Addiction

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

Dr. Dell has been studying and contributing to the field of addictions for the majority of her academic career. This work was brought together with her understanding of the human animal bond starting in 2013, and is shared in her 2019 TedX Talk. Dr. Dell's academic sabbatical leave in 2013 started her on this journey. At the start of it she undertook training at Extreme K-9 to get to know her newest community research partners - dogs!
Prior to this current work Dr. Dell led two studies on equine therapy in the addictions field. The first explored the potential benefit of an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program on youths’ healing at the Nimkee NupiGawagan Healing Centre (NNHC). It concluded that youths’ healing was aided through the availability of a culturally-relevant space; from within an Indigenous worldview this understanding of space is central to individual and communal wellbeing.
A second study relied upon the richness of an exploratory case study approach involving the White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre and the Cartier Equine Learning Center. This community-based study examined the question of how an Equine Assisted Learning program contributes to the wellbeing of First Nations female youth who misuse volatile substances. The study shares how the EAL horses, facilitators and program content contributed to youths’ wellbeing in each area of the healing framework, with emphasis on the cultural significance of the horse and its helping role. The horse is a helper in the girls’ journeys toward improved wellbeing—the horse helps through its very nature as a highly instinctive animal, it helps the facilitators do their jobs, and it also helps put the treatment program activities into practice. In addition, the role of First Nations culture in the girls’ lives was enhanced through their encounters with the horses.
Dr. Dell secured a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Establishment Grant in 2015, starting the current focus of her work with canines and human recovery from addiction. This grant enabled her team to: (1) review knowledge documented in the literature and from Indigenous Elders regarding the key elements of Animal Assisted Interventions as a drug treatment intervention; (2) hold meetings to develop reciprocal relationships and address the guiding project questions; (3) establish pre-and post-meeting communications via a virtual working space; (4) attend intervention/demonstration sites and undertook evaluations that resulted in Fact Sheets (see publications); (5) undertake knowledge translation and dissemination activities through established mechanisms and expand on these; and (6) confirm a solid research partnership among our team members for future collaboration with a clear focus grounded in both the literature and practice-based expertise.
With the awarding of a Centenntial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness in 2016, Dr. Dell is leading numerous Animal Assisted Intervention research projects, participates on others' teams, and considers the role of animals in addictions-specific work she is involved in. For example, questions about the role of animals in recovery were added to Canada's first Life in Recovery survey.
Dr. Dell's approach to One Health is deeply informed by her understanding of the role of Indigenous culture in healing from addictions.
Dr. Dell is currently working with her team and graduate students on further evaluation of the PAWSitive Support Canine Assisted Learning program at Drumheller Institution, the Saskatoon Correctional Centre and Calder Addiction Treatment Centre, the in-person Regional Psychiatric Centre (RPC) Animal Assisted Therapy program, and during the COVID-19 pandemic an online Animal Assisted Activity program at RPC.
Dr. Dell is also lead a Health Canada SUAP project which aimed to have Canadian service dog organizations working with Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder address recovery from problematic substance use, by using evidence-informed practice, and with specific attention to substance use and distance peer support in their training programs. An overview video is available here. Dr. Dell completed several studies specific to Veterans, PTSD, recovery from problematic substance use and Service Dogs to inform this work. This work informed the design of a toolkit and on-line certificate training course available at no cost to Service Dog trainers and anyone else that is interested.
Dr. Dell and her community-based team are currently working on designing an on-line course for the substance use and allied workforce to consider companion animals in recovery.

