Animal-Assisted Addiction Therapy
Castle Craig offers exemplary residential drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation in the UK, set within our beautiful 50-acre estate in the Scottish Borders. Our approach combines evidence-based treatments with a holistic focus that supports the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of recovery. With stunning outdoor therapy spaces, opportunities to connect with nature and animal-assisted activities, such as therapeutic alpaca and equine interactions, our environment promotes healing and reflection both indoors and outdoors. Our experienced multidisciplinary team provides medically managed detox and tailored care for substance misuse, creating a supportive and private space to recover.
If you’d like to learn more about how Castle Craig’s residential addiction treatment could help you or a loved one take the first step towards a healthier, sober life, our team is here to help. Reach out today on 01721 546 263 to discuss our therapies, ask any questions you may have and find out how our blend of expert care and natural surroundings can make all the difference in your journey to sobriety.
What is an Alpaca?
An alpaca is a domesticated species of the South American camelid, valued for its soft fleece and gentle temperament. These dynamic animals are increasingly used by licensed professionals in clinical settings, such as addiction or mental health recovery, where their calming presence supports a variety of therapeutic activities including animal-assisted therapy in drug and alcohol rehabs.
Known for their friendly and curious nature, alpacas are the ideal creature for creating a soothing and supportive environment. Their demure interaction with people encourages mindfulness and stress relief, making them a valuable addition to mental health and addiction treatment programmes. The serene presence of an alpaca can help bring invaluable comfort and motivation to those in recovery for substance misuse.
What is Alpaca-Assisted Therapy?
Alpaca-assisted therapy is a unique and effective approach to complementary therapies, and alpaca interactions complement the holistic rehab treatment at Castle Craig. Discover holistic therapy for drug and alcohol addiction recovery treatment, combining natural healing, mindfulness and evidence-based care to support long-term sobriety and well-being.
Four beautiful alpacas reside at our centre, helping contribute to a positive mindset by promoting calm and reducing anxiety levels. We offer guided interactions with them, or you can simply enjoy seeing them outside as you walk past or look out of your window. Their friendly and curious nature encourages comforting, emotional connections, providing a soothing experience for reflection and personal growth. We believe that being around such serene animals can inspire hope, motivation and a renewed sense of purpose as you work towards drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
Start Your Recovery at a Residential Rehab Today
Free Drug and Alcohol Addiction Assessment
At Castle Craig, we provide free drug and alcohol addiction assessments to help you take the first step towards sobriety. Our team will listen with care and respect, guide you through this initial process and offer clarity about the next steps, helping you feel supported from the very beginning of your treatment with us.
Following your free assessment, we can create a tailored residential treatment plan designed to meet your personal needs. We aim to offer individualised care that addresses your challenges and empowers you on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Contact us today on 01721 546 263 to explore how we can help.
Benefits of Alpaca Animal-Assisted Activities in Addiction Rehab
Alpaca-assisted activities offer a wide range of benefits that can greatly support your drug or alcohol addiction rehab experience. These kind-hearted animals are known for their calming companionship, which can ease emotional struggles and help promote a sense of peace. Engaging with alpacas can aid in building resilience and inspire you to commit to making positive changes as you work towards abstinence.
Bonding with animals during substance misuse recovery can reduce stress and nervous energy as well as enhancing self-esteem and promoting emotional healing. Below, we explore the specific ways that interactions with alpacas can complement the recovery process and support a healthier, more balanced approach to life.
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Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Emotional Tension
The steady presence of alpacas helps create a soothing environment, making it easier to manage stress and reduce anxiety. Their gentle movements and peaceful demeanour can have a reassuring effect, allowing you to step back from overwhelming emotions and find a moment of calm during difficult times.
Interacting with animals can also help release emotional tension in a supportive setting. By creating a safe space for self-reflection, alpaca-assisted therapy encourages a more relaxed and open state of mind, making it easier to focus on long-term recovery goals.
