Animal-Assisted Services for Youth with Substance Use Disorders
Recent research published by Monash University and Animal Therapies LTD show that
Animal-assisted therapies for youth with substance use disorder have been shown to assist in:
- The development of a positive environment
- Encouragement of engagement
- Feeling comfortable and safe
Trujillo, K. C., Kuo, G. T., Hull, M. L., Ingram, A. E., & Thurstone, C. C. (2020). Engaging
Adolescents: Animal Assisted Therapy for Adolescents with Psychiatric and Substance
Use Disorders. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(2), 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01590-7 C. C.
Animal Assisted Therapies for Adults with Substance Abuse:
Recent research published by Monash University and Animal Therapies LTD show that equine assisted therapies delivered weekly demonstrated improvements in:
- Behavioural problems
- Level of impairment
- Symptomatic problems
- Independent living
- Mental health
- Happiness
- Self-worth
- Coping
- Relationships
- Positive human-animal interactions
- Mood
And 44% of participants who received equine assisted therapy sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks completed their treatment, compared to 32% who completed without equine assisted support. This increase in engagement was true for both youth and adults!
Gatti, F., Walderhaug, E., Kern-Godal, A., Lysell, J., & Arnevik, E. A. (2020).
Complementary horse-assisted therapy for substance use disorders: a randomized
controlled trial. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 15(1), 7–11.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-020-0183-z
Trujillo, K. C., Kuo, G. T., Hull, M. L., Ingram, A. E., & Thurstone, C. C. (2020). Engaging
Adolescents: Animal Assisted Therapy for Adolescents with Psychiatric and Substance
Use Disorders. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(2), 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01590-7 C. C. (2020)
Want to learn more? Contact us: Vera@deepersoulconnections.com.au