Evidence-Based Addiction Therapies
Castle Craig offers a highly specialised and empathetic approach to residential drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation. Set amidst the breathtaking Scottish Borders, we provide a private and therapeutic environment where your recovery is supported by the soothing presence of nature and wildlife. With an experienced multidisciplinary team, we combine medically managed care with innovative treatment, including animal-assisted therapies. Our connection with nature, enhanced by access to therapy animals such as beautiful horses and alpacas, aids patients with emotional healing and trust building as part of a soul-nourishing recovery process.
Surrounded by the abundant countryside of West Linton, Castle Craig harbours the deepest regard for all creatures, wild and domestic, taking the utmost care to protect the welfare and happiness of all our therapy animals. Innocent, playful and unassuming, animals deserve our unwavering nurture and shelter to keep them safe and allow them to thrive alongside us. We are honoured to have the opportunity to respectfully engage with animals during some of our addiction treatments, allowing you to enjoy some mutually beneficial quality time with the gentle creatures that bring such joy and peace to our lives.
If you or a loved one are looking for residential addiction treatment in a setting rich with natural beauty and holistic care, we are here to answer your questions. Please get in touch by calling 01721 546 263 to learn more about how our residential rehab treatment can support you in building a healthier, more fulfilled life.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
Animal-assisted therapy is a healing approach delivered by licensed professionals within a structured setting to aid addiction and mental health treatment. It builds emotional connection and confidence during a difficult time of change, helping you feel supported and understood as you work through challenging emotions and experiences in recovery.
Animal-facilitated activities involve carefully guided interactions with therapy animals such as dogs or horses. These interactions encourage emotional healing, reduce feelings of stress and promote a sense of calm. By improving well-being in a positive and therapeutic way, animal-assisted therapy can be a truly valuable part of your comprehensive addiction treatment care plan.
What is Pet-Assisted Therapy?
Pet-assisted therapy (PAT) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) are terms that are often used interchangeably. Both approaches centre on the unique connection between humans and animals to enhance emotional and mental well-being, offering comfort, reducing anxiety and nurturing a sense of companionship during recovery.
While pet-assisted therapy is perhaps less formal than AAT, the relationship between mental health and pets can still play a meaningful role in care plans. The differences lie in structure – PAT may involve everyday interactions with pets, while AAT is guided by professionals within a structured framework. Both of these therapies can provide a supportive and comforting environment for healing.
Start Your Recovery at a Residential Rehab Today
Free Substance Addiction Assessment
Castle Craig offers free drug and alcohol addiction assessments to help you take the first step towards recovery. This initial assessment is an important part of our admissions process, enabling us to understand your challenges and goals in a supportive and non-judgmental space.
Following this consultation, our team will create a personalised residential treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. We are here to guide you through every step of the recovery process with expertise, empathy and kindness. Contact us today on 01721 546 263 to begin your journey towards a healthier future.
Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Addiction Rehab
Animal-assisted therapy provides a host of benefits, helping participants achieve emotional, psychological and physical healing during addiction recovery. Through meaningful interactions with therapy animals, AAT can reduce drug or alcohol cravings and triggers, enhance social skills and create a sense of calm in a structured, peaceful setting. Domestic animals are innocent and rely on us for protection, serving as a reminder of what truly matters. In caring for them, we learn to nurture ourselves, recognising our own strength and capability.
The following sections further explore the advantages of animal-assisted therapy in more detail. From emotional healing to honing communication skills, each benefit can contribute to building a foundation for lasting recovery from substance addiction, personal growth and an uplifted sense of positivity.
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Emotional and Psychological Healing
Animal-assisted activities in rehab can enhance both emotional and psychological healing during addiction recovery. Interacting with animals provides a sense of comfort, reduces feelings of anxiety and builds trust. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may have been feeling vulnerable, depressed or isolated. Animals have a unique way of offering unconditional support, which can help create a calming and safe environment for emotional growth.
Using therapy animals encourages you to process complex emotions and build resilience against mental health challenges. The friendly interactions also help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and promote emotional regulation, enabling you to face the challenges of recovery with greater confidence and strength. This emotional connection becomes a key part of the healing process, supporting you in your rehabilitation journey.