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Promotes Emotional Healing and Mindfulness
Alpacas can support emotional healing by providing a calm and accepting presence. Their kind, non-verbal communication helps you feel grounded, making it easier to address difficult emotions without fear of judgement. This process promotes emotional healing by allowing you to experience moments of genuine peace and contentment.
Spending time with alpacas also encourages mindfulness, helping you stay focused on the present moment. This practice alleviates negative thought patterns, allowing for greater clarity and emotional balance as you progress on your recovery path.
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Builds Trust, Connection and a Sense of Safety
Alpacas’ approachable nature makes them excellent companions for building trust and connections. Their calm and patient behaviour allows for positive interactions, even if trust has previously been difficult to establish in your life. This process provides a strong foundation for personal growth and healing.
Meaningful time spent with animals further creates a sense of safety and emotional comfort. The bond formed with alpacas can ease feelings of vulnerability, promoting openness and helping to rebuild trust in others and in yourself.
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Improves Mood, Motivation and Outlook During Recovery
Spending time with alpacas has also been shown to lift spirits, offering moments of joy and positivity. Their playful and gentle nature can help you feel more hopeful, even during challenging days, and promote a brighter outlook on recovery.
They can also encourage motivation by instilling a sense of purpose and determination within you. The positive relationships formed with alpacas can inspire you to stay focused and continue working towards a fulfilling and sober life.
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Boosts Self-Esteem and Personal Confidence
Caring for and interacting with alpacas allows you to experience feelings of accomplishment and connection, which can significantly boost self-esteem. Their warm reactions to your presence can reinforce a sense of value and self-belief during rehab.
Each acitivity session bolsters personal confidence as you recognise your strengths and abilities. These animal-assisted experiences empower you to face challenges with renewed courage and to create a healthier belief in yourself moving forward.
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Encourages Healthy Social Interaction and Communication
Alpacas’ non-judgemental and unassuming ways provide an excellent platform for developing social confidence and communication skills. Engaging with them can make interactions feel easier and more manageable, particularly for those working to overcome social difficulties.
Participating in group therapy and activities involving alpacas can promote teamwork and camaraderie. Shared experiences with animals help build the foundation for developing healthier communication patterns and stronger relational skills with other people.
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Provides Non-Judgemental Comfort and Emotional Reassurance
The unconditional acceptance offered by alpacas provides a source of comfort and emotional reassurance. Their quiet companionship allows you to feel understood and supported without the pressure of verbal communication or expectations.
Such non-judgemental comfort can have a profound impact on emotional well-being, easing feelings of isolation or self-doubt. The support offered by alpacas helps reinforce the belief that kindness and healing are within reach.
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Creates a Calming, Nature-Based Therapeutic Environment
Alpaca-assisted activities offer the perfect blend of connection with animals and the soothing influence of nature. Being outdoors with these serene creatures enhances feelings of calm and reduces stress, creating an environment where you can focus on your rehab journey. The natural surroundings and outdoor activity, combined with the alpacas’ calming energy, provide a peaceful escape from daily challenges.
At Castle Craig, our countryside location immerses you in a tranquil, nature-based setting that encourages relaxation and mental clarity. The combination of scenic landscapes and interaction with our four alpacas creates a sense of balance and grounding. This supports emotional well-being, complementing our drug and alcohol addiction recovery environment.
How Do Alpaca-Assisted Activities Work?
During alpaca-assisted activities, participants can engage with alpacas through activities like walking, feeding and grooming. These sessions occur in calm, natural settings, encouraging mindfulness and relaxation. Guided by facilitators, patients may observe or interact with the alpacas, promoting emotional connection and building trust while enjoying a sense of calm and focus.
The therapeutic benefits of alpacas during rehab include reduced stress, improved emotional regulation and increased confidence. Their gentle and curious nature provides a soothing, non-judgmental environment, making it particularly helpful for people dealing with anxiety, depression or trauma with substance addiction. Warm moments with animals can help participants feel grounded, supported and better equipped to manage their emotions during residential rehab.
