Wellbriety: A Path to Healing Through Culture, Connection, and Community

At The Well, we believe that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. For many individuals, healing is most meaningful when it connects not only to the mind and body—but also to culture, identity, and community. One way we support this is through our Circle of Strength Wellbriety Talking Circle, a culturally grounded group rooted in the Wellbriety Movement.

What is Wellbriety?

The Wellbriety Movement was founded in 1988 by Don Coyhis and is supported by White Bison, Inc.. It was created to address the impacts of substance use and intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities by reconnecting individuals to traditional teachings, cultural identity, and community support.

At its core, Wellbriety combines the ideas of wellness and sobriety. It emphasizes that recovery is not only about abstaining from substances, but about building a balanced, meaningful, and healthy life—one that includes strong relationships, purpose, and connection.

A guiding principle of the movement is:

“Our culture is prevention.”

By returning to Indigenous values, ceremonies, and spiritual practices, individuals are supported in a way that honors both personal and cultural healing.

Blending Tradition with the 12 Steps

One of the key components of Wellbriety is The Red Road to Wellbriety, which integrates Native traditions with the Twelve Steps of recovery. Rather than replacing the steps, this approach adapts and honors them within an Indigenous worldview—aligning them with teachings like the Medicine Wheel and the Four Directions.

Practices often include:

• Sharing circles
• Storytelling
• Reflection and connection
• Community-based support

These elements create space for accountability, healing, and mutual understanding in a way that feels authentic and culturally meaningful.

Healing the Individual—and the Community

Wellbriety extends beyond individual recovery. It embraces the idea of a “Healing Forest,” where each person’s growth contributes to the strength of the whole community.

This perspective reflects an important value: considering the impact on the next seven generations. Healing is not just about the present—it’s about creating lasting change for families and communities over time.

Circle of Strength: Wellbriety Talking Circle

For those interested in experiencing Wellbriety in a group setting, The Well offers an open talking circle:

Circle of Strength – Wellbriety Talking Circle (12-Step Meeting)

• Location: 1800 West Pasewalk Ave.
• Schedule: Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
• Focus: 12-step recovery supported by Native American traditional teachings through the Wellbriety Movement
• Open to: New members welcome

Meet Karla Dannar, LADC

Karla Dannar is an outpatient counselor at The Well and facilitates the Circle of Strength Wellbriety Talking Circle.

With extensive experience in addiction and mental health, she is certified in facilitating the Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps and brings a strong understanding of Wellbriety into her work. Karla is passionate about helping individuals build meaningful, balanced lives and achieve lasting recovery.

If you’d like to learn more about Karla, you can read her full bio here.