Maryland Equine Therapy Rehab Centers

Individuals suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse problems often feel as if they are alone, but they are not. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 3.27 percent of the population in Maryland suffered from at least one serious mental health issue in the past year. Many of those individuals also suffered from a chemical dependency to illegal drugs or alcohol.

There are many forms of treatment available to those who suffer from a co-occurring issue of mental health disorders and substance abuse problem. Counseling and medication management are popular options, but another form of treatment can be used – equine therapy.

Unfortunately many individuals, approximately 436,000 people in the state of Maryland, do not get help for their illegal drug or alcohol dependency. Learn about how equine therapy can help those individuals recover from a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy, commonly called horse therapy, is the use of therapeutic horses to treat emotional disorders or substance abuse problems. The way equine therapy works will vary depending upon the facility that offers it, but the goal is to allow a patient to form a close one-on-one relationship with a horse. This working relationship allows people to channel their emotions and/or learn responsibility, which are two very important things that must be done to overcome a substance abuse problem.

The tasks a patient performs during equine therapy can include:

• Riding
• Feeding
• Grooming
• Cleaning the stables
• Simply interacting with the horse

A licensed counselor will often oversee the equine therapy session. They will help the patient explore their feelings and emotions, as well as talk about issues or memories that may arise.

Why Is Equine Therapy Successful?

Horses are very trusting creatures. It is believed that during equine therapy, a patient starts to learn a sense of responsibility by having this trusting creature placed in their care. This act alone allows patients to increase their self-worth and learn important skills that will help them overcome their substance abuse problem.

In addition to learning new skills, equine therapy can help reduce stress. Just by being around the therapy horse, patients will dramatically reduce their stress levels, which allow them to focus on recovery and beat their chemical dependency.

Get Help Today

Equine therapy is extremely healing and helpful to those who are suffering from a substance abuse problem or mental health disorder. Contact us at RehabCenter.net to learn more about this type of substance abuse treatment.