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Reduces Cravings and Triggers
Animal-assisted therapy can significantly help reduce cravings and manage addiction relapse triggers. By redirecting attention and providing soothing interactions with therapy animals, patients can experience relief from stress and other negative emotions that often lead to cravings. Animals create a calming presence, which promotes mindfulness and helps participants stay grounded.
Through regular animal-assisted activities, you can develop healthier ways to handle your triggers and instead create practical strategies to prevent yourself straying from sobriety. The companionship bond with animals encourages you to stay present and focused on your recovery goals, replacing unhealthy habits with positive, enriching experiences that can move you closer to a life free from drug or alcohol addiction.
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Enhances Social and Communication Skills
Animal-facilitated therapy is a powerful and innovative tool for improving social and communication skills, which are especially important in addiction recovery. Working with animals allows participants to practice expressing emotions, easing social anxiety and building trust in a low-pressure, non-judgmental setting.
By interacting both with animals and therapy professionals, you can gradually improve your ability to communicate your thoughts and feelings effectively. These newly gained social skills are transferable to other areas of life, helping you rebuild relationships with loved ones and establish a supportive network that surrounds you with openness and positivity.
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Physical and Health Benefits
Engaging in animal-assisted therapies offers a variety of physical health benefits that complement emotional and mental healing. Activities like walking or grooming therapy animals encourage physical activity, which can improve fitness levels, reduce stress and improve overall health during addiction recovery. Spending time with animals also allows you to be outside in the fresh air and sunlight, and has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rates.
Beyond physical recreation, outdoor activities with animals can boost the production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, helping to combat the physical effects of withdrawal or stress. These health benefits reinforce recovery by creating a sense of well-being and vitality, inspiring you to take further steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
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Creates Structure and Responsibility
Caring for therapy animals instills a sense of purpose, as tasks such as feeding, grooming or training require consistency and commitment. This encourages you to develop scheduled routines that are essential in your daily life. Additionally, your attentive bond with the animal provides emotional motivation and reinforces a sense of purpose and responsibility, as their well-being directly depends on your actions.
The safety and happiness of animals under the care of human beings completely relies on our ability to look after them. This amazing sense of responsibility also builds self-esteem and helps you to focus on positive, productive activities. It provides a healthy distraction from cravings or negative thought patterns, encouraging qualities of discipline and accountability that support your recovery as a whole.
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Increases Motivation and Engagement in Therapy
Benefits of animal-assisted therapy include the active encouragement of motivation and engagement in the therapeutic rehab process. Animals bring a sense of joy and connection into sessions, making therapy feel less intimidating and more approachable. This emotional connection can spark a willingness to participate actively and openly in recovery efforts.
The uplifting presence of animals can also inspire hope and positivity, reminding you of your ability to grow, heal and build a better future. Increased motivation often leads to deeper levels of involvement in addiction therapy, improving long-term recovery outcomes and sustaining your commitment to positive change.
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Supports Trauma Healing and Emotional Regulation
For those needing therapies for trauma or co-occurring mental health conditions, animal-assisted activities can offer a safe space for healing. Service animals provide unwavering support, helping patients feel secure as they confront painful memories or emotions. This non-verbal, calming connection creates an environment where individuals can begin addressing trauma without fear of judgment.
Animal therapy for drug or alcohol addiction promotes the regulation of emotions by helping you to accept and manage overwhelming feelings. Their presence encourages mindfulness practices, which can reduce emotional overreactions and promote calm. Over time, this helps you build resilience and healthier ways to process your emotions, paving the way for deeper recovery and personal growth.
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Reduces Feelings of Isolation
Loneliness is a common challenge in drug or alcohol addiction recovery, and emotional support animals can help by providing companionship and genuine connection. Therapy animals offer unconditional acceptance, making you feel valued, needed and understood. These heart-warming connections can ease feelings of isolation, building a sense of belonging during your rehab recovery process.
By building patience and trust through interactions with animals, AAT encourages you to re-engage with the world around you. It gently promotes social reintegration, providing a foundation for forming new, meaningful relationships that support your abstinence and combat loneliness over time.
How Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work?