Alpaca-Assisted Addiction Therapy Near Me
Alpaca-assisted interactions offer a refreshing, complementary approach to alcohol or drug addiction recovery by adding unique animal experiences to dedicated therapeutic techniques. These sweet-tempered animals bring feelings of calm and balance, supporting your pathway to sobriety. Explore how this innovative intervention, paired with professional, evidence-based care, can enhance your recovery experience.
Contact Castle Craig Inpatient Rehab Centre
Castle Craig, located in West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH, offers a calm and welcoming environment for addiction rehabilitation. Set amidst beautiful countryside, we provide the perfect setting to focus on healing while benefiting from the presence of animals and employing proven therapeutic methods tailored to your needs.
Find Us
01721 546 263
info@castlecraig.co.uk
Castle Craig,
West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH
Castle Craig offers animal-assisted activities including alpaca and equine-assisted therapy as part of our holistic approach to substance misuse recovery. These additions to treatment provide a unique way to encourage emotional healing and personal growth using the nurturing presence of animals to help you on your recovery journey.
For further details about residential treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, call 01721 546 263. Our compassionate team is ready to guide you through the admissions process, answering your questions and helping you take the important first step towards sobriety.
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How to Find Alpaca Addiction Therapies Near You
Finding alpaca-assisted therapy for addiction recovery can feel difficult, especially since UK rehabs vary depending on multiple factors such as location, services offered and the type of holistic treatment options provided. To help you get started, here are some practical steps to identify the best options for your needs:
- 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, accredited rehab centres often have positive feedback and a solid reputation that can provide peace of mind when deciding where to seek help.
- Contact Substance Misuse Rehab Centres: Many rehab centres integrate animal-assisted therapy into their treatment programmes. Try searching online using queries like “Alpaca therapy in the United Kingdom,” “Addiction rehab with animal therapy Scotland,” or “Substance misuse rehab Edinburgh or Glasgow” to refine your search.
- Contact AAT Organisations: Reach out to organisations that specialise in animal-assisted therapy (AAT). They can offer valuable recommendations or connect you with facilities that include alpaca therapy within their framework.
- Ask About Residential Treatment Amenities: Enquire about the amenities offered by residential rehab centres. Comfortable accommodation, therapy spaces and surroundings can make a significant difference to your recovery experience.
- Ask About Other Therapies: It’s important to know how alpaca-assisted therapy fits into a broader treatment programme. Ask about other therapeutic options provided, such as addiction counselling, mindfulness sessions or group therapy.
- Ask About Their Experience and Credentials: Make sure the facility and staff are fully qualified. Their experience and credentials demonstrate their ability to deliver safe, effective and compassionate treatment tailored to your needs.
Find Out About Our Residential Treatment
Castle Craig offers free drug and alcohol addiction assessments to help you take the first step towards recovery. Our experienced team is dedicated to understanding your unique situation, providing a compassionate and confidential service designed to guide you towards the support you need.
We create tailored treatment plans to suit your individual requirements, offering a clear and accurate understanding of residential rehab costs and the different ways to pay. Contact our team today on 01721 546 263 to discuss your circumstances and explore how we can help you begin your recovery with confidence.
Free Addiction Assessment
Taking the first step and asking for help can feel daunting, but our team is here to assist you.
What is Alpaca-Assisted Intervention (AAI)?
Alpaca assisted intervention (AAI) is a therapeutic approach where interactions with alpacas are used to support mental health and addiction recovery. These gentle animals can help participants enjoy emotional connections, reduce stress and improve overall well-being during the rehab treatment process.
AAI combines the calming nature of alpacas with structured therapeutic practices to create a supportive environment for rehab. Sessions often encourage mindfulness, emotional growth and confidence, offering you a unique way to cope with challenges and reconnect with yourself.
