Dog ownership for people with substance use disorder: self-reported influence on substance use and mental health

TL;DR

This study explores how owning a dog can help people with substance use disorder by improving their mental health and reducing substance use.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into how dog ownership specifically influences substance use and mental health in people with SUD.

Findings

Dog ownership helped participants develop a new sense of self and reduce substance use.

Participants reported improved mental health and emotional stability through their bond with their dogs.

Owning a dog contributed to managing depressive episodes and reducing suicidal thoughts.

Abstract

Dog ownership has been reported to positively influence the lives of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) fostering social connection, a sense of belonging, and greater daily structure. However, the specific ways in which dog ownership impacts substance use and mental health remain underexplored. This study aimed to explore how people with SUD perceived that dog ownership affected their use of substances and mental health characteristics.

Qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight individuals with experience of dog ownership and SUD. Data were gathered and analysed using a 4-step qualitative content analysis.

Three key categories emerged from the analysis. The unique relationship with their dog encouraged the development of a new sense of self for participants that had not been previously possible. Participants reported an increased awareness and regulation of substance use, and they became more mindful of their use, often reducing or managing it to align with caring for their dog. The bond with their dog contributed to improved mental health, emotional stability and appeared to play a role in reducing suicidal ideation.

Dog ownership provided participants with a positive sense of self and reinforced feelings of self-worth. This helped them move away from impulsive or habitual substance use patterns and adopt a more intentional, less harmful approach. The relationship with the dog also appeared to stabilise participants’ mental health, enabling them to navigate depressive episodes more effectively and recover from negative moods more easily.