Dogs

I think that it is quite common for those of us with addiction problems to also have other mental health issues.  Anxiety and depression are my own.  Part of building a solid recovery includes taking care of those issues that would otherwise lead back to drinking or other addictive behaviors.  I'm currently entirely off medication.  I used to (in recent history) take medicine for anxiety, depression, and insomnia.  Coming off those medications was not originally my own choice (a story for another entry), but once I was no longer dependent on them I decided to remain free of them.  I won't recommend this approach to anyone else in recovery, but for myself, I felt as though my use of those medications was similar to my use of alcohol, and what really needed to be addressed was my mindset and my environment.  One of the best things I've incorporated into my new life is my dogs.  They're both young (one year and eight months respectively) and they bring so much light into my life.  I feel like having an animal, especially a dog because of their happiness and loyalty, can be so life-changing for someone in recovery or someone dealing with major depression.  Interacting with animals can increase levels of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin in the brain, helping us to feel well. Isolation is a huge relapse trigger, and dogs will not leave you alone.  They won't let me stay in bed all day.  It's also incredibly lifting to have two very happy boys to greet me every time I come home.  Just knowing that they depend on me helps in keeping a fresh drive to be sober.  When I go through a depressed spell I used to stay indoors and isolate, but the dogs motivate me to get out and be active.  They've helped with my physical and mental health.  Honestly, I was struggling with my mood today, and even though I didn't want to do anything, I got up and got moving with my dogs.  In the evening I took them to a nearby park with my boyfriend and we walked them along Lake Michigan.  Being outside always lifts my mood, although sometimes it's hard to drag myself out of the house, even when I know that I should.  My dogs get me outside daily, and for a lot longer than I would be otherwise.  I live in Michigan, so I can't garden and play tennis all year round.  I walk them in the rain, in the snow, in the wind and fog...  They're also my best friends.  A lot of us have to isolate somewhat in the beginning of our recovery if we're to distance ourselves from "drinking buddies," or triggering people.  Having these guys around cuts the loneliness.