A Montana addiction treatment program is pairing horses, alpacas and other animals with outpatient recovery, and the results are turning heads.
For Montana residents seeking addiction treatment options beyond traditional therapy, the Rimrock Foundation in Billings is showing what innovative, community-supported care can look like.
How Equine Therapy Is Changing Addiction Treatment in Montana
The Rimrock Foundation has partnered with Chinook Horses to offer an eight-week outpatient equine-assisted therapy program for clients in active recovery.
Rather than meeting in a traditional counseling room, participants spend their sessions in a barn setting, interacting with horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, chickens and even an emu.
Chinook Horses Executive Director Abigail Hornik says the approach delivers measurable results. Her organization reports a reduction of up to 80% in anxiety among clients who complete an eight-to-ten-week program.
The structure is intentional: clients work with the same herd each week, building consistent trust and connection with the animals over time.
The program currently serves eight clients at a time and is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders and NorthWestern Energy, making it accessible to participants without out-of-pocket cost.
One Client’s Journey Through Addiction Treatment
Teneya Janis has used substances for six years and has been through Rimrock’s inpatient program twice.
After completing 30 days of inpatient treatment, she transitioned into the equine therapy outpatient program, and says this time something clicked.”I’m in it to win it. Seriously, I really want to be sober,” Janis said.
For Janis, the animals offer more than a distraction. She describes leaving each session with a clear mind and reduced anxiety. Her goal after the eight-week program is straightforward: “Just live free, as they live free.”
Her story reflects a common pattern in addiction recovery, that finding the right combination of treatment methods, including non-traditional approaches, can make the difference between relapse and lasting sobriety.
Understanding Substance Addiction and Signs to Watch For
Substance addiction is a medical condition in which a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on a drug or alcohol, continuing use despite negative consequences.
In Montana, as across the country, addiction affects people of all backgrounds and ages. Common signs of addiction include:
- Continued use despite harm to relationships, work, or health
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Inability to cut back despite wanting to
- Increasing time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from a substance
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities once enjoyed
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love, reaching out to a Montana addiction treatment center is an important first step.
Finding Addiction Treatment Centers in Montana
Montana residents have access to a range of addiction treatment options, from inpatient detox and residential programs to outpatient services like the one offered at Rimrock Foundation.
Programs increasingly incorporate holistic therapies, including equine-assisted therapy, alongside evidence-based clinical care.
Whether you’re searching for or exploring drug rehabs in Montana for the first time, speaking with a treatment specialist can help you find the right fit.
Search Addictions.com directory to find verified rehab treatment centers. You can also call
800-681-1058
(
Sponsored)
to speak with someone who can help you take the next step.