younger they were just playmates to me but now looking back I realize how much joy I got out of having them in my life. It makes me appreciate pets a lot more and it makes me wish that everyone can have the opportunity to have one because it really does straighten you out to some extent.
A pet is a friend that make us company and teach us responsibility so yeah, can be a great help in recovery, I advise a dog.
Of course, i have my pet dog and i feel so safe and happy with him. I call him and not it because he is like my brother. I did not name him in person but i always call him buddy (my dog). Buddy is like a brother to me and it helps on my recovery