Texas Equine Therapy Rehab Centers

When it comes to the prison system, it’s not uncommon to rehabilitate prisoners by assigning animals to them. Normally, these animals are dogs that are assigned as young puppies, and as part of rehabilitation efforts the prisoner is tasked with helping to raise the young puppy, usually so that it can become a service dog for the blind. This helps give the prisoner purpose while serving his or her term, while also helping promote emotional growth and personal development.

On a related note, one way that many rehabilitation centers have begun to treat those suffering from mental illnesses or substance abuse is through equine therapy. Specifically, this is a type of holistic treatment that involves horses in a therapeutic setting. It’s been proven successful in treating mental and substance abuse disorders in children, adolescents and adults.

As you know, mental health disorders and substance abuse in individuals are common across the nation, not to mention the state of Texas. In fact, in Texas, it’s estimated that 457,000 individuals are in need of treatment for illicit drug use, but presently not receiving it.

On a similar note, it’s estimated that as many as 1.3 million Texans are in need of treatment for alcohol abuse, but currently not receiving it. Furthermore, over 4 percent of Texas’ 18 and up population are estimated to have dealt with a serious mental illness within the past year. As you can see, mental health and substance abuse issues are a factor in the Lonestar State. Equine therapy is one method that’s been proven effective in treating it.

Equine Therapy

While working with horses is usually only a small part of any rehabilitation center’s complete recovery plan, equine therapy has demonstrated life changing benefits – especially in individuals who have not been responsive to other types of therapy.

Equine therapy works by having patients spend time with horses on a daily basis, in addition to their other recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Horses need to be fed, groomed and exercised, all tasks that the patient is held responsible for in an attempt to give them a new sort of focus, thereby replacing unhealthy habits with healthy, fulfilling ones. Animals have long been considered therapeutic for people and equine therapy helps patients to develop relationships with these horses, enhancing their self-worth and giving them purpose.

Contact Us Today

For more information on the value of equine therapy and how it may be able to help anyone you know that is suffering from a mental illness or substance abuse – or both – contact us at RehabCenter.net today. We’ll help pair you or your loved one with the information and the right facility to put them on the path to recovery.