How Companion Animals Support Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder: An Exploratory Study of Patients in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program

Brynn M Kosteniuk,Colleen Anne Dell

doi:10.18192/aporia.v12i1.4841

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed increased attention to the benefits of companion animals on human health, though little attention has been paid to the potential to support recovery from a substance use disorder. Amidst an opioid crisis in Canada, studying this overlooked source of support may be beneficial. This study explores how companion animals support the recovery of seven methadone maintenance treatment patients in a Canadian core neighborhood. Through semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis, the findings demonstrate that individuals’ companion animals support their recovery in four areas of their lives: (i) social, (ii) health and wellbeing, (iii) home, and (iv) purpose and empowerment. These themes were found to align with and expand upon the four dimensions of a Life in Recovery outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Structuring the paper by the expanded categories, this study introduces how companion animals fulfilled supportive roles that other humans could not or chose not to provide, while the human-animal bond encouraged a strengths-based approach to individuals’ recovery. This helped foster positive self-identity and a perceived choice over individuals’ recovery pathways.

Highlights

Opioid-related deaths have been on the rise across Canada; in 2016 there were 3,014 opioid-related deaths, and 3,988 in 2017.[1]
Methadone is a controlled substance under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Narcotic Control Regulations,[8] and is used in Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) to treat longstanding opioid use disorder. [9,10] As a form of harm reduction,[11] MMT is frequently perceived by the general public as a substitute for opioid misuse rather than a method of supporting individuals seeking recovery.[12]
It was found that the preliminary themes fit into and/or aligned with, and expanded upon the four dimensions that promote a life in recovery outlined by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): community, health, home, and purpose

Summary

Introduction

Opioid-related deaths have been on the rise across Canada; in 2016 there were 3,014 opioid-related deaths, and 3,988 in 2017.[1]. One contributing factor is the high rate of misused[2] and diverted[3] prescription opioids,[4] the increasing overdose rate (at present) appears to be disproportionately attributable to highly potent or contaminated street supplies.[5] For example, between January and September 2018, 73% of accidental apparent opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogues. [10] it is well-documented that MMT is a treatment that positively impacts individuals’ quality of life (e.g., stable employment), social functioning (e.g., contact with care providers), physical and mental health (e.g., avoid harmful street supply drugs), and pregnancy outcomes.[13] It is an effective means to establishing connections to nonpharmacological support (e.g., counselling).[14]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion