Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blu Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Blu, thanks for joining us today. When you’ve been a professional in an industry for long enough, you’ll experience moments when the entire field takes a U-Turn, an instance where the consensus completely flips upside down or where the “best practices” completely change. If you’ve experienced such a U-Turn over the course of your professional career, we’d love to hear about it.
Blu Robinson, a Mental Health Therapist and the visionary Head Coach behind the Addict II Athlete program, has made a significant impact in the field of addiction recovery. Recognizing the limitations of traditional recovery models, Robinson sought to create an innovative approach that not only addresses the physical aspects of addiction but also the mental and emotional hurdles. His unique perspective on recovery, embodied in the Addict II Athlete program, hinges on the powerful metaphor of transforming addicts into athletes. This approach is grounded in the belief that movement and physical activity are not just beneficial for physical health but are essential components of mental and emotional healing. Through this lens, Robinson has pioneered a modality where recovery is an active, dynamic process, engaging participants in a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Robinson’s philosophy that “movement equals healing” is a testament to his understanding of the holistic nature of recovery. By incorporating physical exercise and team sports into the recovery process, he has created a platform where individuals can build strength, endurance, and resilience. These qualities are not only relevant in the physical realm but are crucial for mental and emotional well-being. The physical activities in the Addict II Athlete program serve as both a metaphor for and a practical method of tackling the challenges of recovery, providing participants with tangible experiences of achievement and progress. Coach Blu’s innovative approach fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, making the recovery journey a collective endeavor rather than an isolated struggle.
Throughout his career, Robinson has been a vocal advocate for changing how society views and treats individuals recovering from addiction. By rebranding participants from “addicts” to “athletes,” he challenges the stigma associated with addiction and promotes a more positive and hopeful narrative. This shift in identity is crucial, as it empowers individuals to see themselves as capable of change and growth, rather than being defined by their past. Robinson’s rejection of anonymity in the recovery process is a bold move that emphasizes accountability, visibility, and the importance of personal stories in the healing journey. Under his guidance, the Addict II Athlete program encourages individuals to own their recovery process publicly, fostering a supportive community that celebrates each person’s achievements and milestones.
Coach Blu Robinson’s contribution to addiction recovery through the Addict II Athlete program is a remarkable blend of compassion, innovation, and practical application. His belief in the power of movement as a healing force has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but has also enriched the broader community’s understanding of addiction and recovery. By creating a space where recovery is an active, communal, and identity-transforming journey, Robinson has paved the way for a new era in addiction recovery. His work exemplifies how breaking free from traditional constraints and embracing new perspectives can lead to more effective, empowering, and compassionate approaches to healing.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Blu Robinson is an esteemed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) and Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC), best known as the visionary founder of Addict to Athlete. His early life was marred by a tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional household, leading to his own struggles with substance abuse and other challenges stemming from childhood trauma. Triumphantly, Blu has maintained his sobriety since 1996, transforming his turbulent past into a powerful narrative of hope and recovery.
With a deep-seated passion for addiction treatment, Blu has dedicated his career since 2001 to guiding individuals through their recovery journeys. His work spans across various demographics, including youth, adults, and families, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the recovery community. Blu is celebrated not only for his innovative approach to addiction recovery but also as an inspirational speaker and motivator. He excels in encouraging individuals to achieve their highest potential in both life and recovery, teaching them to replace negative behaviors with the positive attributes of an athlete. An avid participant in endurance sports, Blu has completed numerous marathons, ultra-cycling events, triathlons, and ultra-marathons, embodying the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
In his role as head coach at Addict II Athlete, Blu leverages his clinical expertise to offer comprehensive support, from individual counseling to group therapy, fostering a path to recovery enriched with clinical insight. He serves as a mentor, teacher, counselor, and guide, helping athletes and their families embrace a healthier, action-oriented lifestyle.