Animal-assisted therapy involves structured interactions between participants and therapy animals, under the guidance of trained professionals who look after their welfare and yours. Sessions are carefully designed to address your specific therapeutic goals, whether that’s reducing stress, emotional healing or building social skills. Each approach is tailored to you as an individual, ensuring personalised support is given to everyone who wants to interact with the animals.
Activities during therapy can range from grooming and walking animals to simply spending quiet, reflective moments in their presence. These interactions create a space of trust and connection, helping you feel grounded and content. Through the calming bond that develops, therapy animals encourage emotional growth and bring uplifting happiness to your recovery path.
Animal-Assisted Addiction Therapy Near Me
Finding animal-assisted addiction therapy near you could be a life-changing and immensely positive step on your personal recovery journey. These reinvigorating programmes can use the unique connection between humans and animals to support your healing in uplifting and lasting ways. The following sections will guide you through locating nearby animal therapy services and provide practical tips for choosing the right addiction treatment to meet your needs.
Contact Castle Craig Addiction Recovery Centre
Located at West Linton, near Edinburgh in the UK, EH46 7DH, Castle Craig is set amidst the peaceful and inspiring Scottish countryside. Our natural surroundings, enriched by the presence of animals and abundant wildlife, provide the perfect setting for reflection, healing and recovery.
To find out more about our animals and evidence-based addiction therapies, call us today on 01721 546 263.
Find Us
01721 546 263
info@castlecraig.co.uk
Castle Craig,
West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH
For more information about our residential rehab for alcohol and drug addiction, fill out our online form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through our admissions process and help you take the first step towards a brighter future.
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How to Find Animal-Assisted Addiction Therapies Near You
Finding the right animal-assisted addiction therapy in the UK requires thoughtful research and consideration of your unique needs. Factors such as location, reputation and available amenities play a crucial role in selecting the facility that feels right for you. The following list offers practical steps to help you explore your options, providing guidance on how to make an informed decision.
- Contact Substance Misuse Rehab Centres: Reach out to local rehab centres to ask them about their animal-assisted therapy programmes. Use specific search terms like “Animal-assisted therapy in Edinburgh or Scotland” or “UK rehab centres with animal therapy near me” to refine your online search. Speaking with the centres directly can help you find out exactly which animal therapies they offer in rehab.
- Check Online Reviews & Reputation: Spend time reading reviews and checking ratings for facilities that offer animal-assisted therapies. Look at testimonials from previous patients to get a sense of the care they provide. Trustworthy centres often have positive feedback highlighting their impactful treatment programmes and supportive team.
- Contact Animal-Assisted Therapy Organisations: Reach out to organisations that specialise in animal-assisted therapy for guidance. They can offer valuable recommendations based on their expertise and may connect you with UK rehab centres that integrate animal therapy effectively into their alcohol or drug addiction treatment.
- Ask About Residential Treatment Amenities: It’s important to get a good sense of the amenities and environment that treatment centres provide. Does the facility have a calm, welcoming atmosphere? Are there spaces dedicated to interacting with the therapy animals? Knowing this information can help you make a more informed decision.
- Ask About Other Therapies: Alongside animal-assisted therapy, many centres offer complementary treatments such as group therapy, mindfulness sessions, or art-based activities. Ask about these additional options to ensure the programme supports your overall recovery goals.
- Ask About Their Experience and Credentials: Always verify the qualifications and experience of the therapists and professionals running the programmes. Their knowledge and expertise in animal-assisted therapy and addiction treatment directly impact the quality of care you receive, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Free Addiction and Mental Health Assessments at Castle Craig
At Castle Craig, we offer free addiction and mental health assessments to support you in taking the first step towards recovery. Our compassionate team is here to help you understand your needs and guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
Following your assessment, we can develop a tailored treatment plan designed just for you. This allows us to provide accurate pricing for your rehab treatment, making sure you receive the right care for your unique situation. Call today on 01721 546 263 to learn more and start your recovery journey with us.
Free Addiction Assessment
Taking the first step and asking for help can feel daunting, but our team is here to assist you.
Common Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) During Therapy
Animal-assisted activities are thoughtfully designed to encourage emotional connection, physical involvement and mental well-being through meaningful interactions with animals. These activities are tailored to each participant’s recovery needs, offering inspiring experiences that support healing and growth. Below are some examples of common animal-assisted activities that can be included in therapeutic rehab programmes.
