By Chris Crawford

The sober journey is a difficult one. Completing drug rehab is hard, but the real test starts when you get out of rehab. There are many temptations that are waiting for you. One of the things that you can do to help you get through recovery is to adopt a pet. There are several ways that pet adoption can help you if you are going through addiction recovery. 

1. Pets Give Unconditional Love

You may feel unloved because of your addiction. You may also be ashamed of all of the hurt and pain you have caused your friends and family members. A pet can provide you with unconditional love. They do not shame you or judge you. They do not ask you for anything.

Unconditional love is what you need most when you are going through addiction recovery. It is possible for humans to provide unconditional love. However, their unconditional love can enable your addiction. Pets do not enable addiction.

2. Pets Improve Your Mental and Physical Well-Being

There have been many studies done to show that pets are good for your health. Studies have shown that pets can help lower stress and anxiety levels. They can also lower blood pressure. Additionally, pets can make it easier for people to control their anger.

One of the reasons that pets are good for human health is they help the body release more oxytocin. This is a hormone that helps you relax and feel less stressed. Simply petting an animal can have a calming effect.

An addiction can wreak havoc on your life. Caring for your pet can help you get your health back on the right track. Stress is one of the factors that can lead to a relapse. Because a pet helps lower your stress, they can prevent you from relapsing. Coming home to an animal after having a bad day can help you instantly feel better.

3. Pets Make You Responsible

Taking care of a pet is a major responsibility. They have to be fed and taken care of every day. They also have to be taken to the vet on a regular basis. However, this responsibility can be good for someone who is recovering from an addiction. If you know that another life is dependent on you taking care of them, then you will be more likely to stay sober.

4. Pets Keep You Fit

Studies have shown that people who have dogs exercise more than those who do not have a pet. Dogs have to be walked regularly. You can get exercise when you take your pet for a walk. Daily exercise is great for your physical and mental health. It strengthens your heart, boosts your immune system and lowers your blood pressure. Exercise also lowers your stress and anxiety level.

Simply getting outside and getting some fresh air is good for your health. You will instantly feel better when you get outside and soak up some sun.

5. Pets Fight Loneliness 

Loneliness is what drives many people use drugs and alcohol. A pet can help you fight loneliness. When you play with your pet, your body produces more dopamine and serotonin. Those feel-good hormones help boost your mood. Additionally, pets do cute things that make you smile.

6. Pets Help You Feel Good About Yourself

An addiction can ruin your self-esteem. You may feel bad about yourself because of all of the things that you have done. However, a pet can help you feel good about yourself. You will feel better about yourself because you know that you are doing something good and making a difference in the life of your pet.

For more information, have a look at the following page: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/resources/pet-adoption/

Author Bio:
Chris Crawford is a freelance writer from Atlanta, Georgia. He is passionate about helping those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, and he is committed to helping those who are in recovery.

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