Common Alpaca Assisted Activities During Addiction Rehab
Castle Craig offers animal-assisted activities including alpaca and equine-assisted therapy as part of our holistic approach to substance misuse recovery. Our complementary activities provide a unique way to encourage emotional healing and personal growth using the nurturing presence of animals to help individuals feel motivated on their recovery journey.
Below are examples of how alpaca-assisted activities can support your mental health during rehab. Each activity is carefully designed to support mindfulness, encourage an uplifted state of mind and promote connection with yourself and others.
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Grooming and Bonding with Alpacas
Grooming alpacas provides people with an opportunity to build trust and connection in a calming environment. The act of brushing and caring for these gentle animals creates a relaxing experience, giving a sense of accomplishment and mutual respect. Engaging in grooming also helps create a bond that can be profoundly therapeutic and affirming.
This activity encourages you to stay present in the moment, focusing on the alpaca’s needs. It offers a way to develop nurturing behaviours which can parallel self-care while helping you feel more capable and compassionate.
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Guided Nature Walks with Alpacas
Guided walks with alpacas through natural surroundings encourage mindfulness and provide a sense of peace. Walking alongside these animals offers gentle companionship and can help ease anxious thoughts. The steady rhythm of moving with an alpaca provides a grounding experience.
During these walks, participants often develop a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature. The peaceful surroundings encourage relaxation and introspection, offering a soothing space for emotional growth and recovery.
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Feeding and Daily Care Routines
Feeding and caring for alpacas helps you develop a sense of responsibility and routine. Learning how to provide nourishment and meet the animals’ needs helps you focus outward, which can be grounding during times of significant change.
Engaging in daily care routines offers moments to build discipline and structure, important pillars in the recovery process. These interactions remind you about the value of consistency and care, not just for the alpacas, but for yourself as well.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Exercises
Alpacas naturally inspire a sense of calm, making them ideal companions for mindfulness exercises. Guided breathing or mindfulness meditation activities alongside an alpaca helps participants to embrace the present moment, easing their minds through interaction with these peaceful animals.
Mindful moments support you in managing stress and anxiety effectively, offering an opportunity to relax and reconnect with inner calm. Having an alpaca present brings additional comfort and a layer of unique support to your residential rehab experience.
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Emotional Processing with your Therapist and an Alpaca
An alpaca’s presence during therapy sessions creates a supportive space for emotional expression. Sitting with these empathetic animals encourages participants to open up and share their feelings while working with a trained therapist.
Alpacas can mirror emotions and respond with calmness during moments of vulnerability. Their gentle presence helps you to feel less judged, making it easier to process emotions and work through challenging experiences.
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Group Activities Focused on Trust and Connection
Alpacas play an important role in group activities that help patients build trust and form supportive friendships. Tasks like leading alpacas through obstacle courses or working together to gain the trust of an alpaca promote cooperation and teamwork.
Shared experiences highlight the importance of communication and mutual care, key elements of the recovery process. Bonding with alpacas in this group setting encourages you to develop a deeper sense of community and unity.
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Creative Expression Inspired by Alpaca Interaction
Creative activities at some rehabs such as art groups, journalling or crafting based on interaction with alpacas provide a unique way to express emotions. These experiences give participants an outlet to explore and process their feelings creatively and personally.
Creating something inspired by time spent with alpacas can be both empowering and therapeutic. It stimulates your imagination and helps you find a sense of meaning during your recovery process.
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Building Responsibility and Routine Through Animal Care
4-week, 6-week and 12-week residential rehab programmes offer you dedicated time to focus on your addiction healing while building healthy habits and coping mechanisms. Caring for alpacas regularly over time builds responsibility and helps establish a routine, which is essential in recovery. Feeding, grooming and looking after their well-being are daily tasks that build an important sense of purpose.
Taking on these responsibilities encourages you to recognise the value of your contributions and what you can do to care for others. Over time, it instils healthy habits and greater self-reliance, reinforcing life skills that are integral to sustained abstinence in the future.
Does Alpaca Therapy Help with Drug or Alcohol Addiction?
