Spirituality The spirit of the Courage to Change Ranch is an omnipresent natural aspect of a changing lifestyle. Serenity is virtually everywhere on the land, among the trees and flowers, the winged and four-legged who inhabit the ranch. It awaits in long walks, and in vision quests. Much of the group and individualized therapy is conducted out of doors. The mere act of "hearing your inner voice" is often a revelation to residents. It is much like having a spiritual awakening. While in the throes of an abusive lifestyle, the victim does not realize that answers to personal dilemmas are actually known within. The only method for learning these truths is to have quiet, alone time to listen. This arcane realization is the main impetus to change and is a planned experience for our guests. It is just one aspect of our program that sets us apart from traditional programs and contributes to our success rate. Beyond that core experience, Courage to Change welcomes all paths to spirituality. We do encourage some structured approaches, such as AA and NA, and have embraced the The Red Road to Wellbriety, the White Bison 12-Step approach to spiritual change. Talking circles, sweat lodge ceremonies, and other White Bison traditions that draw on Native understanding of the Earth and her beings are regular events at the Ranch.

Animal Therapy An old cowboy once said: "Horses are the best drug in the world. When you're looking at a horse, it's not possible to think of anything else."

Courage to Change Ranch has horses cows, dogs and cats. While patients are not allowed to ride the horses (or the cows, dogs or cats), they stay busy caring for them, brushing them, and patting them. We have found that, almost without exception, recovering alcoholics and addicts are animal lovers. It's uncanny how C2C residents possess a rare ability to cross the "species barrier" and relate to the four-leggeds. Often, they feel closer to and more trusting of animals than of humans.

In addition to domestic animals, the ranch is a haven for a wealth of wildlife. Eastern Alains are one of the great hunting grounds of raptors - hawks, eagles, and falcons. And sometimes at night, the coyotes sing outside our windows.

Horticultural & Nutritional Therapy Good nutrition is a critical component of recovery and enhances the effectiveness of neurotransmitter rebalancing. Almost every new patient arrives with a nutrient-depleted body and brain, and our plentiful, nutritious meals are designed to rebuild and restore. Protein is especially important for rebuilding cells. As we are positioned in a vibrant rangeland, we have access to the "luxuries" of natural beef and pork, and free-range eggs, from local ranchers. Working with bare hands in the soil is also a primary experience, an affirmation of Life. Not much can compare with watching a seed sprout, its first little leaves poking up bravely through the soil to reach toward the sun. And then to harvest its fruits, wash them, prep them for the dinner table...to know where food comes from, and how it grows. Residents do the major part of preparation and cooking, and usually relish this particular chore. In the closed nightmare of addiction, the simple joys of Life have been lost. And food, of course, is one of the great delights of living. Food also is the primal currency of sociability - in every society, no matter how primitive or sophisticated. Mealtime at Courage to Change Ranch is a shared experience around the big table. It is a basic step toward the light and warmth of human community.