Daily Inspiration: Meet Blu Robinson
Article from UtahVoyage-October 4, 2023
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Blu Robinson.
Hi Blu, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I (Blu Robinson), was working as a therapist for the Utah County Division of Substance Abuse and noticed a crucial gap in the services available to the community. I was determined to provide an alternative approach, unlike any other recovery support program that was available at the time. In the world of addiction recovery, traditional methods often revolve around 12-step programs and therapeutic interventions. I would embark on a journey to create a recovery program that would replace destructive habits with health, recreation, community, family support, and teamwork. This marked the birth of Addict II Athlete, a transformative initiative that has redefined how we view addiction and recovery.
In 2011, my realization came one afternoon when clients were discovered forging attendance records for 12-step meetings. Curious about their motives and pointing out those meetings were offered to help them, I discovered that these traditional meetings did not resonate with them. They felt that attending these meetings was merely a consequence rather than something genuinely beneficial. Drawing from his journey of recovery, Blu understood the power of finding alternative resources. For him, mountain biking played a pivotal role in developing sobriety. Inspired by this, he decided to create a new approach that would change lives.
Addict II Athlete was founded with a unique vision: to no longer identify individuals in active recovery as addicts but rather as athletes. This shift in terminology aimed to emphasize that addiction is a part of who we are, not our defining characteristic. By embracing this new identity, participants in the program found renewed hope and purpose. They were no longer confined by the stigma associated with addiction but instead empowered to redefine their lives on their terms.
My approach involved building a community recovery program centered around health, recreation, and teamwork. Starting with just five clients, I introduced them to the Couch to 5K running program. As they trained and progressed, their confidence grew, culminating in proudly running a 5K community race wearing the team name, Addict II Athlete, on their jerseys. This public display marked a significant turning point, breaking the chains of anonymity and showcasing the possibility of recovery.
The impact of Addict II Athlete extended beyond physical fitness. Addict II Athlete provided a platform for participants to share their recovery stories with strangers. As they ran alongside one another, the athletes became willing ambassadors of recovery, inspiring others with their journeys. The simple act of wearing the team name on their jerseys sparked curiosity and opened the door for meaningful conversations about addiction and the potential for transformation. We expanded our ability to serve in the community by volunteering for local race aid stations, speaking engagements, assisting disabled children in participating in events by pushing them in special wheelchairs designed for running and raising money to purchase those racing wheelchairs. Project Elf, our sub for Santa program helps parents who have been struggling with addiction, provides Christmas for their children, and so much more. Service became more of a focus than even the athletics we participate in.
Since its humble beginnings, Addict II Athlete has flourished into a nationwide movement. Today, thousands of athletes participate in the recovery program, and multiple chapters have emerged throughout Utah. The success of Addict II Athlete is a testament to the power of a supportive community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of redefining one’s identity. As a 501 C3 nonprofit program we rely heavily on donations and grant money to assist us in providing therapeutic services alongside our recreational events. Everyone has someone who struggles with addiction, and we believe everyone loves a good comeback story. Addict II Athlete allows that comeback story to become a life worth living.
In 2011, Addict II Athlete created a groundbreaking approach to addiction recovery, shattered the traditional mold, and created a beacon of hope for individuals affected by addiction. By shifting the narrative from addicts to athletes, this program has empowered countless individuals to reclaim their lives and rewrite their comeback stories. Through health, recreation, community, family support, and teamwork, Addict II Athlete has become a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the limitless potential for recovery and transformation. Our motto is simple, return the mess to the message.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to acceptance and understanding was not an easy one. There were many challenges Addict II Athlete faced as we considered ourselves pioneers in breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, and how we successfully built bridges between law enforcement and the addiction community.
As a therapist and head coach of Addict II Athlete, I understood I would need to embrace the struggles: Addict II Athlete understood that to bring about real change, we had to confront the public’s apprehension head-on. The prevailing perception of addiction was often clouded by misconceptions and stereotypes, creating barriers for those seeking help. By stepping out of the shadows and sharing their stories, the athletes of Addict II Athlete demonstrated the true face of addiction—one that defied preconceived notions and shattered stereotypes.
