Native Americans face higher rates of addiction than other races or ethnic groups and have a unique way of approaching recovery. The Wellbriety movement is a form of addiction treatment for Indigenous people seeking a recovery experience based on their cultural beliefs and practices. It focuses on helping people heal from grief and trauma specific to the Native American culture using a mix of therapies and cultural healing practices.
At 7 Summit Pathways, we welcome Native Americans struggling with substance use disorders and looking for a more spiritual and culturally appropriate treatment experience. We welcome all people in Florida who need help with their recovery from drug and alcohol abuse to our discreet facility in Tampa. Each patient will work with an experienced therapist in group and private therapy sessions while bonding with their peers and developing a deeper connection with their culture and heritage. For more information on our Wellbriety program in Florida, call 813.212.7149 today to speak with our compassionate team.
What Is Wellbriety?
A Wellbriety program focuses on creating a whole-person wellness experience based on Native American beliefs and practices. Wellbriety is a term that means to be sober and well and to lead a lifestyle that balances emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. This approach not only treats the physical aspect of addiction but the underlying reasons behind the abuse.
The Native American people faced forced assimilation in the late 1800s, leading to intergenerational and historical trauma that still impacts their people today. Reports show that 10% of all Native Americans struggle with substance use disorders, with 25% reporting binge drinking within the last month. Rates of addiction within the Native American community are higher than any other ethnic group in the U.S. The Wellbriety movement focuses on several key aspects to help patients understand the reasons behind the abuse and learn how to process their grief and trauma. During therapy sessions, patients will:
- Gain a better understanding of what grief is
- Learn healthy ways to process their grief
- Learn the different masks they can wear to deal with grief and trauma
- Begin the process of intergenerational healing
At 7 Summit Pathways, our goal is to support all Floridians, no matter their cultural, religious, or spiritual backgrounds. We offer a number of specialty programs for Native Americans, Veterans, working professionals, and families affected by substance use disorders.
The Four Laws of Change of the Wellbriety Movement
A Wellbriety program is ideally suited for Indigenous people who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other toxic substances. It is based on four principles that allow people to make real changes in their lives and stop using drugs and alcohol to hide from their pain. The four laws of change of a Wellbriety program include:
Change Is From Within
The only way to stop abusing drugs or alcohol is by having an internal desire to stop the abuse and make a positive change. Therapists help patients confront their feelings and past traumas and learn new ways of processing those experiences. Without a desire for change, there can be no forward progress made.
Change Preceded by a Vision
The Wellbriety movement allows patients to take the necessary steps toward healing themselves, their families, and the community. Individuals will actively discover and share their thoughts, feelings, and images that will lead them toward healing and building a better life for themselves and those around them.
A Great Learning
This principle states that everyone in the community needs to participate in order to enact real change. It cultivates personal healing and education on building a better life that must include themselves, their families, and the community they are in.
Create a Healing Forest
A healing forest is a place where people can go to begin healing. It takes the person out of the community that encourages their drinking and drug use and surrounds them with teachers and peers who will support the healing process.
Wellbriety programs are designed for Indigenous people, but anyone who follows their beliefs and cultural practices can enroll in the program.
7 Summit Pathways: Find a Wellbriety Program in Florida
7 Summit Pathways is a full-accredited addiction treatment center that offers Wellbriety programs endorsed by Native American groups in Florida. Programs are led by Indigenous people and include traditional activities such as talking circles, sweat lodges, pipe and fire ceremonies, and much more. Our Wellbriety movement is for all people who are looking for a more spiritual and whole-person recovery experience.
To see if our Wellbriety movement is right for you, send us a message online or call 813.212.7149 today to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.