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PUEBLO, COLO. -- Drug and alcohol addiction -- problems many Americans struggle with.

Now though, for those seeking help, there is a new program dedicated to the recovery of both the mind and body. It is called "Addicts to Athletes."

"I am a recovering meth addict. I used meth for nine years and now I have been sober for four," Rob Archuleta said.

Archuleta said during his recovery he noticed he started to gain weight. That is when he said a friend encouraged him to start running.

"I just never felt better in my life. I found that runner's high that is a natural high," Archuleta said.

He said before he knew it he was running races and added the exercise became part of his recovery.

"I just felt better about myself. I was not depressed and I was not having anxiety, and if I did feel stressed I would just go out and run," Archuleta said.

Encouraged by his success, Archuleta said he decided he wanted to help others who were also recovering from addiction.

So he came up with the Addicts to Athletes program. Participants meet once a week for 30 minutes of discussion followed by exercise.

"We just meet at different fields and then everybody is just walking or running depending on their fitness levels," Archuleta said.

During the winter he said the group meets indoors for mixed martial arts training. Archuleta and his fellow coaches said exercise can be a great recovery tool.

"The sense of accomplishment, the sense of 'I finished this or I am doing this,' even running a mile or one lap around the track is a big accomplishment for someone who is getting sober," Archuleta said.

For those interested in participating in the Addicts to Athletes program, contact Archuleta at addicttoathlete@comcast.net

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