Equine Addiction Treatment Program
- Last Modified: June 8, 2023
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 20 million adults in the United States have a substance use disorder. Addiction is a complex disease that can have devastating effects on an individual’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. While there are many effective treatment options available, equine therapy programs have emerged as a promising alternative therapy. In this article, we’ll explore how horses can help individuals overcome drug or alcohol addiction and the benefits of equine-assisted therapy.
What Is Equine Therapy?
Equine addiction treatment programs are a form of therapy that incorporates horses into the treatment process. These programs typically involve working with horses in a structured environment under the guidance of a licensed therapist. The goal of equine therapy is to help individuals develop self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills, which can be applied to their daily lives and the addiction recovery process.
Equine therapy techniques can also be excellent for treating mental health disorders that may arise from substance misuse, like depression and other mental health disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Eating disorders, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other health disorders that often occur alongside addiction (co-occurring disorders). Many participants in equine therapy benefit from a better sense of self, increased spiritual healing, and feeling a greater connection to the world around them. Learn more about the benefits of equine-assisted therapy below.
The Benefits of Equine Therapy
This unique form of therapy offers numerous benefits to individuals seeking to overcome addiction. Through emotional regulation, self-awareness, trust-building, and accountability, equine therapy provides a holistic approach to healing. Additionally, it promotes stress reduction, confidence-building, and physical exercise, all contributing to the overall well-being of individuals on their path to recovery.
Equine-assisted therapy has been shown to have a range of benefits for individuals in addiction recovery, including:
- Improved self-esteem and confidence: Working with horses can help individuals build a sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities as well as improved social skills.
- Increased empathy and emotional regulation: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and can help individuals develop better emotional regulation skills.
- Enhanced communication and relationship skills: Horses communicate nonverbally, which can help individuals improve their communication and relationship skills.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Spending time with horses in a natural setting can have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
The bond formed between humans and horses is based on trust and mutual respect, which can be a powerful tool in the recovery process. Additionally, equine therapy provides a non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions and feelings, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Individuals could also be at an increased risk of developing a heart attack or heart failure. Therefore, individuals need to be aware of how much they drink and make an effort to limit their alcohol consumption.
How Does Equine Therapy Actually Work?
Horses are intuitive animals that can sense human emotions, which makes them excellent partners in the healing process. Through equine therapy, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, communication skills, and coping mechanisms.
Equine addiction treatment programs typically involve a combination of individual and group therapy sessions. During these sessions, individuals will work with horses on various activities and exercises, such as grooming, leading, and riding. These activities are designed to promote self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills. The therapist will use the interactions between the individual and the horse to help identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and develop a treatment plan that addresses the individual’s specific needs.
Like other holistic therapies and approaches to addiction treatment, equine therapy is most effective when combined with traditional therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, play therapy, or talk therapy.
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Evidence Supporting Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy is a relatively new field, and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness when it comes to treatment for addiction. However, there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of equine-assisted therapy in addiction recovery. For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that equine-assisted therapy improved self-esteem and reduced anxiety in individuals in addiction recovery. Another study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that equine-assisted therapy improved treatment retention rates in individuals with substance use disorders.
What to Expect in Equine Addiction Treatment Programs
Equine-assisted therapy programs for addiction offer a unique and effective approach to addiction recovery. By incorporating horses into the treatment process, individuals can develop self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills that can be applied to their daily lives and the recovery process. While more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy, the evidence so far suggests that it can be a valuable tool in addiction treatment.
Start Your Journey to Recovery Today at Riverside Recovery of Tampa
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait any longer to seek help. An equine-assisted program may be the solution you have been searching for. Our Equine Program offers a unique and holistic approach that combines the power of equine therapy with traditional addiction treatment methods. Our expert team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve long-lasting recovery.
Don’t let addiction control your life. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our Equine Addiction Treatment Program and start your journey to recovery.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.Bachi, K., Terkel, J., & Teichman, M. (2012). Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
Bachi, K., Terkel, J., & Teichman, M. (2012). Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
- The Helping Horse: How Equine Assisted Learning Contributes to the Wellbeing of First Nations Youth in Treatment for Volatile Substance Misuse – PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4716821/ - Equine‐assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis – PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6917924/ - Toyofuku, T., Matsuo, M. Y., Nagai, Y., Kawada, S., Fujita, K., Reichart, J., Nomaki, H., Tsuchiya, M., Sakaguchi, H., & Kitazato, H. (2016). Proton pumping accompanies calcification in foraminifera. Nature Communications, 8. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14145
