In a previous article, we talked about the things caregivers need to know about how addictions originate. Helping children or family members suffering from addiction isn’t always the easiest thing to do. It is even more difficult when you’re the one fighting the addiction because things are much more complicated from that point of view.
Experts are now suggesting dogs as the perfect pets for people fighting addiction. Dogs are great in many ways, especially at times when you need companions the most. Here are the top three ways dogs can help fight addiction.
The Emotional Battle
The most difficult thing to deal with in cases of addiction is the emotional side of things. Addicts often have low self-esteem and find trying to get away from their addictions is a lot more difficult because of it. If you’re experiencing this issue too, getting a dog could be the perfect solution to try.
A close friend of mine got sober almost immediately after finding out that her dog had cancer. The strong bond she developed with her dog and the drive to help the dog survive the illness gave her the right emotional boost to fight addiction. She ended up reading Canna-Pet reviews and using the product to help with her dog’s symptoms, as Canna-Pet supplements can help ease the pain of cancer in pets.
Dogs also have the ability to build strong, deep relationships with their humans. This kind of relationship – the way a dog greets you happily after a long day at work or how they rest their head on your lap to cheer you up at the right moment – is invaluable to those fighting addiction.
Good Chemicals
There is a long list of benefits to gain from caring for and playing with pets, particularly dogs. These experiences allow the brain to release feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. As your body produces more of these hormones, you will feel better about yourself and much less dependent on the addictive substances you normally consume.
The same experiences also reduce withdrawal symptoms greatly. Things such cravings, sadness, and hostility are easier to deal with when you have a good companion – or several of them – around. The presence of a dog is known to aid relaxation and will also reduce most withdrawal symptoms down to a minimum.
Alternative Activities
Of course, having dogs as pets comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to take them for walks regularly, feed them at the right time, and assume other responsibilities along the way. Fortunately, these routines also help with the fight against addiction.
The additional exercise you get from taking your dogs for a walk, for example, will help your body physically recover much faster. Your improved metabolism will result in better sleep at night, faster cell regeneration, and fewer withdrawal symptoms in general.
At the same time, having routines and extra activities to do will keep your mind from thinking about getting a drink or consuming the addictive substances that hooked you in the first place. Combined with the other benefits dogs bring into your life, a pet dog is a great way to make your fight against addiction – or the fight of a loved one – easier.
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