ORANGE COUNTY’S LEADING PET-FRIENDLY ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM

Broadway Treatment Center offers unique, pet-friendly treatment programs utilizing the benefits of animals in treating drug and alcohol addiction. Broadway is the leading provider of drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in Orange County; we have received the Gold Seal of Approval® for the highest quality services from the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO).

You probably think of your pet as a part of your family. You may refer to them as your best friend or refer to them as your “fur baby.” Your beloved pet is there with you night and day; on walks, to the park, maybe even on vacation. The thought of leaving your best friend at home while you attend rehab is troubling, so much so that you may not even consider attending. Don’t fear, however. You can bring your furry friend with you to Broadway Treatment Center! Our caring and trained professionals will include your pet as a part of your individualized treatment plan to help you heal and recover.

THE BENEFITS OF BRINGING YOUR PET TO REHAB

Pets can help you recover from your addiction and help you stay healthy and sober. In pet therapy, a pet is used clinically and therapeutically to improve patients’ physical and mental health. During treatment, your companion can uplift your spirits and provide you with emotional support, as rehab is often an emotionally draining process. Bringing your pet with you lessens your anxiety and removes the guesswork about who will take care of your pet when you are away. Additionally, while you are in rehab, your pet increases your accountability, as you are responsible for their care. This responsibility also encourages you to develop new routines, building a foundation for your own self-care that will aid you in your future recovery efforts.

SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR PET IS PROVEN TO…

INCREASE SELF-ESTEEM & ACCEPTANCE

For many people, their pet offers unconditional acceptance, as furry friends provide no criticisms and provide their owners with a sense of well-being. A recent review of a number of studies on human interactions with animals has found that pets can have a positive effect on your interpersonal relationships with others. Pets also boost your self-esteem.

INCREASE COMFORT & PHYSICAL HEALTH

Simply holding, petting, and talking to your pet can bring you comfort and relieve stress. When you interact with your animal, your body releases the “feel good” hormones serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. Conversely, your body decreases the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can aid in the reduction of your blood pressure and heart rate. Some studies have even found that pets help with pain management, which is especially beneficial for someone overcoming an addiction to pain medication.

REDUCE NEGATIVE EMOTIONS & LONELINESS

Interacting with your pet has a positive effect on mental health. Many addicts struggle with negative emotions, and pets can help replace those negative feelings with feelings of self-acceptance and generate empathy towards others. These positive feelings help to facilitate social interactions with others and help you find community.

THE IMPACT OF PETS ON CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS

When someone with a substance abuse disorder also has a mental health disorder, this is called a co-occurring disorder. Researchers have found a definite decrease in depression, loneliness, fear and anxiety after people interact with their pet. It is proven that just being around an animal can improve your mood and overall disposition.

Those “feel good” hormones we mentioned above are also helpful with co-occurring disorders. Think about how you feel when you brush or groom your cat or dog – you feel calm and have a sense of peace. These same hormones also help to relieve depression and anxiety. The sense of loneliness and shame that some feel about their addiction can be relieved by the presence of their furry friend. Our caring team involves your pet to help you address your substance abuse, along with any co-occurring disorder you may have.