- Equine-Assisted Activities (Horse Interaction and Care): Engaging with horses through activities like grooming, feeding and leading develops a sense of trust and responsibility. Interactions such as these during equine therapy can also help regulate emotions, as the calm and steady presence of a horse encourages you to develop patience and emotional awareness over time.
- Animal-Assisted Visitation Therapy: Therapy animals visiting patients can provide immense comfort, offering a sense of companionship and reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation. The simple presence of a friendly animal can lift spirits, contributing to a nurturing environment that’s essential for emotional healing.
- Animal-Assisted Walking and Mobility Support: Walking with therapy animals such as dogs or alpacas promotes physical activity, which is beneficial for both physical health and mental well-being. Whether it’s a short stroll or holding onto a trained service animal for additional support, these walks enhance mobility and encourage participants to stay active.
- Animal-Assisted Grooming and Care: Taking care of animals through grooming activities creates a mindful routine that promotes focus and relaxation. Brushing or bathing a therapy animal encourages you to remain present in the moment, while also instilling a sense of responsibility.
- Animal-Assisted Feeding Activities: Feeding therapy animals introduces a calming, structured activity that can help you feel more grounded. The kind act of providing food strengthens the bond between you and the animal, reinforcing feelings of connection and trust.
- Therapeutic Animal Petting & Tactile Stimulation: Petting therapy animals has proven soothing effects, helping to lower stress levels and encourage relaxation. This tactile interaction offers a sense of comfort, as individuals often feel at ease through the simple, repetitive motion of stroking an animal’s fur.
Animals Commonly Used in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
A wide range of creatures can play a role in animal-assisted therapy, each bringing their own unique and dynamic benefits to the process. From dogs and cats to smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, as well as farm animals, alpacas, birds and even dolphins, these animals can all promote meaningful connection and well-being. The sections below explore how each can support recovery in their own exceptional way.
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Equine-Assisted Therapy (Horse Therapy) in Rehab
Castle Craig offers equine therapy as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment. If integrated into your personal care plan, you will have the opportunity to engage in sessions delivered by our qualified equine therapist every two weeks. Working with horses has proven benefits for addiction recovery, helping many people develop confidence, trust and emotional regulation. Horses are highly intuitive creatures, providing honest and unbiased feedback through their natural reactions. These good-natured, responsive animals provide a special opportunity for personal growth and the development of assertiveness and healthy boundaries in a calming, natural setting.
Equine-assisted therapy involves gentle interactions with horses, such as grooming, feeding and leading them. These hands-on activities help you build trust, a sense of responsibility, and improved emotional regulation. Horses are known for their calming presence and ability to mirror human emotions, building deep emotional connections and creating a safe space for healing.
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Alpaca-Assisted Therapy in Rehab
Alpaca-assisted therapy is an innovative and heart-warming approach that leverages the calming presence and gentle nature of alpacas to enhance emotional wellbeing. These intuitive animals have a disarming charm that helps patients feel safe and grounded, making it easier to open up about their emotions during therapy sessions. Alpacas, known for their soft coats and tranquil demeanour, can reduce stress and anxiety – simply spending time with them can soothe the mind and encourage you to engage more fully in your recovery process.
At Castle Craig, this therapeutic experience comes to life with four resident alpacas that patients are able to interact with during their stay. Accompanied by specialised therapists, you can take our alpacas on scenic walks, allowing for a blend of mindful activity and supportive conversations. The act of walking with these lovely animals encourages relaxation and helps you to be present in the moment, offering a reprieve from the emotional intensity of treatment.
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Canine-Assisted Therapy (Dog Therapy) in Rehab
Canine-assisted therapy involves engaging with trained therapy dogs through activities like walking, playing or simply enjoying their company. The unconditional love and companionship dogs offer can create a sense of comfort and reduce stress, providing a safe and uplifting environment for emotional healing. Their playful energy and calming presence make them excellent emotional supporters.
Therapy dogs are particularly effective in drug or alcohol addiction recovery by helping you to rebuild trust, alleviate anxiety and improve your social skills. These animals provide a non-judgmental, accepting space that encourages openness and optimism. Their ability to offer calm and gentle interaction can assist you with restoring your confidence and emotional well-being during recovery.
