
Addict "2" Athlete: Suffer Well with Rob Archuleta
02/18/25 • 59 min
In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson welcomes Rob Archuleta, a licensed addiction counselor and co-founder of Addict 2 Athlete. They discuss their shared journeys from addiction to recovery, the founding of their respective organizations, and the importance of exercise in the recovery process. Rob shares his personal story of overcoming addiction, the challenges he faced with traditional recovery models, and the transformative power of movement and community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and adaptable approach to recovery, highlighting the significance of love, courage, and conviction in the healing process. In this conversation, Rob Archuleta and Blu Robinson explore the transformative power of running and endurance sports in the context of addiction recovery. They discuss the emotional breakthroughs experienced through physical activity, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of connection and community in the recovery process. The conversation also touches on the holistic approach to recovery, emphasizing life skills and personal growth beyond addiction. Rob shares his journey of writing a book aimed at helping others navigate treatment and recovery, highlighting the significance of sharing stories and experiences.
takeaways
- Rob Archuleta has a PhD in advanced studies in human behavior.
- Addict to Athlete was founded in 2009 to support those in recovery through exercise.
- Rob struggled with traditional 12-step meetings and sought alternative methods for recovery.
- Exercise played a crucial role in Rob's recovery journey, helping him overcome anhedonia.
- The importance of community support in the recovery process is emphasized.
- Rob's grandmother's passing was a pivotal moment in his decision to pursue sobriety.
- The conversation challenges the notion of powerlessness in addiction recovery.
- Rob believes that the conviction gained in addiction can be redirected towards positive pursuits.
- The need for recovery models to evolve with societal changes is highlighted.
- Both hosts agree on the importance of self-love and acceptance in the recovery journey. Running can lead to profound emotional breakthroughs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Addict to Athlete Podcast 01:36 Meet Rob Archuleta: A Journey from Addiction to Recovery 03:16 The Birth of Addict to Athlete 09:02 Finding Purpose in Recovery 15:11 The Power of Choice in Recovery 20:37 Challenging Traditional Recovery Models 27:09 Spiritual Awakening Through Movement 31:54 The Emotional Breakthrough of Running 34:01 Facing Criticism: The Stigma of Addiction and Recovery 37:49 The Power of Connection in Endurance Sports 40:25 Redefining Addiction: The Journey of Recovery 43:31 Life Skills Beyond Addiction: A Holistic Approach 49:10 Writing a Book: Sharing Stories and Navigating RecoveryWebsite- Addict to Athlete, Inc. – A Peer Driven Support Group Focusing on Active Recovery
Insta- @sufferwell2025
Please join Addict to Athlete’s Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety!
https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete
Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.
https://www.AddictToAthlete.org
Join the Team! Circle, our new social support event, along with the team and athlete communication platform, is designed to help us break free from doom scrolling and shadow banning and foster stronger connections among us.
Follow the link, download the app, and start this new chapter of Team AIIA!
Join Circle
In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson welcomes Rob Archuleta, a licensed addiction counselor and co-founder of Addict 2 Athlete. They discuss their shared journeys from addiction to recovery, the founding of their respective organizations, and the importance of exercise in the recovery process. Rob shares his personal story of overcoming addiction, the challenges he faced with traditional recovery models, and the transformative power of movement and community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and adaptable approach to recovery, highlighting the significance of love, courage, and conviction in the healing process. In this conversation, Rob Archuleta and Blu Robinson explore the transformative power of running and endurance sports in the context of addiction recovery. They discuss the emotional breakthroughs experienced through physical activity, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of connection and community in the recovery process. The conversation also touches on the holistic approach to recovery, emphasizing life skills and personal growth beyond addiction. Rob shares his journey of writing a book aimed at helping others navigate treatment and recovery, highlighting the significance of sharing stories and experiences.
takeaways
- Rob Archuleta has a PhD in advanced studies in human behavior.
- Addict to Athlete was founded in 2009 to support those in recovery through exercise.
- Rob struggled with traditional 12-step meetings and sought alternative methods for recovery.
- Exercise played a crucial role in Rob's recovery journey, helping him overcome anhedonia.
- The importance of community support in the recovery process is emphasized.
- Rob's grandmother's passing was a pivotal moment in his decision to pursue sobriety.
- The conversation challenges the notion of powerlessness in addiction recovery.
- Rob believes that the conviction gained in addiction can be redirected towards positive pursuits.
- The need for recovery models to evolve with societal changes is highlighted.
- Both hosts agree on the importance of self-love and acceptance in the recovery journey. Running can lead to profound emotional breakthroughs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Addict to Athlete Podcast 01:36 Meet Rob Archuleta: A Journey from Addiction to Recovery 03:16 The Birth of Addict to Athlete 09:02 Finding Purpose in Recovery 15:11 The Power of Choice in Recovery 20:37 Challenging Traditional Recovery Models 27:09 Spiritual Awakening Through Movement 31:54 The Emotional Breakthrough of Running 34:01 Facing Criticism: The Stigma of Addiction and Recovery 37:49 The Power of Connection in Endurance Sports 40:25 Redefining Addiction: The Journey of Recovery 43:31 Life Skills Beyond Addiction: A Holistic Approach 49:10 Writing a Book: Sharing Stories and Navigating RecoveryWebsite- Addict to Athlete, Inc. – A Peer Driven Support Group Focusing on Active Recovery
Insta- @sufferwell2025
Please join Addict to Athlete’s Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety!
https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete
Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.
https://www.AddictToAthlete.org
Join the Team! Circle, our new social support event, along with the team and athlete communication platform, is designed to help us break free from doom scrolling and shadow banning and foster stronger connections among us.
