Food for thought Athletes! I believe addiction is part of you, not who you are. I share my journey since getting clean in 1996 and explain why I encourage Team Addict Athlete members to identify as champions rather than simply addicts. Genuine recovery is about integrating all aspects of recovery, 12-step programs, therapy, residential treatment, and more to become unstoppable in life. The message is about elevating yourself beyond a single label and turning your struggles into your strength.