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Feline-Assisted Therapy (Cat Therapy) in Rehab
Feline-assisted therapy involves structured interactions with therapy cats, such as petting, playing or simply being in their quiet and soothing presence. Cats’ soothing and independent nature has a unique way of promoting relaxation, helping you feel more at ease. Their gentle companionship encourages moments of serenity and reduces stress, offering a comforting addition to therapy.
Therapy cats are especially valuable in addiction recovery, where they can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Their ability to create a peaceful, non-demanding environment can also encourage mindfulness and self-reflection. These interactions provide a calm space where you can process emotions and take positive steps on their healing journey.
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Small Animal Therapy (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.) in Rehab
Small animal therapy allows patients to interact with smaller, approachable animals like rabbits or guinea pigs through activities such as feeding, grooming or holding them. These small creatures have a gentle presence, making it easier for you to feel comforted and at ease. Their friendly and unassuming nature creates a warm, inviting atmosphere during therapy sessions.
These animals are particularly effective in addiction recovery as they encourage nurturing behaviours and provide a sense of responsibility. Caring for them can help reduce anxiety and offer a structured routine, promoting emotional balance. By creating a safe and non-threatening environment, small animals offer therapeutic comfort and can help you take meaningful steps in your recovery.
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Farm Animal Therapy (Goats, Sheep, Chickens) in Rehab
Farm Animal Therapy offers individuals the chance to interact with animals like goats, sheep or chickens through activities such as feeding, herding or collecting eggs. These hands-on experiences provide a grounding connection to nature and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The rhythmic routines of farm life encourage you to feel more present and engaged in the moment.
These animals play a significant role in addiction therapies by promoting routine, responsibility and emotional well-being. The approachable behaviour of farm animals can help reduce stress and bring a sense of calm. Working with them in peaceful, rural surroundings also creates an engaging environment where you can reconnect with the world and rebuild your sense of purpose.
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Dolphins (Dolphin-Assisted Therapy – DAT)
Dolphin-assisted therapy involves engaging with dolphins in structured environments through activities like swimming, feeding or simply observing their movements. Dolphins are known for their ability to bond playfully with humans, often evoking feelings of joy and a deep sense of relaxation. These interactions take place in calm, safe settings designed to nourish emotional mindfulness and create lasting memories.
Dolphins are highly effective in addiction recovery, offering opportunities for emotional healing, stress reduction and genuine bonds with fascinating creatures that you might never otherwise get to meet up close. Their fun-loving and intelligent nature helps you to develop positive interactions and renewed confidence. These gentle marine animals provide a unique form of animal-assisted therapy that complements traditional recovery methods.
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Therapeutic Bird Interaction (Parrots, Pigeons, etc.) in Rehab
Therapeutic bird interaction invites participants to engage with birds such as parrots, pigeons, owls, birds of prey or other avian companions through activities like feeding, gentle training or simply observing their graceful behaviours. Birds have a distinctive way of capturing your attention with their intricate movements and vibrant appearances, inspiring both mindfulness and a sense of fascination. These calming interactions help create moments of distraction, peace and quiet reflection.
Birds can play a meaningful part in substance addiction recovery by encouraging patience, focus and emotional rapport. Their clever, deliberate nature teaches you to slow down and be present, promoting emotional balance and a clear mind. A peaceful environment filled with bird songs and soothing routines provides a supportive space for personal growth and healing, assisting you on your recovery path.
Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Help with Drug or Alcohol Addiction?
The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in rehab varies depending on individual needs and the meaningful progress you undertake in the other aspects of your addiction treatment. While it can provide emotional and psychological support, animal-assisted activities will form part of a comprehensive plan that may require drug or alcohol detox and additional therapies to address the underlying causes of your substance addiction. A customised treatment plan is crucial to ensure that all aspects of recovery are covered.
At Castle Craig, we take a holistic approach to our world-recognised addiction treatment, focusing on the whole person as part of our unwavering commitment and ethos. Animal-assisted therapy may be integrated with other therapies that cater to your recovery goals, such as counselling and medical care, during residential rehab. Our fully tailored combination supports emotional healing and offers the best chance of achieving sustainable, long-term sobriety.