Follow the link, download the app, and start this new chapter of Team AIIA!
Join Circle
Previous Episode

Understanding Ketamine Treatments with Dr. Banimahd
In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson welcomes Dr. Faried Banimahd to discuss the complexities of ketamine therapy in the context of mental health and addiction recovery. They explore the history of ketamine, its medical uses, particularly in pain management and mental health treatment, and the implications of its recent popularity as a therapeutic option. Dr. B provides insights into the mechanisms of ketamine, its FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression, and the importance of caution in its use, especially for individuals with a history of substance abuse. The conversation emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment, integrating therapy with any pharmacological interventions. In this conversation, Blu Robinson and Dr. Faried Banimahd delve into the complexities of psychedelics, particularly ketamine, and their potential therapeutic benefits for mental health. They discuss the risks associated with psychedelics, personal experiences, and the importance of controlled environments for treatment. The conversation also highlights the stigma surrounding these substances, the necessity of ongoing treatment, and the role of medical professionals in guiding patients through their mental health journeys. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a multidimensional approach to treatment and the importance of understanding individual experiences within the broader healthcare system.
Follow Dr. B YouTube · Dr.B36087.1K+ followersDr.B360
insta Instagram · getdrb2.4K+ followersAddiction Medicine (@getdrb) • Instagram photos and videos
Takeaways
- Ketamine is chemically related to PCP and has a history of abuse.
- It is used as a disassociative anesthetic in medical settings.
- Ketamine's role in pain management is significant, especially for chronic pain patients.
- The FDA has approved ketamine for treatment-resistant depression under specific protocols.
- Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, affecting pain perception and mood.
- Long-term efficacy of ketamine therapy is still under research and not well established.
- Caution is advised for individuals with a history of substance abuse when considering ketamine therapy.
- Matthew Perry's case highlights the risks associated with unsupervised ketamine use.
- Therapy should be the first line of treatment for depression, even when using ketamine.
- Meaningful existence and self-development take time and should not be rushed. People with a history of severe bipolar and schizophrenia should be cautious with psychedelics.
- Psychedelics can awaken dormant psychological issues.
- Personal experiences with psychedelics can lead to significant insights and awareness.
- The perception of psychedelics as dangerous hinders their therapeutic potential.
- Therapeutic environments are crucial for the safe use of psychedelics.
Please join Addict to Athlete’s Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety!
https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete
Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.
https://www.AddictToAthlete.org
Join the Team! Circle, our new social support event, along with the team and athlete communication platform, is designed to help us break free from doom scrolling and shadow banning and foster stronger connections among us.
Follow the link, download the app, and start this new chapter of Team AIIA!
Join Circle
Next Episode

From Military to Mindset: Kevin Brewer's Journey
In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson interviews Kevin Brewer, an intelligence analyst and Spartan athlete, who shares his transformative journey from military service to overcoming significant health challenges. Kevin discusses the discipline learned in the military, the mental and physical struggles he faced after service, and how he found resilience through small, sustainable changes in his lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of mental performance, the power of movement in healing, and the significance of taking gradual steps towards recovery and personal growth. In this conversation, Kevin Brewer shares his journey of personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the importance of incremental improvement, letting go of the past, and embracing challenges. He discusses his experience with Spartan races, the support from loved ones, and how he channels pain into purpose. The dialogue highlights the significance of mental resilience, self-awareness, and the principles of mindful performance that can help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Takeaways
- Kevin Brewer emphasizes the importance of military discipline in personal growth.
- He faced numerous health challenges after military service, including anxiety and physical pain.
- Kevin's turning point came when he decided to fight for his life after a panic attack.
- He learned to adapt to pain, which almost led to his demise.
- Kevin focused on sustainable changes in his diet and lifestyle to regain control of his health.
- He believes in the power of small steps, starting with one pushup a day.
- Mental performance is crucial for overcoming physical challenges and achieving goals.
- Kevin advocates for a 4% increase in comfort zone to promote growth.
- He highlights the importance of movement in healing and mental clarity.
- Kevin's journey illustrates the connection between mental and physical health. Incremental growth can lead to significant change.
- Letting go of the past is essential for moving forward.
- Embracing challenges can lead to personal growth.
- Support systems play a crucial role in recovery.
- Channeling pain into purpose can be transformative.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:56 Military Discipline and Personal Growth 05:58 Health Challenges and Resilience 09:00 The Turning Point: A Fight for Life 12:02 Adapting to Pain and Finding Solutions 14:57 Mental Performance and Sustainable Change 18:07 The Power of Small Steps 20:59 Finding Balance and Progress 23:59 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 24:32 The Power of Incremental Growth 25:36 Letting Go of the Past 26:55 Embracing Challenges: The Spartan Journey 28:47 Support Systems in Recovery 31:02 Channeling Pain into Purpose 33:16 Overcoming Mental Barriers 39:09 The Importance of Mental Resilience 43:31 Mindful Performance PrinciplesPlease join Addict to Athlete’s Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety!
https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete
Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.
https://www.AddictToAthlete.org
Join the Team! Circle, our new social support event, along with the team and athlete communication platform, is designed to help us break free from doom scrolling and shadow banning and foster stronger connections among us.
Follow the link, download the app, and start this new chapter of Team AIIA!
Join Circle
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