People try to conquer drug addictions with exercise

A class in Pueblo is helping people beat their drug addictions.

Addict 2 Athlete is a program that helps anyone with a drug problem by exercising.

Robert Allen is one of those people trying to be sober. It’s his New Year’s resolution.

“For almost 20 years, I struggled with addiction and it took a lot out of me and my freedom,” he said.

Allen struggled with an opiate and painkiller pills addiction; it even got him in trouble.

“I spent almost a decade in prison,” he said.

But with his son by his side, he hopes to better his life with this program.

“My family and I are learning to be sober and as a family get our values back,” Allen said.

Rob Archuleta is the founder of Addict 2 Athlete. He said he wants to help Allen reach his goal.

“I really wanted to incorporate exercise to mind, body and spirit into recovery,” he said.

Archuleta said he can relate to Allen because he was an addict himself. He was addicted to methamphetamine and after he conquered that addiction, he became obese.

“I was miserable and unhappy,” Archuleta said.

Archuleta said this is reason why he started the program back in 2009.

Allen said he hopes he can conquer his addiction going into next year and beyond.

Archuleta said since he started the program, 80 percent of people who take the class end up drug-free.