Contact Castle Craig Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, take the first step towards recovery by contacting Castle Craig. To speak with a member of our team, call us today on 01721 546 263. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form to get started. We are dedicated to helping you find the path to stable abstinence and a fulfilling, sober life.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Whether animal-assisted therapy is covered under your health plan will depend on your insurance provider and the level of coverage included in your policy. It’s essential to review your plan carefully and consult with your insurer to understand what treatments are eligible for reimbursement.
Castle Craig accepts private health insurance from many major providers, and can assist you with our insurance admissions process should your case be approved for treatment with us. If your policy does not cover the cost, we can offer guidance on alternative ways to pay for residential rehab. Call us on 01721 546 263 to discuss your options openly and take the next step towards accessible care today.
How Much Does Animal-Assisted Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Cost?
Some rehab centres in the UK may include animal-assisted therapy as part of their alcohol or drug addiction treatment programmes. Costs can vary widely depending on the facility’s medical expertise, amenities and how they tailor their care plans. Standalone animal-assisted activities may have a separate rate, while comprehensive 28-day addiction treatment programmes, which provide an all-encompassing approach to therapies, could have an inclusive price. It’s important to discuss specific fees with your chosen centre, and find out if any animal therapy is included.
If you are interested in incorporating animal-assisted therapy into your residential rehab treatment, Castle Craig is here to help. Surrounded by wildlife and nature, we are delighted to offer alpaca walking and equine therapy in our personalised care plans, depending on your needs. Contact us to learn more about our UK-leading treatment options, and explore how we can support your recovery journey. Our friendly team is ready to tell you more about our therapy animals and help you with your queries.
Questions About Residential Rehab?
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How to Get Admitted for Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted rehab therapy programmes are carefully tailored to address each person’s distinctive requirements, helping to provide the best possible support during addiction recovery. A personalised approach ensures that every element of your care is designed to promote healing, growth and sustainable recovery.
- Contact the rehab centre: Reach out to the rehab centre to enquire about the availability of animal-assisted therapy and learn about the specific services they offer. Their team can provide you with information that is suited to your interests and answer any initial questions you may have about getting started.
- Discuss your treatment needs: Share your personal challenges and goals with the admissions team. This will help them gain a deeper understanding of your situation and work with you to develop a rehabilitation plan that addresses your emotional and physical needs.
- Verify funding and costs: Review your financial options by confirming whether your private health insurance covers the programme. For those not using insurance, the rehab centre can explain alternative payment methods such as private pay or NHS funded routes, ensuring you feel confident moving forward.
- Plan your admission: The final step involves scheduling your admission and preparing for your rehab stay. The centre will guide you through the process, helping you organise any essential paperwork or personal arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.
Contact Castle Craig Today
If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, Castle Craig is here for you. Contact us to learn about our residential treatment services, discover more about the admissions process, and book a free addiction assessment. Together, we’ll help you establish a recovery plan that’s aligned with your unique needs and goals.
Call us today on 01721 546 263 to discuss your options. Alternatively, you can complete our online form here to connect with a member of our team. Your recovery starts with a conversation.
Free & Confidential Assessment
Compassion, expertly delivered evidence-based practices and a patient-centred approach are at the heart of our treatment model. Request a call-back from one of our professionals on any day of the week.
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Statistics on Animal-Assisted Therapy Programmes in the UK
- A pioneering study at Southampton Children’s Hospital found that therapy dogs reduced anxiety levels in 90% of young patients, improving hospital experiences.
- 70% of adults surveyed in the UK found that owning a pet or engaging with animals reduced their feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- A study published by Cambridge researchers noted that animal contact lowered cortisol levels and blood pressure, showcasing its potential as an effective stress-relief tool.
- Castle Craig has treated over 10,000 patients since 1988 with a focus on holistic approaches, including therapies involving animals.
- Equine Therapy, offered as part of Castle Craig’s addiction rehab programmes, has been shown to improve self-awareness and communication skills in patients.
- Data revealed that people participating in animal-assisted interventions experienced higher levels of emotional resilience and adaptability, essential within recovery environments.
- 100% of survey respondents at Southampton Children’s Hospital recommended therapy dog interventions for expansion across healthcare facilities.