Addict II Athlete’s mission was not only to support individuals in their recovery but also to break down the stigmatizing barriers that hindered progress. By showcasing the resilience and determination of our athletes, our organization shattered the perception that addicts were incapable of change. Through our efforts, we helped our community realize that addiction does not define a person’s worth or potential. Slowly but surely, the public perception began to shift, and Addict II Athlete became a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Many of our athletes in the Addict II Athlete program had once been taken from the community during their addiction. Now, in their recovery, they are determined to give back. Our organization encouraged the athletes to serve their communities, mending the wounds caused by addiction. By engaging in volunteer work and outreach programs, we demonstrated the transformative power of recovery and showed that addicts could become valuable contributors to society.
One of the most significant challenges faced by Addict II Athlete was bridging the gap between law enforcement and the addiction community. Historically, these two groups often found themselves at odds, with a lack of understanding and trust on both sides. However, Addict II Athlete recognized the importance of collaboration and worked tirelessly to build relationships with law enforcement agencies. Through open communication, shared experiences, and mutual respect, we successfully broke down barriers and fostered a sense of understanding and cooperation.
Despite the initial apprehension and the uphill battle we faced, Addict II Athlete emerged triumphant. Our dedication and perseverance in breaking the chains of stigma and building bridges with law enforcement have paved the way for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to addiction and recovery. Our organization continues to grow, inspiring countless individuals to reclaim their lives and redefine their identities beyond addiction.
Addict II Athlete’s journey from the shadows of anonymity to becoming a beacon of hope is a testament to the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit. By challenging public perception, serving the communities, and fostering relationships with law enforcement, we have broken down barriers and shattered stereotypes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I (Blu Robinson) am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) and Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) and as the founder of Addict to Athlete my favorite title is Coach. I had a very traumatic upbringing in a very dysfunctional home and suffered from substance abuse and other challenges due to the trauma I endured as a child. However, since 1996 I was able to become clean and sober, eventually finding mountain biking as a foundation of my recovery. As a result, I have been able to transform my struggles into a mission to help others.
As a licensed clinician, and the head coach of the Addict II Athlete team, I provide support, education, and group process with a clinical component to those in recovery and their families. Through my experience, I have learned that the human spirit is far stronger than what we realize and no one is too far gone. Alongside my wife Marissa Robinson who is a Recreational Therapist and Athletic Director, we have truly made it our mission to reduce the current national overdose statistics that sit at (2023) 109,940 predicted overdose deaths in the United States. That means every day we lose 301 people every day to addiction.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, and seeking help is often a crucial step towards recovery. However, one significant barrier to accessing the necessary support is the high cost of residential addiction recovery programs. This financial burden prevents many individuals from receiving the treatment they desperately need. As a result, community-based initiatives like Addict II Athlete are emerging as crucial front-line defenses against addiction.
Residential addiction recovery programs offer comprehensive care and a structured environment conducive to healing. However, they often come with a hefty price tag, making them unaffordable for the majority of individuals seeking help. The expenses associated with residential programs, including accommodation, therapy sessions, and medical care, can be overwhelming. Sadly, this financial burden limits access to treatment, leaving countless individuals without the necessary support to overcome addiction.
In light of the financial constraints faced by those seeking treatment, community-based addiction recovery programs have emerged as a viable alternative. Organizations like Addict II Athlete are leading the way in providing affordable and accessible recovery support. These programs focus on the power of community, utilizing group activity, peer mentors, family support, and structured recreation to help individuals in their journey to sobriety. By shifting the focus from expensive residential facilities to community engagement, these programs ensure that more people can access the support they need.
The exorbitant costs associated with residential addiction recovery programs limit access to treatment for many individuals struggling with addiction. Community-based initiatives like Addict II Athlete are emerging as vital front-line defenses, offering affordable alternatives and emphasizing the importance of community support in establishing a robust sober support system. By combining the strengths of the medical model with community engagement, we can create comprehensive solutions that address the diverse needs of individuals on their journey to recovery. It is through these collective efforts that we can make addiction treatment more accessible, affordable, and effective for everyone in need.
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