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

HIGHLIGHTS

Academic Publications

Dell, C. & Butt, P. 2023. Recognizing the Role of Companion Animals in Addiction Recovery. Canadian Journal of Addiction. 14(2). DOI: 10.1097/CXA.0000000000000175
Fletcher-Hildebrand, S., Williamson, L., Lawson, K., & Dell, C. 2023. “Remotely and Collaboratively Evaluating a Campus-based Therapy Dog Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic”. Evaluation and Program Planning. 98. DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102239
Scheck, H., Williamson, L., Dell, C. 2022. “Understanding Forensic Psychiatric Patients’ Experience of Virtual Animal-Assisted Therapy Sessions during the COVID-19 Pandemic”. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 5(1), 1-8.
Gibson, M., Dell, C., Chalmers, D., Rath, G., Mela, M. (2023). “Unleashing Compassionate Care: Canine-Assisted Intervention as a Promising Approach to Prisonization in Canada and its Relevance to Forensic Psychiatry”. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 14:1219096. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1219096
Dell, C., Kosteniuk, B., Bentley, E. 2022. “Benefits and Challenges of Having a Service Dog Among Veterans in Recovery from Substance Use Harms”. Anthrozoös. 1-15.
Williamson, L., Dell, C., Chalmers, D., Cruz, M., De Groot, P. 2021. "Strengthening Zooeyia: Understanding the Human-Animal Bond between Veterans Living with Comorbid Substance Use and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and their Service Dogs". Human Animal
Interaction Bulletin. 10(2), 20-47.
Gibson, M, Williamson, L., Dell, C.,Chalmers, D., DeGroot, P. 2021. “Perceptions and Use of Alcohol and Medical Cannabis among Canadian Military Veterans Living with PTSD”. Journal of Veterans Studies. 7(1), 59-70.
Williamson, L., Dell, C., Osgood, N., Chalmers, D., Lohnes, C., Carleton, N., Asmundson, G. 2021.
"Examining Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Substance Use among a Sample of Canadian Veterans Working with Service Dogs: An Exploratory Patient-oriented Longitudinal study”. Journal of Veterans Studies. 9(11), pp.1-13.
Kosteniuk, B. and Dell, C. 2020. “How Companion Animals Support Recovery from Opioid Addiction: An Exploratory Study of Patients in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program”. APORIA Journal. 12(1): 91-108.
Husband, A., Ahmed, A., Dell, C. 2019. “An Exploratory Case Study of the Impact of Psychiatric Service Dogs on Problematic Substance Use among PTSD-Diagnosed Veterans”. Journal of Substance Use. 25:2, 113-117.
Adams, C., C. Arratoon, J. Boucher, G. Cartier, D. Chalmers, C. Dell, D. Dell, D. Dryka, R. Duncan, K. Dunn, C. Hopkins, L. Longclaws, T. MacKinnon, E. Sauve, S. Spence, M. Wuttunee. 2015. “The Helping Horse: How Equine Assisted Learning Contributes to the Wellbeing of First Nations Youth in Treatment for Volatile Substance Misuse”. Human Animal Interaction Bulletin.1:1, pp. 52-75.
Dell. C, & Anna-Belle (St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog). [by Anna-Belle the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog, as interpreted by her handler, Colleen Anne Dell]. 2015. “Questioning ‘Fluffy’: A Dog’s Eye View of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in the Treatment of Substance Misuse” Substance Use & Misuse. 50(8-9), pp. 1148-1152.
Chalmers, D. and C. Dell. 2011. “Equine-Assisted Therapy as an Adjunct to Solvent Abuse Treatment for First Nations Youth: A Key Consideration for Building an Empirical Knowledge Base”. Native Studies Review. Special invitation. 20(1), pp. 59-87.
Dell, C., D. Chalmers, N. Bresette, S. Swain, D. Rankin, C. Hopkins. 2011. “Creating Healing Spaces: The Experiences of First Nations and Inuit Youth with Equine-Assisted Learning”. Child and Youth Care Forum. 40(2), pp. 319-336. DOI 10.1007/s10566-011-9140-z
Dell, C., D. Chalmers, D. Dell, E. Sauve, T. MacKinnon. 2008. “Horse as Healer: An Examination of Equine Assisted Learning in the Healing of First Nations Youth from Solvent Abuse”. Pimitisiwin: A Journal of Indigenous and Aboriginal Community Health. 6(10), pp. 81-106.

Fact Sheets

Dell, C., Williamson, L., Canadian Centre on Substance Use & Addiction, Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2020). Fact Sheet: How Animals Can Help with Stress, Anxiety and Substance Use During COVID-19.
Several Fact Sheets are available here: Calder Centre, Cartier Farms, Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch, Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc, Saskatoon Health Region, Twisted Wire Ranch, University of Ottawa.

Presentations

Dell, C. (2023). Considering the Human Animal Bond as Support, Social Justice YXE: A Panel Event, Saskatoon, SK.
Dell, C. (2022). Animal Assisted Interventions for Addiction Treatment and Prevention. International Conference on Adolescent Drug Abuse. Crime Research Center, Taiwan Society for Substance Abuse Prevention. National Chung Cheng University. Virtual.
Dell, C. & Chalmers, D. (2021). Veteran Affairs Canada Special Committee–Service Dogs. Ottawa, ON. Virtual.
Dell, C. (2020). The Role of the Therapy Dogs in Addiction Recovery. Addictions Counselling Diploma Program, Saskatchewan Polytechnic–Prince Albert Campus. Saskatoon, SK. Virtual.
Dell, C. 2019. The Role of Therapy Dogs in Recovery from Addiction. TEDx Talk. Saskatoon, SK.
Dell. C. 2020. The Role of the Human-Animal Bond in Addiction Recovery. Prevention Institute. Saskatoon, SK. Virtual.
Williamson, L., Dell, C., Chalmers, D., Lohnes, C., LaPointe, M., Carleton, N., Asmundson, G. 2020.
Examining Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Substance Use Among a
Sample of Canadian Veterans Working with Service Dogs: An Exploratory Longitudinal Study.
INCAM Research Symposium. Saskatoon, SK. Virtual.
Dell, C. 2019. PAWS for Thought. Stigma Ends With Me Workshop. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction & Community Addictions Peer Support Association. Saskatoon: SK.
Dell, C. 2017. PAWSitive Support: Animal Assisted Interventions in the Treatment of Addictions &
Mental Health. Contact 2017 Transitions Conference. Saskatoon, SK.

