Human-Animal Interaction in the Program Structure: A Case Study of Recuperation Process among Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDS)

Substance use is a widespread social concern among an estimated number of 279 million individuals involved (Lui et al., 2022). Approximately 1.8 million Filipino individuals have abused drugs (Gershman, 2016). Three thousand eight hundred sixty-five (3,865) were admitted in seventy (70) treatment and rehabilitation facilities wherein sixty-two (62) are residential and eight (8) are for outpatient (Dangerous Drugs Board, 2022). Excessive substance use led to substance use disorder, a chronic and recurring illness that is manifested by a persistent dependence on addictive drugs, despite their detrimental effects on the user and the community (Koob et al., 2010). Exposure and experience with substance use pose threatening risks that increase the possible emergence of physical illnesses and contribute to the existence of dysfunctional society that would eventually manifest in criminal acts. To address this, organizations and governments have made extensive effort to research various treatments, approaches and intervening modalities against substance use disorder. Common approaches in rehabilitation centers are multidisciplinary approach and therapeutic community approach. Multidisciplinary approaches offer skills of mental health professionals such as psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, or other practitioners from similar disciplines in mutual interest with the families for the benefit of the drug dependents. Therapeutic community approach sees addiction as a symptomatic manifestation of a more complex psychological problem where emotional, social, physical and spiritual values are considered to address what effectuates the presenting problem. It is a program with structure where the community is used as the primary approach to facilitate behavioral and attitude change. The individual is provided with information and the importance to change from being a part of the community (Dangerous Drug Boards, 2022). However, no single approach was proven to be the best fit in treating substance use. Emerging approaches in addiction recovery are considered, adapted, and utilized to bring forth the best service in reconciling addiction problems ending its detrimental effect to the society at large. Human-Animal Interaction in the field of psychology is a fascinating and growing trend in human psychopathology. It is an approach where animals are used to relieve human stress, alter mood, elicit affection, and produce positive emotion (Beetz, et al., 2012). Animals were already used in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients’ way back in 1980’s mostly in penology and psychiatric settings. Existing literature suggests its possible potent efficacy during that time. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, said that “A small pet animal is often an excellent companion for the sick”. She made a significant discovery regarding Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and it was observed that pets showed decreased anxiety in children and adults living in psychiatric institutions. Furthermore, AAT became a treatment for anxiety and as a method to relax (Ernst, 2014). The potential of human-animal approach in treating substance use addiction was initiatively applied by Dr. Melhammid C. Tomawis, Chief of hospital in Department of Health Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center-Agusan del Sur. He believes that animal and human interaction create a pathway that reset the human mind to its roots and nature. Exposing a person with addiction to nature and animals enables the human essence to flourish and find meaning to every happening and purpose to life’s upbringing. Hence, his vision to addiction treatment paved opportunities to generate and explore the role of animals in drug treatment and rehabilitation. To explore the role and effects of animals as part of the treatment structure in the rehabilitation center, the present study employed a case study approach. It explored the contribution of integrating human-animal interaction in the treatment structure of drug dependents. It is expected to foster self-discipline and develop a sense of responsibility. More so, this present study provided further understanding and examination to human-animal interaction as an approach in substance use intervention and potentially be a promising treatment modality.