Addiction recovery with wild animals

cape town individualized drug rehab centre

Many people who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction experience significant feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-confidence. Working with animals in addiction from horses to Lions, Leopards and Elephants in a structured therapy setting can help boost their sense of confidence and self-worth. Addiction recovery with wild animals is something few people will ever get to experience, this is why we consider ourselves and our clients so fortunate in their recovery experiences. As they establish a relationship with the animals, it allows them to gain the their trust and unconditional love. For many addicts, this is a very new experience – one that can be powerfully affirming. They often feel an incredible sense of accomplishment during their nature based and wilderness enhanced therapy sessions. Sitting with a wild cheetah and understanding survival instincts, addiction behaviours, and the fact of how very present in the moment these animals are is mind bending at times. The sheer purpose driven lives certain animals lead can be life changing. At Pathways for example, we have had many people experience great shifts in the Knysna forests, and up on the various mountain ranges in Plettenberg Bay South Africa. Connection is everything. Healing in nature, in the wild and with the wild animals we have here is just something special all round. Whether massive whales, or massive land animals like our elephants; we have a touch of it all here in our Plett paradise. 

addiction recovery with wild animals

Many recovering addicts also find that they feel supported and needed by the animals as they work with them during their addiction recovery with wild animals. This new-found sense of personal value makes it easier to gain control over their addiction. Even if they already have that love and support from friends and family, equine therapy provides a fresh start. This can be very beneficial in helping them overcome the negative thoughts and feelings that have blocked their path to recovery in the past.

There is nothing quite as comforting as having the unconditional love and acceptance of an animal. This unique connection is being harnessed in addiction treatment, in the form of Animal Assisted Therapy. Addiction recovery with wild animals consists of an animal, such as a big cat, wild dog, elephant, whale or horse for that matter, being incorporated in the treatment regimen. Often, simple interactions with the animals can be helpful in developing stronger bonds between the patient and the therapist. However, more structured interactions, such as setting certain goals for the patient to work toward with them through addiction recovery with wild animals, can assist in fostering confidence and goal setting, and can establish a sense of achievement for the patient.

Addiction recovery with wild animals

Equine Therapy

Equine therapy is the use of horses in a therapeutic setting in outdoor rehab. It helps promote emotional growth and personal development in the lives of individuals who may have lost sight of their priorities. This type of therapy has been effective in a variety of treatment scenarios for children, adolescents, and adults.

Individuals who participate in equine therapy while recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction often experience several life changing benefits. Working with horses is often just a small part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is especially useful in treating people who have not shown improvement with other types of drug rehab treatment, such as therapy or counseling.

Addiction recovery with wild animals

Different names for healing with animals through drug addiction recovery, depression or dual diagnosis are far and wide. The therapy with animals is often called Animal assisted therapy, Wilderness therapy or Equine therapy when it involves horses. A wilderness retreat South Africa anyway you look at it is something special. being in addiction recovery with wild animals also fulfills our basic human needs and desires for things like certainty, variety, uncertainty and difference. Addiction recovery with wild animals as we experience in our depression and addiction outdoor recovery program is something not to be missed. If animals, outddors and connection are your thing, perhaps give us a call.

For more information about Addiction recovery with wild animals contact us on 0824424779.

Addiction recovery with wild animals