I have depression and anxiety issues and am an alcoholic and drug addict who will be celebrating 6 years clean and sober next week!!
I unfortunately rehomed all my animals years ago when I was unable to care for them. I could barely keep myself alive, let alone my animals. That was one of the VERY few smart things I did in 15 years...
After getting clean and sober and starting to get settled into my new life I realized I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to get a fish tank. Then I started getting back into snakes once my girlfriend agreed to me having a snake in the house.
I love my fish, don't get me wrong, but my snakes are my "medicine" most days. There's just something about them that makes me feel peaceful and tranquil. When one of the snakes is out I just generally feel much more relaxed and calm. The way they move, the mystique they have about them, the way they feel...it fascinates me.
I used to say "the only thing better than drugs is more drugs"...now I say "the only thing better than snakes is more snakes"!!!! Hahahaha!!
OP, THANKS FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!!