Substance Use Recovery
American Indians and Alaska Natives rank higher in substance use recovery than other ethnic groups in the U.S. When compared against the national average, the American Psychological Association reported that Indigenous adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 showed excessive numbers of usage in cigarettes, (16.8 percent compared to 10.2 percent), marijuana, (13.8 percent compared to 6.9 percent), and nonmedical prescription drugs, (6.1 percent compared to 3.3 percent).
Butte Native Wellness Center is committed to decreasing substance use recovery among Indigenous peoples. Tribal Opioid Response Grants provide funds that help us address increased opioid usage among tribal communities. They provide access to medication-assisted treatments with buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These FDA-approved opioid medications are used together with counseling support. All of our medical expertise and counseling practices are used in consideration of cultural backgrounds including prayer wheels, smudging and drumming circles.
Medicine Wheels
A metaphorical wheel, embodying the Four Directions, (north, east, south, and west), in connection to Father Sky, Mother Earth, and the Spirit Tree, which symbolize each stage of life and areas of health. They are also physical structures, created near thousands of reservations throughout the U.S., with a center point known as the Center of Life. Included are 36 additional key points, outlining a variety of spiritual concepts like deities guiding and providing dreams, visions, direction, and intelligence, or traits for spiritual growth such as confidence, vigor, and leadership.
Talking Circles
These are based on the sacred tradition of sharing circles. People leading a traditional sharing circle will receive a blessing from an Elder to do this, and will use special prayers and sacred objects in the ceremony. In a Talking Circle, each one is equal and each one belongs. Participants learn to listen and respect the views of others, and the intention is to open hearts to understand and connect with one another.
Smudging
A ceremonial ritual practiced by some Indigenous peoples to purify or rid one’s soul of negative thoughts by burning sacred herbs.
Drumming Circles
Representing the heartbeat of Native American culture, drum circles bring balance and renewal to a person through dancing, singing, and listening at powwows or other spiritual and religious ceremonies.
These practices are incorporated through the wellness activities of the center. Each of the practices listed are considered part of the cultural aspect of healing and are not meant to be included in conventional medicine.
Butte Native Wellness Center uses an Indigenous Harm Reduction approach. This is a method based on Culture is Medicine. The method incorporates 4 principles: relationship and care; strength and protection; knowledge and wisdom and identity and transformation. BNWC is committed to infusing Indigenous Harm Reduction into its recovery program.
All enrolled members of a recognized tribe can have access to our primary and behavioral health services without needing insurance. However, Medicaid, Medicare or private insurances are accepted. Our medical and administrative staff welcome all tribal nation beliefs and cultural practices. We are dedicated to raising awareness, treating and counseling individuals struggling with substance use recovery in an effort to provide freedom, hope, and renewal.
Click below to learn about the mental health services we offer.