Wagging toward wellness

By Ryan Thompson

Imagine you are a recovering addict sitting in the unfamiliar therapy room of a treatment center. 

You are scared to talk and afraid of being judged for your mistakes. 

Suddenly, a little furry friend hops onto your lap and snuggles into you. An overwhelming sense of calmness falls over you, and you know it’s okay. 

Over the past decade, there has been more research done on the role of companion animals supporting individuals with addiction recovery. 

Dogs are perfect recovery companions

Dogs are wonderful companions with around 45% of U.S. households owning at least one dog in 2024. Dogs provide their owners with emotional support, motivation, and social connection, all of which aid in long-term recovery. 

One of the most well-documented benefits of owning a dog is their ability to reduce stress. Studies have shown that being around dogs can lower cortisol levels while increasing oxytocin levels. 

The small act of petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure levels and heart rate while creating a calming feeling. 

Many people in recovery experience feelings of shame, isolation, and stigma. On the other hand, dogs provide shameless comfort and acceptance. Scientific research proves that dogs are a wonderful companion to provide stability for individuals in addiction recovery.

Owning a dog while in addiction recovery encourages responsibility and consistency. Dogs need to be walked daily, which is great for people in recovery because it will get them moving and outside. 

Responsibility for a dog often translates into accountability for oneself, providing motivation to maintain sobriety.

Clinical studies confirm that dogs in treatment environments can strengthen the therapeutic alliance between patients and providers, making participants more open to therapy. 

Therapy dogs have been found to encourage patient participation and engagement with others and their therapists. 

While most studies show therapy dogs to have an overwhelmingly positive impact on patients, there are challenges that must be considered. Caring for a dog during addiction recovery may be difficult for people who are not mentally stable. 

There are some rehabilitation facilities that allow patients to bring their dogs or cats with them to rehab, as long as they behave well. 

Overall, evidence suggests that dogs play a meaningful role in addiction recovery by fostering emotional stability, promoting structure and accountability, enhancing engagement in treatment, and reducing feelings of isolation. 

As more treatment centers recognize these benefits, integrating dogs into addiction recovery programs offers a promising complement to traditional evidence-based approaches.

'Rudy' provides comfort, smiles

Right Choice Recovery in New Jersey, an addiction treatment center that uses animal-assisted therapy, has a certified therapy dog named Rudy, who helps calm nerves and makes people feel safe enough to open up. 

“Rudy creates a space for trust and healing,” Tina, a staff member at Right Choice Recovery said. “He is a daily reminder that recovery is about connection and compassion.”

Tina explained that Rudy “joins clients in group sessions, sits in on individual counseling, and greets new admissions with a warm and friendly welcome.” 

Rudy’s job is to provide comfort and make people smile, and he does it well. 

Spending time with dogs helps people in addiction recovery feel less alone and gives them space to practice trust.

“There is something about their unconditional love,” Tina said. “Dogs don’t judge or expect anything. They just offer comfort.” 

Owning a dog while in addiction recovery encourages responsibility and consistency. Dogs need to be walked daily, which is great for people in recovery because it will get them moving and outside. Responsibility for a dog often translates into accountability for oneself, providing motivation to maintain sobriety.

Dogs bring a calming sense of healing, comfort, and purpose. The word “judge” is not in their vocabulary, and they are playing an important role in helping people heal and rebuild their lives. 

'Best thing that ever happened to me'

Taylor, a student at the College of Charleston who got sober over two years ago, found new meaning in life after adopting her dog. 

“My roommate ended up adopting a puppy from the shelter, and a week later she asked if I wanted her,” Taylor said. “I have never said yes so fast.” 

That was two years ago, and Taylor doesn’t regret her decision one bit. 

Since then, her dog has helped her build a healthier relationship with herself and build new friendships. 

“She gets me out of the house, makes me social, and even helped me meet another sober friend at the dog park,” she said. 

Ann Ferrell and her Australian shepherd mix, Rio, love going to the College of Charleston campus for puppy therapy during Finals Week. Dogs are known as good therapy animals for aiding stress as well as recovery situations.

Dogs crave attention and companionship. For dog-loving people like Taylor, dogs offer emotional support that goes beyond words. 

“Having her is like having a little best friend who follows me everywhere,” Taylor added. “She gives me a sense of purpose and responsibility. She makes me laugh and smile. I don’t know where I’d be without her.” 

Dogs requiring physical exercise is also very beneficial for owners in recovery. Taylor explained how even on days where she doesn’t want to leave the house, she finds the motivation to with the help of her dog.

“She relies on me to walk her and play with her every day, which also gets me active,” she said. “She gets me out of bed on lazy days and makes me proud of the person I’ve become.” 

Cathy Bennett, program coordinator for the top-rated animal therapy program at the Medical University of South Carolina, agrees that dogs have strong physical and emotional effects on people. 

“Without a doubt they assist with lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, as well as reducing pain and anxiety,” Bennett said. She explained that even petting a dog activates the body’s relaxation response and raises dopamine levels. 

She refers to therapy dogs as “physicians of hope and healing” who inspire people to remain positive and keep moving forward in their recovery. Their presence offers a form of support that humans often don’t, a steady and nonjudgemental safe space.

From therapy sessions in a recovery center to everyday comfort, dogs create routines,

motivate people to be active, and give affection that is uplifting and stable. For many, the bond with a dog becomes a turning point. 

The sense of connection and comfort continues to show why dogs play such a meaningful role in addiction recovery. 

“If you genuinely love dogs and are truly ready to take care of one, adopt one,” Taylor advises. “My dog is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”