Reflecting on his journey, Blu recalls the genesis of Addict to Athlete in 2011, inspired by his personal recovery experience, which was significantly aided by the support and spiritual connection he found in outdoor activities. Starting as a free community group, the program quickly flourished under his leadership. Blu’s story of transformation and the profound impact of Addict to Athlete on its participants highlight the program’s core mission: to guide individuals in overcoming addiction through physical activity and community support, transforming former addicts into empowered athletes and individuals.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Blu Robinson’s journey from adversity to empowerment is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of support and love. As the fourth child born to a young mother who married at just 14, Blu’s early life was fraught with challenges. His mother, while doing her best, struggled to provide for her children, leading to a life marked by poverty and instability. The family moved 22 times before Blu reached the age of 18, a reflection of their constant battle with economic and emotional turmoil. This unstable foundation contributed to Blu’s descent into addiction, as he turned to alcohol and other substances as a means of escape from the relentless pressures and lack of support that characterized his upbringing. Education became another casualty of his troubled youth, culminating in his dropping out of high school, a moment that could have cemented a path defined by ongoing trauma and unfulfilled potential.
However, Blu’s life took a pivotal turn when he started working with troubled youth. It was in this environment, aimed at healing and supporting others, that he crossed paths with the woman who would become his wife. Her belief in his potential and her unwavering support inspired Blu to embark on a journey of personal transformation and academic achievement. Motivated by love and a newfound sense of purpose, he completed his adult high school education, laying the groundwork for further academic pursuits. His journey through education did not stop there; driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Blu went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree and eventually a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. This academic journey was far from easy, as Blu had to overcome the additional challenges of dealing with a learning disability on top of his other hurdles.
Blu’s remarkable transformation from a high school dropout battling addiction to a successful mental health counselor is a story of redemption and hope. Overcoming addiction, a learning disability, and deep-seated family trauma, he emerged not just as a survivor, but as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. His personal and professional life is a reflection of his commitment to healing, growth, and helping others. Blu’s journey underscores the importance of support, determination, and the belief that it is never too late to change the course of one’s life.
Today, Blu Robinson stands as a husband, father, and community leader, embodying the very essence of resilience and positive change. His work, particularly through the Addict to Athlete program, is a direct extension of his life’s journey—a path that has seen him transition from a place of darkness to one of light and leadership. Blu’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and inner drive, overcoming life’s greatest challenges is possible, allowing for the creation of a legacy that inspires and empowers others to transcend their circumstances and achieve their fullest potential.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound life lessons Blu Robinson had to unlearn was the notion that vulnerability and emotional openness were signs of weakness. Growing up in an environment riddled with instability and scarcity, Blu had internalized the belief that to survive, one must build walls around their heart. This defensive stance was a protective mechanism, a way to navigate the relentless challenges and avoid further emotional pain. However, this belief system also isolated him from the warmth and connection that come from genuinely engaging with others. It was a barrier not only to loving others but also to allowing himself to be loved. Blu’s journey of transformation required him to dismantle these walls brick by brick, challenging the deeply ingrained beliefs about vulnerability and strength.
The turning point for Blu came through his work with troubled youth and the pivotal influence of his future wife. In the process of helping others heal, Blu was confronted with the mirror of his own emotional barricades. His interactions with these young individuals, who were themselves grappling with vulnerability and seeking connection, began to highlight the limitations of his emotional detachment. Furthermore, the unconditional support and love from his partner provided Blu with a safe space to explore these vulnerabilities. It was through these experiences that he began to recognize the power of emotional openness, not as a source of weakness, but as a foundation for genuine strength and connection.
Learning how to love and learning hoe be loved required Blu to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. He had to unlearn the misconception that keeping people at arm’s length would protect him from pain. Instead, he discovered that true resilience is found in the ability to be open, to give and receive love without fear. This realization was transformative, allowing Blu to build deeper, more meaningful relationships. As he opened his heart to others, he found that the love and support he received in return were instrumental in his healing process and personal growth. Love became a source of strength, a guiding light through the darkness of past traumas and challenges.
Today, Blu Robinson’s life and work are a testament to the lessons he has learned about love and vulnerability. Through his journey, he has come to understand that the ability to love and be loved is fundamental to the human experience and essential for true healing and growth. This lesson has not only enriched his personal life but has also become a core principle in his approach to helping others through their recovery journeys. Blu’s story is a powerful reminder that unlearning certain life lessons can open the door to a more fulfilling and connected existence, grounded in the strength that comes from vulnerability and the transformative power of love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.addicttoathlete.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addicttoathlete
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddictToAthlete/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-blu-robinson-sudc-cmhc-8731124/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_nE7IkIurSAtrcYdEfq-IQ
Image Credits
All photos are Blu Robinson’s