How Traditional Medicine Supports Addiction Recovery

At Three Rivers Indian Lodge, healing from addiction is more than quitting substances — it’s about remembering who you are. Our treatment model combines counseling and evidence-based recovery methods with traditional cultural practices that restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit.

For Native people, addiction often stems from more than just physical dependence, it is tied to historical trauma, cultural disconnection, and the loss of identity and purpose. That’s why our program honors cultural traditions as a central part of the healing journey.

Sweat Lodge: A Sacred Place of Renewal

The sweat lodge is one of the most profound healing experiences offered at Three Rivers. Clients may participate in lodge ceremonies (based on availability and cultural protocol) led by our lodge keepers.

During sweat lodge:

• The heat supports physical cleansing

• Messages and teachings are shared in a safe, sacred space

• Clients reconnect with their higher power, ancestors, and themselves

“I found myself again through sweat lodge. I stopped trying to be someone else and remembered who I am supposed to be.”— Former Three Rivers Client

Sweat lodge is not just a ritual — it is a return to identity.

Talking Circles & Community Healing

Addiction often isolates. In our program, healing begins in community.

Talking circles allow clients to:

• Speak and listen without judgment

• Share personal experiences

• Build trust and accountability

• Learn from peers and cultural leaders

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When a person heals in community, the healing extends beyond the individual to family, tribe, and future generations.

The Red Road & White Bison Recovery

Our 90-day program integrates culturally grounded recovery pathways, which may include:

• The Red Road to Wellbriety is a spiritual journey based on Indigenous teachings and 12-step principles, focusing on walking with honesty, humility, and balance.

• White Bison Wellness & Healing Program is an Indigenous-based healing approach addressing historical trauma, emotional recovery, and self-worth.

  
  

These programs help clients:

✔ Understand the roots of addiction

✔ Forgive themselves and others

✔ Rebuild cultural identity

✔ Prepare to walk a new path

Mind, Body, Spirit : A Whole-Person Approach

Traditional practices intertwine naturally with daily treatment activities such as:

Clinical Support	Cultural Support
Individual counseling	Sweat lodge
PTSD & trauma therapy	Talking circles
12-step programming	Prayer & ceremony
Anger management	Teachings from elders
Group sessions	Traditional songs & storytelling
Exercise & nutrition	Outdoor work (wood pile, garden)

Both western and traditional methods work together.

Why Culture Matters in Recovery

For many Native people, addiction recovery is not just about sobriety, it’s about spiritual reconnection and cultural revival.

When clients heal spiritually, we often hear:

“My cravings faded when I started believing I was worth saving. I didn’t just get sober, I got my spirit back.”

Ready to Start the Path?

If you are seeking treatment or supporting someone who is, our team is here to walk with you.

Submit a Pre-Application to begin treatment👉 Or call our Intake Office at (209) 209-858-2421. Visit our Contact page for general questions

Healing happens when we remember who we are. You are not alone on this journey. Culture is healing.