The Healing Power of Psychiatric Support Animals in Drug and Alcohol Recovery: My Journey with Jacob and Corduroy

The road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction isn’t just paved with physical struggles but also deep emotional battles and the daily challenge of holding on to hope. For my best friend Jacob, who fought through three years of intense rehabilitation, this journey was not something he walked alone.  Before Jacob left his original inpatient recovery program in Austin, TX he asked me if I'd help him "do this."  I will never forget that call.  It was a journey shared, hand in hand, and at the heart of that healing was Corduroy and Reagan, two priceless psychiatric support dogs. 

Corduroy wasn’t just a pet. She was part of our pack family.  I raised Corduroy with Jacob, teaching her everything I had learned from getting Reagan as a puppy just 2 years earlier.  "Nugget" as Jacob nicknamed her became a steadfast companion who brought joy, stability, and light into Jacob’s life when the shadows of his past felt overwhelming.

Jacob struggled to distance himself from memories of a toxic family environment as a kid and teen, and he used drugs and alcohol as an escape.  In 2021 he bravely committed to finally neutralizing that past trauma and focused on building a new life for himself free of familiar temptations. Corduroy’s presence made a real difference during Jacob’s path to recovery—testament to how psychiatric support animals continue to transform lives.

Unconditional Love: A Healing Force

Recovery can feel isolating, and guilt or shame often keeps people from connecting with those around them. Jacob knew those feelings too well. Yet, whenever Corduroy curled up beside him, she offered something priceless: unconditional love.

That gentle presence, never judging or pulling away, made Jacob feel seen and accepted. I witnessed this over and over. The simple joy of watching Corduroy greet him with her wagging tail or feeling her soft, calming energy after a hard day brought moments of peace. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), animals like Corduroy can boost levels of serotonin and oxytocin—hormones that help ease stress and make us feel good.

Structure and Responsibility
In the chaos that addiction often leaves behind, creating a routine can be a lifeline. Jacob committed to his recovery. I knew he needed a way to bring consistency and purpose into his daily life in a way that didn't feel too burdensome.  I was sure a furry little pup would do that.

We had a plan: if caring for a puppy ever became too overwhelming for Jacob, Corduroy would come live full-time with me, providing the stability she needed without adding to his stress.  In the first weeks together with Corduroy, Jacob did take advantage of the plan often asking me to come get her, or that he wanted to "return" her. (She was my dog too... returning her was never going to happen.)

Slowly, Corduroy became a crucial part of Jacob’s healing. She was a tiny little thing.  Unlike when I had her at my house, in Jacob's condo "Nugget" as he often called her, had a big flight of stairs and a second floor to explore.  Jacob was used to having cats who do their own thing.  The routine of keeping tabs on a puppy brought structure to Jacob’s days, and having Corduroy to look after gave him a sense of purpose and focus.

On the hardest mornings, when getting out of bed felt insurmountable to him, the responsibility of caring for Corduroy became his reason to keep pushing forward.

Soothing Anxiety and Calming Triggers
There were times when Jacob’s anxiety was almost unbearable. Triggers and intrusive thoughts could set his mind spinning, and we both knew how hard it was to rein it in. But Corduroy had this incredible way of grounding him. The studies published in the *Journal of Psychiatric Research* are right—animals really do help lower stress and reduce symptoms of PTSD. I watched it unfold firsthand. If Jacob began to feel overwhelmed, Corduroy would quietly come over and lay her head in his lap, as if to say, "I’m here." Her presence helped slow his breathing and pull him back to a place of calm. Jacob witnessed the power Reagan had to do this for me, and him having Corduroy was just as impactful. 

Staying Active, Staying Present
Recovery is about finding new ways to be present and active. With Corduroy around, Jacob had more of a reason to get outside. Jacob great at staying committed to exercise, but eventually taking Corduroy on sightseeing adventures around town (and to the beach) because their "thing."

The exercise was therapeutic, and the rhythmic pace of walking side by side gave us both the mental space to process difficult emotions. As Corduroy trotted beside us, tail wagging, there was a sense of quiet hope—a reminder that every step forward mattered.

The Gift of Non-Judgment
Perhaps one of the most beautiful gifts Corduroy gave Jacob was a safe space to feel his emotions without fear. Jacob and I would spend hours and hours on the phone, sometimes 3- 5 hours discussing therapy lessons learned. During the times when we talked about the darkness he’d faced or the guilt he carried, Corduroy would cuddle up with him and simply listen. She never flinched, judged, or turned away. That kind of acceptance is rare.

Jacob often opened up more easily with me and his therapists, knowing Corduroy was there, and together, we worked through the pain he had buried for so long. Her trust and loyalty strengthened his ability to trust himself—and the process of healing.

Building Connection and Community
Addiction isolates, and the journey back to connection can be slow. Almost every friendship Jacob had was rooted in partying, especially with "the friend" who stole Corduroy the day he died. Jacob committed to his goal and he "didn't trust himself" around those people who still lived that lifestyle. 

But Corduroy is a happy, fuzzy, bouncing puppy and walking her meant meeting neighbors or striking up conversations with strangers, and slowly, Jacob started feeling less alone. That connection to the world outside our homes is critical for those in recovery. A study in *Frontiers in Psychology* supports this idea—pet owners really do feel a greater sense of community, and I know Corduroy helped make that possible for Jacob.

The Legacy of Love and Healing
Jacob’s commitment to recovery was made stronger by Corduroy’s unwavering love. She helped me, to help Jacob build a foundation of hope, and I’m so grateful that I got to be a part of that with him. His bond with Corduroy was a source of light and strength, a constant reminder that even in the hardest times, love and trust can carry us through.

Jacob and Corduroy’s story is a way to honor the power of psychiatric support animals. Their presence can be life-changing, not only for the person in recovery but also for those of us who love them.

If you or someone you know is walking the path of recovery, consider the healing impact of these incredible animals. Jacob would tell you, that kind of love can light up even the darkest nights.

*Sources:*
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- Journal of Psychiatric Research
- *Frontiers in Psychology*

Their story isn’t just about survival; it’s a testament to the resilience we can find in each other, in the animals we love, and in the hope that sustains us.

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Jacob passed away on June 11, 2024, at just 39 years old. On that very day, Corduroy was taken by someone he had considered a "friend," someone deeply entrenched in a substance abuse lifestyle. Tragically, Jacob’s biological family, who were not supportive of his incredible journey of rehabilitation, seem in denial of all he accomplished. In death, they have disparaged his memory and view Corduroy only as a piece of property belonging to his estate. Despite clear evidence of neglect, they have allowed this "friend" to keep caring for Corduroy. They have refused to cooperate in returning her to me and Reagan, who helped raise her in the only other home she’s ever known—where Jacob considered us his chosen family. The goal of this site is to raise awareness about trauma recovery and the incredible challenges of drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation, while also gathering financial support to fight for Corduroy’s through Probate Court.