Across Native American communities, the crisis of addiction is deep and devastating. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Native Americans have the highest rates of substance use disorders of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Alcohol-related deaths are more than five times higher than the national average, and opioid overdoses have surged, especially among youth. In many tribal areas, access to culturally relevant treatment is limited, and mainstream rehab centers often overlook the unique needs of Indigenous people.
But there is hope—hope rooted in tradition, community, and spirit. The Wellbriety Movement is a powerful force for healing, offering a culturally grounded approach to recovery that is saving lives and restoring dignity. It’s more than just sobriety—it’s about becoming well in every part of life.
As Vine Deloria Jr., a respected Native scholar and activist, once said: “Recovery must include the soul, the spirit, and the culture of the people it seeks to help.”
If you or someone you love is looking for a Native American recovery program, the Wellbriety Movement may be the answer.
What Is the Wellbriety Movement?
The Wellbriety Movement is a Native American-led recovery movement that blends traditional spiritual teachings with modern recovery tools. It was founded by Don Coyhis of the Mohican Nation, who recognized the need for a recovery model that speaks to Indigenous experiences, honors cultural traditions, and heals historical trauma.
“Wellbriety” is a word that combines wellness and sobriety. But it’s much more than being clean from drugs or alcohol. It means healing the mind, body, and spirit. It means reconnecting with heritage, family, and the Earth. It means living in balance—something that many addiction programs simply don’t address.
The Wellbriety Movement uses the Medicine Wheel, the Four Directions, and other Native teachings to guide people through a spiritual and emotional journey of recovery. It includes 12-step principles but adds cultural depth that resonates with Native people.
Why Native Communities Need Culturally Rooted Recovery
Historical trauma—the result of colonization, forced relocation, boarding schools, and cultural suppression—has left deep scars on Native American families. These wounds have been passed down across generations and often show up as addiction, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
Mainstream addiction treatment doesn’t always account for this history. Many programs fail to include the spiritual, cultural, and communal elements that are essential to Native healing. This leads to lower success rates and feelings of isolation.
But programs that are culturally specific—like the Native American recovery programs found in the Wellbriety Movement—help people feel seen, heard, and empowered. They restore a sense of identity and purpose. They say: You belong. You are not broken. You come from a people who have survived and thrived for thousands of years.
And that’s exactly what makes Wellbriety work.
The Tools and Teachings of Wellbriety
Wellbriety programs often include:
- Talking Circles: Safe spaces to share openly with others in recovery
- Medicine Wheel Teachings: A framework for healing the whole self—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual
- Sweat Lodges and Ceremonies: Traditional practices for cleansing and spiritual connection
- Storytelling and Oral History: Honoring the wisdom of elders and ancestors
- The 12 Steps with Cultural Context: Integrating Native values into recovery work
These practices don’t replace clinical treatment—they enhance it. Many treatment centers now combine Wellbriety teachings with counseling, medication management, and trauma therapy to offer comprehensive care.
Does It Work? The Data Behind Wellbriety
While research on culturally adapted recovery is still growing, available data is promising:
- A study by SAMHSA found that Native-focused treatment programs have higher completion rates than standard ones.
- Participants in Wellbriety-based programs report greater satisfaction, stronger community support, and lower relapse rates.
- White Bison, the nonprofit behind the Wellbriety Movement, has trained thousands of facilitators across the U.S., Canada, and tribal nations.
Perhaps the strongest proof is the number of lives changed. From tribal jails to urban sober homes, the Wellbriety message continues to grow.
Who Can Join the Wellbriety Movement?
The Wellbriety Movement welcomes anyone who respects Native traditions and seeks healing. While it was created for Indigenous communities, it is inclusive and open to all people in recovery. However, it is especially important for:
- Native American individuals seeking culturally aligned treatment
- Tribal health departments and clinicians looking to expand care
- Rehab centers that serve Indigenous clients
- Families healing from addiction and trauma
Whether you’re starting your journey or years into recovery, Wellbriety offers a circle of support.
Where to Find a Native American Recovery Program with Wellbriety
Many tribal treatment centers and some non-tribal rehab facilities are White Bison Certified and incorporate Wellbriety teachings. To find a program near you:
- Visit https://whitebison.org
- Ask your tribal health department or clinic
- Contact Native American community centers or urban Indian health programs
- Search online for “Wellbriety programs near me” or “Native American addiction recovery”
Even if there’s not a local program, virtual meetings, books, and online resources are available.
A Message of Hope
Addiction can feel like a lonely, hopeless place. But healing is possible. And for Native communities, that healing must be rooted in culture, tradition, and connection.
The Wellbriety Movement is about reclaiming more than sobriety—it’s about reclaiming life, community, and spirit. It reminds us that we don’t heal alone. We heal in circles. We heal by remembering who we are.
As Don Coyhis says: “Culture is prevention. Culture is treatment. Culture is healing.”
If you or someone you love is ready for a new way forward, Wellbriety is here. The circle is open. The path is clear. And the future is full of hope.
