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Substance abuse : research and treatment2016; 10; 99-108; doi: 10.4137/SART.S40475

More Than Just a Break from Treatment: How Substance Use Disorder Patients Experience the Stable Environment in Horse-Assisted Therapy.

Abstract: Inclusion of horse-assisted therapy (HAT) in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is rarely reported. Our previous studies show improved treatment retention and the importance of the patient-horse relationship. This qualitative study used thematic analysis, within a social constructionist framework, to explore how eight patients experienced contextual aspects of HAT's contribution to their SUD treatment. Participants described HAT as a "break from usual treatment". However, four interrelated aspects of this experience, namely "change of focus", "activity", "identity", and "motivation," suggest HAT is more than just a break from usual SUD treatment. The stable environment is portrayed as a context where participants could construct a positive self: one which is useful, responsible, and accepted; more fundamentally, a different self from the "patient/self" receiving treatment for a problem. The implications extend well beyond animal-assisted or other adjunct therapies. Their relevance to broader SUD policy and treatment practices warrants further study.
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Publication Date: 2016-10-06 PubMed ID: 27746677PubMed Central: PMC5054942DOI: 10.4137/SART.S40475Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research suggests that incorporating horse-assisted therapy (HAT) in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment could serve as more than a mere recess from usual treatments. It explores how this therapy offers a stable environment where patients can re-establish a positive identity, changing their focus, engaging in new activities, strengthening their sense of self, and heightening their motivation for recovery.

Introduction to Horse-Assisted Therapy in SUD Treatment

  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a prevalent issue globally, warranting efficient treatment processes. One approach to boost the effectiveness of these treatments may be through supplementary therapies such as Horse-Assisted Therapy (HAT).
  • This study aims to explore the impact and potential benefits that HAT could bring to patients undergoing SUD treatment. No previous research has thoroughly studied the direct experience of patients with this therapy mode.

Research Methodology

  • A qualitative study was carried out, involving thematic analysis within a social constructionist framework to understand how patients perceive HAT’s contribution to their treatment plan.
  • The participants of the study were a group of eight patients undergoing SUD treatment. They provide insights into their experiences with HAT and how it influences their treatment experience.

Key Findings

  • Participants described HAT as a “break from usual treatment”. However, the study revealed four interrelated aspects that suggest that HAT serves more than just a recess from regular treatment.
  • These aspects include a change of focus, activity, identity, and motivation. Each of these parameters contributes to the overall efficacy of SUD treatment when integrated with HAT.
  • The stable environment provided by HAT has been depicted as a context where participants could construct a positive self-image. The therapy enabled patients to view themselves as useful, responsible, and accepted individuals, transitioning away from the self-perception of being a patient under treatment.

Implication and Future Directions

  • The findings of this study have broad implications, particularly within the realm of animal-assisted therapy. However, their relevance also extends to wider SUD treatment policies and practices.
  • Given that the results demonstrated positive benefits of integrating HAT into the treatment process, it’s suggested that further studies are warranted to fully understand the potential benefits and impacts of HAT within the context of SUD treatment.

Cite This Article

APA
Kern-Godal A, Brenna IH, Arnevik EA, Ravndal E. (2016). More Than Just a Break from Treatment: How Substance Use Disorder Patients Experience the Stable Environment in Horse-Assisted Therapy. Subst Abuse, 10, 99-108. https://doi.org/10.4137/SART.S40475

Publication

Substance abuse : research and treatment
ISSN: 1178-2218
NlmUniqueID: 101514834
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 10
Pages: 99-108

Researcher Affiliations

Kern-Godal, Ann
  • Department of Addiction Treatment, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.; Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Brenna, Ida Halvorsen
  • Department of Addiction Treatment, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Arnevik, Espen Ajo
  • Department of Addiction Treatment, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Ravndal, Edle
  • Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Authors disclose no potential conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 9 times.
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