By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Furry companions are looking to be introduced by CKF Addiction Treatment as the brand new "Comfort Crew" program.
The "Comfort Crew" is CKF's newest program that is meant to bring connection, safety and support to patients going through difficult times. According to CKF, "Comfort Crew" is their companion dog program, designed to bring warmth, companionship and healing energy into recovery spaces.
CKF will have specially trained dogs, along with their dedicated handlers to provide comfort during some of the most difficult moments in treatment. Whether it is a reassuring presence in group sessions, a calming influence in schools or a source of joy at community events.
Leading factor in starting "Comfort Crew"
Manager of Adolescent Services & Community Engagement, Chelsey Eberwein stated the leading factor on why CKF started this new program.
"The leading factor in starting the Comfort Crew Program was our deep commitment to creating a healing environment that goes beyond traditional clinical care," she said. "It is also part of CKF’s mission to find new ways to create a more personal, compassionate, emotionally supportive environment for all individuals. We recognized that recovery is not just about treating substance use it’s about restoring connection, trust and emotional safety."
Eberwein added the opportunity "Comfort Crew" brings to impact the patient's life in a positive direction.
"We saw an opportunity to bring in the Comfort Crew to offer comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in an individual’s life," she said. "The presence of these animals provides a unique kind of support that helps individuals feel safe, reduces anxiety, encourages openness and reminds individuals that they are not alone in their journey. It is a simple, yet powerful way to support healing. The Comfort Crew was born from that vision to bring warmth and connection into spaces where people are doing incredibly hard work."
Throughout research, CKF found that there are many therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions.
Eberwein stated that studies they conducted found that interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase feelings of trust and safety, all of which are critical in addiction recovery.
According to the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, animal-assisted therapy showed to have significant increases in improvement on emotional well-being and engagement in treatment among individuals with substance use disorders.
"In one study, patients in addiction treatment were more likely to engage in therapy and complete their treatment plan when animal assisted therapies were present," Eberwein said. "While more research is always helpful, the evidence we have and the stories we hear every day show that programs like the Comfort Crew can make a meaningful difference."
For more information, contact CKF Addiction Treatment at: (785) 825-6224 or visit their website: https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/