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A wagging tail, gentle nudge, or steady breath of a furry friend can seem simple, but research proves that these small moments of connection can aid recovery in people recovering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
As people recover from OUD, they grapple with not only physical dependence, but also anxiety, loneliness, and shame. In this difficult time, a wagging tail or the presence of a furry friend can become a bridge to healing. Which is why Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is gaining traction to support recovery from substance abuse.
AAT is a treatment technique that integrates trained animals such as dogs or horses in therapeutic processes to support recovering individuals. While it is not a stand-alone treatment or replacement for traditional medically-proven treatments, it complements traditional therapy.
For people recovering from addiction going through turbulent emotions, animals are an empathetic companion that can help lower stress, build trust, and encourage continuing treatment.
Scientifically, as a user begins to quit using opioids for extended periods of time, they experience withdrawal. The body has the superpower of maintaining homeostasis, especially in the brain. Opioids cause mass production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is normally self-produced by the brain. Since the brain tends to preserve balance as opioids create extra dopamine, the brain stops producing its own.
As a result, when a person abruptly stops taking opioids, the brain struggles to begin making its own dopamine again. This causes severe withdrawal symptoms such as hot and cold flashes, irritability, nausea, tremors, and cravings, according to the Health Direct.
During this time the brain produces norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter that heightens anxiety and agitation and increases stress sensitivity that can be a real obstacle for recovery as stated in the National Library for Medicine
At times like this, AAT provides the chance for patients to interact with calm, trained animals that are shown to lower stress hormones and increase “feel-good” neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins. These chemical shifts can balance some of the hormonal and biological struggles of withdrawal and enable individuals in recovery to tolerate the discomfort of withdrawal.
Additionally, another important aspect of recovery from OUD is social interactions.
A study by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation discussed how people who struggle with addiction become prone to limiting social interaction and cut themselves off from society as it can be an embarrassing and difficult time. In a time like this, the presence of trained therapy animals can build a “therapeutic alliance” as patients often form a bond of trust with the animal, which in turn allows them to trust other people as well.
However, there are also some concerns about the use of AAT in recovery. Not all patients may feel comfortable around animals. Also, the quality of therapy is heavily dependent on having well-trained animals, skilled handlers, and clinicians that can seamlessly integrate animals into treatment goals.
Despite some concerns, AAT remains a solid treatment option with measurable physiological benefits that will continue to develop over time.
Recovery is not only about breaking dependence — it is about rebuilding trust and reinstating the belief that connection is still possible. Small moments of stillness in the rhythm of a horse’s breath or a dog’s wagging tail can be a reminder that healing is possible.
In the end, hope comes in many forms in the long journey of addiction. Sometimes, it comes with fur.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
