ABSTRACT
All addictions, including alcoholism, create a temporary sense of euphoria and/or a release from pain and distress. There are a number of effective interventions in the treatment of alcoholism, but few offer the immediate feedback and hands-on challenges and rewards as equine therapy does. Working with horses addresses many of the issues that alcoholics struggle with, particularly during the early stages of recovery. Equine-assisted mental health is an effective supplemental treatment intervention during alcoholism recovery. The aims of this type of therapy, depending on the various stages of sobriety, could incorporate: recognition of core feelings, grounding and relaxation techniques, relationship skills, self-forgiveness, and confidence building. Equine therapy is usually employed as a supplemental treatment option used in conjunction with more traditional interventions from addictions such as 28-day inpatient rehabilitation and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Equine psychotherapy can begin at any stage of recovery with the goals adjusted to fit the needs of the recovering individual.
