Addict II Athlete Aims to Erase Labels Through Athletics, Service
The nonprofit Addict II Athlete uses athletics to help people working on addiction issues find a new purpose and identity. Their friends and loved ones can join the team, too.
(KUTV) — The nonprofit Addict II Athlete uses athletics to help people working on addiction issues find a new purpose and identity.
KUTV: Addicted Utah report
Their friends and loved ones can join the team, too.
"This problem is so widespread that everyone has at least one person in their family that struggles," said Blu Robinson, founder and head coach.
Robinson was working as a therapist when he started Addict II Athlete in 2011. His patients found it as a good alternative to just sitting in recovery meetings.
'Addict II Athlete' aims to erase labels through athletics, service (Photo: KUTV)
"They feel more comfortable when they're moving rather than just sitting still," Robinson said.
Getting outside helped Robinson with his own addiction.
"It gave me more of a purpose," he said. "I didn't identify as an addict anymore."
He aims to help other athletes find their new identify with a philosophy he calls "erase and replace":
'Addict II Athlete' aims to erase labels through athletics, service (Photo: KUTV)
"Erase the addiction, but replace it with something of greater value, which is health, exercise, service."
In addition to various athletic events and activities, Addict II Athlete also hosts podcasts, free online groups, offers individual counseling, and more.
"It's been a huge part of my recovery and my life," said Brett Frew.
Frew joined the team about two years ago after he knew he needed to change. He has always been an active person, and being with people who have the same mindset keeps him accountable.
"If I'm struggling or having a hard time, I have an entire team I can reach out to and they're willing to help," Frew said.
‘Addict II Athlete' aims to erase labels through athletics, service (Photo: KUTV)
Athletics is just a part of the nonprofit. They also focus on helping the community.
"Part of who I am, and the core of me, is giving back to others," said Jim Copeland, a certified sober coach with the group.
Copeland was attracted to the program because he is a runner. But the service aspect has inspired other dreams.
"My goal is to start my own chapter and help others," he said.
'Addict II Athlete' aims to erase labels through athletics, service (Photo: KUTV)
He says it's important for the community to see people who struggle with addiction contribute to society.
"The things that we've done in the past don't define who we are today," Copeland said.
And that's the message Coach Robinson hopes all his athletes will learn.
"There's always an extra mile we can go, there's always a little bit more fuel in the tank, there's always a little bit further we can push ourselves."
This weekend, May 29 and 30, Addict II Athlete is holding its "Break the Cycle" relay race to raise funds for its athletes to continue their recovery work. They run one mile for every life lost to drug overdose. Robinson says this year, they are running 185 miles. They will run around Utah County.
There are about nine chapters of Addict II Athlete statewide, and the group is expanding to other parts of the country.