Posted on May 22, 2024.

Starting a journey towards sobriety can be daunting but profoundly rewarding. 

The path to living free from mind-altering substances is filled with challenges, but the rewards of achieving sobriety are immeasurable. 

Many people seek guidance and support to navigate this transformative journey, and that’s where the Wellbriety Movement comes in. 

The Wellbriety Movement combines the traditional 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with Native American teachings and cultural practices, providing a unique and powerful framework for those seeking sobriety.

In this guide, we will explore how to start being sober using the 12 Steps of Wellbriety. 

We will discuss the origins of the Wellbriety Movement, provide practical tips for beginning your sober journey, and highlight the benefits of maintaining sobriety through these steps. 

Our goal is to inspire and support you on your journey to a fulfilling and balanced life free from addiction.

Understanding Sobriety

Embarking on the journey to sobriety involves more than just quitting alcohol and drugs; it’s about embracing a new way of life. 

Understanding what sobriety truly means is crucial for those looking to break free from addiction. Sobriety is not merely the absence of substances but the presence of a healthier, clearer, and more balanced lifestyle. 

It’s about reclaiming control over your life and making choices that promote overall well-being.

What does Sobriety mean?

Sobriety involves living free from mind-altering substances like alcohol and drugs.

It’s not just about abstaining from these substances but also about achieving mental clarity and a healthier lifestyle. When people commit to sobriety, they begin a journey towards self-discovery and wellness, leaving behind the chaos of addiction.

Abstinence from Alcohol and Drugs

Abstinence is the cornerstone of sobriety. Making a conscious decision to stop using alcohol and drugs marks the beginning of recovery. 

This step is crucial for allowing the mind and body to start healing, which in turn enables people to reclaim control over their lives and make healthier choices.

Achieving a Clear Mind and Healthy Lifestyle

A clear mind is one of the most significant benefits of sobriety. Without the influence of substances, people can think more clearly, make better decisions, and fully engage in life’s experiences. 

Additionally, sobriety often leads to adopting healthier habits, such as improved nutrition, regular exercise, and better sleep, all contributing to overall well-being.

The Wellbriety Movement

The Wellbriety Movement provides a culturally relevant recovery approach, combining the traditional 12 Steps with Native American teachings. 

This movement focuses on holistic healing and community support, offering a path that resonates deeply with those who follow it. Let’s explore the origins, principles, and unique aspects of Wellbriety.

Origins of Wellbriety

The Wellbriety Movement originated to provide a culturally relevant recovery approach for Native Americans and others who resonate with its teachings. 

It integrates the traditional 12 Steps of recovery with Native American cultural and spiritual practices, focusing on holistic healing and community support.

Combining the 12 Steps

By combining the steps with Native American teachings, Wellbriety offers a rich, meaningful path to sobriety. 

Elements like the Medicine Wheel and the Four Directions are incorporated, symbolizing balance and interconnectedness. This fusion helps people connect more deeply with their recovery process, finding personal relevance and motivation.

Holistic Healing and Community Support

Holistic healing addresses not just the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. 

The Wellbriety community provides a supportive environment where members can share experiences, learn from one another, and find strength in unity. This sense of community is vital for sustained recovery.

The 12 Steps of Wellbriety

The 12 Steps of Wellbriety blend the traditional 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with Native American teachings and cultural practices. 

Organized into four directions on the Medicine Wheel - East, South, West, and North - each step represents a different aspect of the journey to sobriety and wellness.

Face the East - Finding the Creator

The East represents new beginnings and spiritual connection. This direction focuses on recognizing a higher power and seeking spiritual guidance in the recovery process.

1. Honesty: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and had lost control of our lives.

2. Hope: We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could help us regain control.

3. Faith: We made a decision to ask for help from a Higher Power and others who understand.

Face the South - Finding Ourselves

The South symbolizes growth and self-discovery. This direction encourages introspection and courage in facing personal truths.

4. Courage: We stopped and thought about our strengths and weaknesses.

5. Integrity: We admitted to the Great Spirit, ourselves, and another person the things we thought were wrong about ourselves.

6. Willingness: We are ready, with the help of the Great Spirit, to change.

Face the West - Finding Our Relatives

The West embodies healing and forgiveness. This direction emphasizes mending relationships and seeking justice.

7. Humility: We humbly ask a Higher Power and our friends to help us change.

8. Forgiveness: We made a list of people who were hurt by our drinking and want to make up for these hurts.

9. Justice: We are making up to those people whenever we can, except when to do so would hurt them more.

Face the North - Finding Wisdom

The North represents wisdom and guidance. This direction focuses on perseverance, spiritual awareness, and service to others.

10. Perseverance: We continue to think about our strengths and weaknesses and when we are wrong we say so.

11. Spiritual Awareness: We pray and think about ourselves, praying only for the strength to do what is right.

12. Service: We try to help other alcoholics and to practice these principles in everything we do.

The Wellbriety 12 Steps emphasize the importance of incorporating Native American spirituality, teachings, and cultural practices into the recovery process. 

This includes elements like smudging, tobacco, the four sacred medicines (sage, tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass), and learning one's spirit name. 

The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of "Wellbriety" - a life of sobriety, balance, harmony, and wellness.

With these steps in mind, you’re ready to start your sober journey with practical tips and strategies.

