Equine-assisted services for individuals with substance use disorders: a scoping review

Abstract

The implementation of equine-assisted services (EAS) during treatment for psychological disorders has been frequently documented; however, little is known about the effect of EAS on outcomes for populations with substance use disorder (SUD). The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize existing literature reporting the effects of EAS when incorporated into SUD treatment. This review followed guidelines in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist for scoping reviews. A search of four databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Academic OneFile) identified studies reporting quantitative and/or qualitative data for an EAS intervention that was implemented among a population receiving treatment for and/or diagnosed with SUD. Of 188 titles, 71 underwent full-text assessment and six met inclusion criteria. Three additional articles were identified through other sources. Quantitative data suggested a potential positive effect of EAS on SUD treatment retention and completion as well as participants’ mental health; however, studies were limited by small sample sizes. Qualitative data indicated that in addition to participants developing bonds with the horses and perceiving EAS as welcomed breaks from traditional treatment, they experienced increased self-efficacy, positive emotional affect, and SUD treatment motivation. Due to methodological limitations and an overall dearth of available studies, the effectiveness of EAS as adjuncts to SUD treatment is inconclusive. Additional research is necessary before supporting broad implementation of EAS as adjuncts to SUD treatment.

Improvement of Self-Esteem in Children with Specific Learning Disorders after Donkey-Assisted Therapy

“…Similar studies had already been carried out on at-risk adolescents and their body image, self-control, confidence and satisfaction [ 65 ], but not in patients with obesity. The intervention was also found to have a positive effect on the treatment of patients suffering from substance use disorders [ 66 ]. The latter perceived the contact with the animal as a break from traditional treatments, and positive results were recorded both in the retention and completion of treatment.…”

Treatments Used Among Adolescent Residential Addiction Treatment Facilities in the US, 2022

“…No other evidence-based treatment was used by more than one-third of facilities. Despite limited evidence of its efficacy, equine therapy was more common than buprenorphine use …”

The Effects of a Collegiate Recovery Community Psychotherapy Program Incorporating Equine Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorder

“…Unlike the more common approach of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) located within an office setting where the patient is usually static during the session as they work on verbalizing thoughts and feelings while building coping skills [21,22], PIE often consists of labor-intensive activities during the therapeutic process that may include leading, grooming, tacking, and/or riding a horse [16][17][18]. While both CBT and PIE are typically short-term therapeutic interventions, through the equine activities associated with PIE, the participant benefits from a form of exercise therapy that utilizes three types of exercise: flexibility, strength building, and aerobic capacity [23][24][25][26]. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, increases heart and respiration rates in humans [27,28] and horses [29,30].…”

“…Feelings of connectedness during the therapeutic invention were reported as being critical during the COVID-19 pandemic as feelings of isolation were prevalent due to social distancing guidelines [39]. Research, nevertheless, has remained limited as to this relationship between PIE and the body's response to this form of exercise within SUD patients [23,24]. Further, while Klienbub et al [37] offer value in the understanding of human physiological synchronization within the therapeutic setting, this research has not extended to equine interaction within the therapeutic environment for the SUD patient.…”

“…Engagement and retention within the therapeutic process are critical for the success of a therapeutic intervention [37]; however, dropout rates are quite high in the early stages of substance abuse treatment [23]. This timing of the loss of retention within the therapeutic intervention is attributed to the withdrawal stage during the treatment process for SUD.…”