The effectiveness of alpaca therapy depends on individual needs. Some people may also require medical detox to address withdrawal symptoms, while others might benefit more from a combination of therapies and complementary activities, including alpaca-assisted interactions. Each person’s recovery path is different.
At Castle Craig, we take a holistic approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction, focusing on the individual as a whole. Time with animals may be offered alongside your evidence-based treatments during rehab, helping to support emotional strength and promote achievable, 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 Alpaca Therapy in the UK?
Coverage for alpaca therapy in the UK depends on the insurance provider and the levels of coverage included in your policy. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand what complementary offerings and treatments are included in your plan. Many addiction rehabs include animal-assisted activities as part of an all-inclusive treatment programme.
If you are authorised for treatment with us, Castle Craig accepts private health insurance from many major providers and can guide you through our insurance admissions process. If you are unsure about how to approach your provider, or you do not have health coverage, contact us on 01721 546 263 to learn more about other payment options.
How Much Does Alpaca Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Cost?
Some rehab centres may incorporate alpaca-assisted activities into their addiction treatment programmes. On its own, the cost of alpaca therapy with an accredited therapist can vary, costing anywhere in the region of £90 for a group session or £125 for a single session. A comprehensive 28-day addiction treatment programme typically ranges between £18,000 and £40,000, depending on the services, facilities and complementary therapies included.
If you’re interested in experiencing interactions with animals as part of your rehab stay, contact us at Castle Craig to discuss how it could be integrated into your treatment schedule. Our team is here to help, seven days a week.
Questions About Holistic Rehab Treatment?
Contact us to discuss your treatment needs with a licensed clinician.
How to Get Admitted for Holistic Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Our research-based and holistic addiction treatment is designed to meet your specific needs. This personalised approach considers your unique circumstances and recovery goals. Below is an outline of the steps to get started:
- Contact Castle Craig Admissions Team: Reach out to our compassionate admissions team, who are ready to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. We’ll provide all the information you need about our services and discuss the steps required to begin your treatment.
- Complete a Confidential Addiction Assessment: This alcohol or drug assessment helps us understand your situation and challenges. It’s carried out with care and respect, aiming to create a treatment plan best suited to your recovery path.
- Discuss Alpaca Acitivity Options: During the process, we’ll explore how alpaca activities can be arranged during your stay and answer any questions you have about our other holistic treatments.
- Confirm Costs, Payments or Insurance: Understanding the financial aspects of addiction treatment is important. We will help you review the costs involved and discuss payment options or insurance coverage to make the process as stress-free as possible.
- Schedule Your Addiction Rehab Admission Date: Once everything is in place, we’ll help you set a date to begin your residential rehab treatment. Our team will guide you through the final preparations, making sure you feel supported as you take this important step toward recovery.
Contact Castle Craig Today
If you’re ready to take the next step towards recovery, contact Castle Craig. Our team is here to guide you through our residential treatment options and admissions process. You can also book a free addiction assessment designed to support you in starting your recovery with confidence.
Call us today on 01721 546 263 to speak with our compassionate team. Alternatively, you can fill out the online form below, and we’ll get in touch to help you on your journey to healing. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Free & Confidential Assessment
Compassionate, 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 Alpaca-Assisted Therapy Programmes in the UK
- Therapy animals, such as those at Castle Craig, provide emotional support that reduces cravings and triggers, aiding long-term recovery.
- Nearly three-quarters (72%) of adults starting treatment in 2023-2024 reported a mental health treatment need, showcasing the importance of integrated care.
- Animal-assisted therapy, such as alpaca therapy, has been shown to reduce stress and promote emotional healing, as highlighted by Castle Craig’s therapeutic programmes.
- The NHS Well-being Service in Cumbria offers an “Alpaca Walk” programme at Alpaca Ever After, designed to boost mood and encourage gentle physical activity.
- Alpaca therapy sessions have been used in NHS facilities, such as Lanchester Road Hospital, where alpacas visit to provide comfort and reduce stress for patients.