What is Wellbriety? Understanding Your Path to Wellness

What Is Wellbriety?

What is Wellbriety? It’s a healing approach rooted in Native American culture, blending sobriety with a balanced and meaningful life. This path addresses substance abuse, mental health, and historical trauma, helping people heal spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The name reflects its mission: wellness plus sobriety.

Origins of the Wellbriety Movement

The Wellbriety Movement began as a grassroots effort in the 1990s, led by Don Coyhis and his team at the nonprofit organization White Bison. It was created to help Native communities recover from addiction while reconnecting with tribe traditions and values. The medicine wheel became a central part of its teachings, symbolizing balance and knowledge in recovery.

How Is Wellbriety Different From Traditional Programs?

Wellbriety differs from standard programs because it addresses historical trauma and domestic violence within Native communities. It integrates forgiveness, leadership, and cultural education into its curriculum. Unlike clinical-only models, Wellbriety sees the patient as a whole person — mind, body, and spirit.

Cultural Values

Wellbriety places tribe and cultural identity at the center of recovery. People are encouraged to reconnect with Native American traditions and take pride in their heritage. This foundation helps reduce relapse and rebuilds strong community ties.

Spiritual Focus

Spiritual healing is central to Wellbriety. Practices like sweat lodge, meditation, prayer, and connection with nature bring peace and purpose. At Beach View Recovery, we also help clients explore spirituality in ways that resonate with them, supporting grief, violence, and trauma recovery.

Physical and Mental Health

Wellbriety promotes total health by addressing both mental health and physical well-being. Good nutrition, exercise, and clinical care are encouraged alongside spiritual practices. Our Huntington Beach programs also support dual diagnosis treatment, recognizing how drug and alcohol use often overlap with mental illness.

Wellbriety for Substance Abuse Treatment

Wellbriety works well in substance abuse treatment by providing recovery support that feels authentic and culturally aligned. It helps people break free from methamphetamine, alcohol, and drug addictions while processing grief and violence from the past. At Beach View Recovery, we honor similar principles, offering trauma-informed therapy and cultural respect in our care.

The Future of Wellbriety

The future of Wellbriety looks promising. Its curriculum continues to expand beyond Native communities, appealing to anyone seeking meaning and connection in recovery. We believe its message of leadership, forgiveness, and spiritual growth will inspire new generations.

Learn More

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, Beach View Recovery is here to help. Our dual diagnosis programs in Huntington Beach combine evidence-based therapies with personal growth. Contact us today to see how we can help you build strength, balance, and long-term sobriety.

Why Choose Beach View Recovery?

At Beach View Recovery, we offer a safe and supportive place to begin your healing. Our team understands every patient’s story is unique, and we provide care that honors your needs. Whether you’re looking for education, spiritual growth, or clinical recovery support, our programs in Huntington Beach can help you find wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wellbriety

1. What is the main goal of the Wellbriety Movement?

The main goal of the Wellbriety Movement is to help people recover from substance abuse while healing emotional, spiritual, and cultural wounds. It focuses on sobriety, balance, and reconnection with Native American traditions. The movement also addresses historical trauma and promotes leadership, forgiveness, and community support.

2. How does the medicine wheel fit into Wellbriety?

The medicine wheel is a central teaching in Wellbriety. It represents balance between the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental parts of a person’s life. Many Wellbriety programs use the medicine wheel as a guide for building knowledge and staying grounded in recovery.

3. Can non-Native people participate in Wellbriety programs?

Yes, Wellbriety is open to everyone, not just Native American communities. While its roots are in Native culture, its principles of sobriety, spiritual growth, and healing are universal. Many non-Native patients also benefit from the program’s focus on mindfulness, forgiveness, and recovery support.

4. Does Beach View Recovery include any Wellbriety principles?

At Beach View Recovery, we honor many of the same values found in Wellbriety, such as holistic healing and trauma-informed care. We help patients explore spirituality, process grief, and address mental health as part of their recovery. While we don’t offer a formal Wellbriety curriculum, our programs align with its focus on balance and personal growth.