Tips for Starting Your Sober Journey

Starting your sober journey requires preparation, support, and a commitment to positive habits. 

These tips will help you navigate the initial stages of sobriety, providing practical advice to build a strong foundation for your recovery.

• Seek Support: Embarking on a sober journey can be challenging, but support from loved ones and a sober community can make a significant difference. Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and provide encouragement, accountability, and a listening ear when needed.

• Attend Wellbriety Meetings: Wellbriety meetings offer a supportive environment where you can share experiences and learn from others. Regular attendance can provide invaluable guidance.

• Develop a Daily Routine: Creating a daily routine with self-care and healthy habits is crucial for maintaining sobriety. Include activities such as meditation, exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest in your daily life. These practices help manage stress, improve physical health, and maintain a positive mindset.

• Identify and Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers is essential for preventing relapse. Triggers can be people, places, or situations that tempt you to use substances. Recognizing these triggers and developing strategies to avoid or cope with them can help maintain your sobriety.

• Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Recovery is a journey with ups and downs. Be patient and kind to yourself, understanding that setbacks may occur but do not define your journey. Each day sober is a victory, and each step forward is progress. Self-compassion is crucial for long-term success.

• Celebrate Small Victories: Celebrating small victories and milestones provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Recognize and reward yourself for progress, whether it's a week, a month, or a year of sobriety. These celebrations reinforce your commitment to sobriety and remind you of the positive changes in your life.

The Benefits of Sobriety

Choosing sobriety brings numerous benefits that enhance every aspect of life. From improved health to stronger relationships, sobriety opens the door to a fulfilling and balanced life. 

Here, we’ll highlight some key benefits of embracing sobriety and the Wellbriety path.

Improved Physical and Mental Health

Sobriety brings numerous health benefits. Physically, it can lead to better sleep, increased energy, and a stronger immune system. 

Mentally, it can reduce anxiety and depression, leading to a more balanced and positive outlook on life. These improvements contribute to overall well-being and a higher quality of life.

Stronger Relationships

Sobriety can strengthen relationships and connections. Being present and engaged helps improve relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. 

Sobriety allows you to build deeper, more meaningful connections based on trust, respect, and mutual support, creating a solid support system for your recovery journey.

A Sense of Purpose

Achieving sobriety can bring a profound sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. It opens up new opportunities and experiences, allowing you to pursue passions, set goals, and find meaning in daily life. 

Sobriety enables you to live authentically and fully, embracing the richness and beauty of life.

Embracing Balance and Wellness

Sobriety allows you to embrace a life of balance, harmony, and wellness. Aligning your actions with your values and priorities creates a balanced and fulfilling life. 

Sobriety helps you focus on what truly matters, fostering harmony within yourself and your surroundings, contributing to long-term happiness and well-being.

Financial Stability

Sobriety often leads to better financial management. Without spending money on alcohol or drugs, people can save more, pay off debts, and invest in their future. 

Improved financial stability reduces stress and contributes to a more secure and stable life.

Overcoming Challenges

The path to sobriety is not without its challenges. Understanding how to deal with cravings, manage stress, and seek additional support can help you navigate these obstacles. 

Let’s explore strategies for overcoming challenges and staying committed to your sober journey.

• Dealing with Cravings: Cravings and urges are common during the recovery process. Recognizing these moments and developing coping strategies is essential. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and distraction can help manage cravings. It’s also important to remind yourself of the reasons you chose sobriety and the benefits it brings to your life.

• Managing Stress: Stress and difficult emotions can be significant triggers for relapse. Developing healthy ways to manage these feelings is crucial. Practices such as meditation, yoga, journaling, and talking to a trusted friend or counselor can help. Building a toolbox of coping strategies ensures you have resources to handle challenging times.

• Preventing Relapse: Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, but it doesn’t mean failure. Understanding the triggers and signs of relapse can help prevent it. If relapse occurs, it’s essential to seek support immediately, reflect on what led to the relapse, and recommit to your recovery plan.

• Seeking Additional Support: Sometimes additional support is necessary. This might include counseling, therapy, or joining a support group. Professional help can provide new perspectives and strategies for maintaining sobriety. It’s important to recognize when you need extra help and to seek it without hesitation.

• Staying Committed: Commitment to sobriety is an ongoing process. Regularly revisiting your reasons for choosing sobriety, setting new goals, and celebrating milestones can keep you motivated. Staying connected to your support network and the Wellbriety community provides a sense of belonging and accountability.

Wrapping Up

Starting and maintaining sobriety is a courageous and transformative journey. The 12 Steps of Wellbriety offer a powerful framework for achieving and sustaining sobriety. 

By embracing these steps and the principles of the Wellbriety Movement, you can heal holistically and build a fulfilling, meaningful life free from mind-altering substances.

At Many Stages, we understand the challenges that come with walking the red road of recovery. 

That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way and want you to celebrate your sobriety milestones with Great Spirit Recovery Coins. 

Walk the Red Road with pride as you commemorate your journey of recovery. Each coin is a testament to your strength and resilience on the path to healing.

Buy Your Recovery Coins.

For more information, reach out to us at 503 312 1121 or email us at [email protected]. 

Embrace your journey to sobriety and let us help you achieve the fulfilling, balanced life you deserve.|