Giving up pets to seek rehab can worsen trauma. A Colorado group intends to end that
2:01 min.
https://apnews.com/article/pet-foster-care-addiction-rehab-colorado-0575655679d0d228e4dca9a83ca9c2c6
Giving up pets to seek rehab can worsen trauma. A Colorado group intends to end that
BY THOMAS PEIPERT
Updated 2:27 AM EDT, September 1, 2024
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Most residential rehab centers in the United States dont allow patients to bring their pets along, said Rubick, 51. So when his brother could no longer help care for the dog, Rubick thought he would have to make the excruciating decision to give up Tonks.
It basically came down to being able to take care of my dog or being able to take care of myself, he said.
Rubick who has been sober for more than two years and is now an addiction recovery coach was connected to the group PAWsitive Recovery, which fosters animals while their owners receive treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, and for people dealing with domestic violence or mental health crises.
People that are trying to get into recovery sometimes have lost their families, their children, any kind of support system that they have had, said Serena Saunders, the organizations program manager. Youre not going to compound trauma that youve already had by giving up the one thing that hasnt given up on you, and thats peoples animals.
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