Addiction Research Chair Outcomes

Dr. Dell's work is informed by research undertaken during her Addiction Research Chair (2007-2016)

Highlights of Dr. Dell's work during this time include:

Culture as Intervention Team (C. Dell NPI). 2015. Native Wellness AssessmentTM (Client) & Native Wellness AssessmentTM (Observer). Ontario: National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation.
Culture as Intervention Team (C. Dell NPI). 2015. Connecting with Culture: Growing Our Wellness Activity Guide (p. 42), Connecting with Culture: Growing Our Wellness Facilitator’s Handbook (p. 28), Indigenous Wellness Framework Poster, 4 Wallcards & Seeds.Ontario: National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation.
Culture as Intervention Team (C. Dell NPI). 2015. Products and Processes Video & Project Outcomes Video. Ontario: National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation.
Knight, L., Naytowhow, J. Dell, C., Espey, S., Project Team. 2013. Step By Step - Song & Video. This song is the product of findings of the ExChanging Conversations: Aboriginal Culture in the Journey of Healing from Addictions workshop & the CIHR-funded From Stilettos to Moccasins research project.
Dell, C., Fornssler, B., Culture as Intervention Project Team. 2012. ExChanging Conversations: Aboriginal Culture in the Journey of Healing from Addictions. A full-day mental health and addictions service provider workshop focused on raising awareness about the role of Aboriginal culture in healing from addictions with service providers. The learning objectives were: 1) To explore cultural humility 2) To explore the role of Indigenous culture in wellness from a strengths-based perspective, and 3) To honour the role of cultural identity in healing from addictions. Cultural guidance was offered by Elder Campbell Papequash and o-ska-pi-yoos (helper) Larry LaLiberty. A reflective video from team members is available here.
Dell, C. and CIHR Research Project Team. 2012. From Stilettos to Moccasins – Workshop Kit. This 3-hour, train the trainer format workshop is the product of the findings of a CIHR funded study focused on the role of identity and stigma in Indigenous women’s healing journeys from illicit drug abuse. The workshop kit has been distributed to over 150 community organizations in Canada by 14 Community Knowledge Ambassadors.
Dell, C., Culture as Intervention Project Team. 2012. Culture as Intervention - DVD. A 3 hour DVD depicting the role of Aboriginal culture gathered from over 100 stories of healing from addictions from our team’s facilitated Saskatchewan conversation. 5,000 have been distributed by Community Knowledge Brokers. Story sharing highlights include: Elder Betty, Stacey's Story of Healing, Jenny's Story of Healing (Cree language version), Valerie's Story of Healing (Cree language version), Aboriginal Culture Journey to Recovery, Cynthia and Russell, Elder Campbell Papequash.
Dell, C., Culture as Intervention Project Team. (2012). Journey Magnet and Exercise Sheet. This interactive word magnet depicts the role of Indigenous culture gathered from over 100 stories of healing from addictions from our team’s facilitated Saskatchewan conversation.
Dell. C, Research Project Team, MaeStar Productions. 2013. A Healing Journey. Our Research Project in Review.
V. Naytowhow, Dell, C., Research Project Team, MaeStar Productions 2010. From Stilettos to Moccasins - Music Video. This song is the product of the findings of a CIHR funded study focused on the role of identity and stigma in Aboriginal women’s healing journeys from illicit drug abuse.
Dell, C., CIHR Research Project Team, MaeStar Productions. 2009. Sharing Our Research Journey – DVD. This 30 minute video depicts the research journey of our community-based research team.
MORE TO COME SOON!

You can also learn more about her annual activities as the SK Research Chair in Substance Abuse here.

Funders & Supporters

BC Centre of Excellent on Women’s Health; Calder Centre; Cartier Farms; Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions Heartland Health Region; Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions Saskatoon Health Region; Eagle’s NestYouth Ranch; Department of Sociology, McMaster University; Department of Sociology, School of Public Health, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan; Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan, Inc; Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina; St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program (Saskatchewan); Twisted Wire Ranch Cultural Horse Program; University of Ottawa; Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction; Department of Sociology, School of Public Health University of Saskatchewan; Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina; Keystone Equine Centre; Lambton Equine Assisted Learning Centre; Nimkee NupiGawagan Healing Centre; National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation/Thunderbird Partnership Foundation; Office of the Research Chair in Substance Abuse, University of Saskatchewan, funded by a grant from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health ; Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse; Cartier Equine Learning Centre; Department of Sociology, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan; Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary; National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation/Thunderbird Partnership Foundation; White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre; Youth Solvent Addiction Committee; Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research.

Addiction

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

Do Animals Help Individuals Recover from Substance Use Problems?

Addiction Research Chair Outcomes

Dr. Dell's work is informed by research undertaken during her Addiction Research Chair (2007-2016)

Photo Gallery

Funders & Supporters

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