Rehab is the best way to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
But if you have a pet, leaving it behind to pursue treatment can be a major barrier to the care you need. That’s why Maverick offers pet-friendly rehab in Dallas. Here’s a closer look at how it works, what to expect, and the steps for getting started.
What Is Pet-Friendly Rehab?
Pet-friendly rehab is just what it sounds like — a rehab program that lets you bring your pet along. This makes it possible to get the care you need to recover without having to make a tough decision about your furry friend.
A key thing to note is that the treatment you receive will be the same whether you choose a pet-friendly program or not. Either way, you’ll get access to:
- 1-on-1 therapy from an addiction specialist
- Group meetings that offer the benefit of social support
- Holistic healing activities that unify the mind and body behind recovery
So, if you’re deciding between pet-friendly rehab and a more traditional program, the only major difference is whether you get to bring your animal with you. But doing so could help you get more out of your time in recovery.
The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Rehab
Bringing your pet with you to rehab can be beneficial for your recovery. It impacts the healing process in each of the following ways.
Not Having to Arrange for Pet Care
First, you won’t have to arrange to have someone else watch your animal during rehab. That alone can eliminate a major source of anxiety for many people. Instead of worrying about how your pet is doing with someone else, you’ll be right there to see them yourself every day.
Plus, many people don’t have someone close to them who they trust to watch their animal. You can save money by bringing your pet with you to rehab instead of paying to have a pet sitter watch them for a month or longer.
Comfort and Support During Recovery
Next, having your pet with you in rehab can be a major source of support and comfort. Your animal will be there at the end of tough treatment sessions to help you manage your emotions and move forward.
Pets can reduce feelings of isolation during treatment significantly. This can help you maintain a more positive state of mind, which studies have shown can have major impact on your recovery timeline.
Building Accountability and Routine
Finally, part of recovering from substance abuse is building healthier routines and becoming accountable to them. A pet can help you do that. They require daily care, which can become the foundation for your new healthy schedule.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet-Friendly Treatment Center
If you think pet-friendly rehab is right for you, the next step is choosing a facility that offers it. There are many options to consider, so asking yourself the following questions will help you make the right choice.
Are All Pets Accepted or Just Service Animals?
First, consider whether a facility accepts all animals or just service animals. If you don’t have service certification, you’ll need to find a place that doesn’t require it. Or you could apply for the right paperwork online.
You’ll also want to verify that a facility accepts the kind of pet you want to bring with you to rehab. For example, some may only allow dogs or cats, while others may be more accommodating. You may have to call a few places to find the right fit for your animal.
What Accommodations Are There for Pets?
Next, ask about the accommodations that each treatment center offers for animals. For example, would you and your dog have your own room? Is there a good place to walk them when you’re not in treatment? Will there be many other animals around?
These kinds of questions can help you understand what living in a treatment center with your animal would actually be like. That’s an important consideration, since you could end up spending more than one month in the facility you choose, depending on your recovery timeline.
Are There Any Restrictions or Policies in Place?
Finally, ask if there are any pet restrictions or policies you should know about before committing to a treatment center. For example, one facility may require you to keep your dog in your room the whole time you stay there. That may not work for you. Another place may require extra pet vaccines you don’t want to pay for.
So, call around a bit to see which facility offers the right features for your animal. Doing a little research now will help you end up at the treatment center that you and your pet will be happiest at.
Your Recovery Timeline in Pet-Friendly Rehab
The amount of time you spend in pet-friendly rehab can vary based on how quickly you make progress. Some people are ready to move on to aftercare within a month of starting their program. Others take 90 days or longer to get there.
You and your care team will work together to figure out how long you need to spend in a pet-friendly rehab program. The decision could be impacted by factors like your insurance coverage and personal preferences, too.
It’s also important to note that recovery continues after rehab. You’ll want to continue working with a therapist and going to group meetings to give yourself the highest percentage chance at a successful long-term recovery.
Take the First Step with Maverick Behavioral Health
Pet-friendly rehab can make it easier to get the substance abuse care you need. It lets you move into an inpatient facility with your animal, so you don’t have to worry about leaving them behind.
Maverick Behavioral Health is here to help you get started. Just contact one of our addiction specialists and they’ll verify your insurance coverage. You’ll learn exactly how much care will cost out of pocket and when you can start.
So, why wait? Take the first step by contacting us today.
