Substance Abuse Inpatients' Experience of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Abstract

This study explored the utility of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) as a therapeutic modality within a substance abuse inpatient treatment programme in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Four male participants residing in a 21-day treatment centre participated in a focus group discussion. Participants were asked to reflect on their experience of an AAT initiative that formed part of their inpatient treatment at the centre. Data were thematically analysed. Findings suggest that positive experiences with the animals increased self-awareness and promoted social mediation among the patients.