Dear Johnny

He had just received a 3^rd DWI and knew he was facing a return to prison, a place he knew too well.

Johnny Armijo’s family member told him he should get into a program at the Albuquerque Center for Hope and Recovery (ACHR). The program was called Addict to Athlete – A2A. As described on the ACHR website, A2A

“assists individuals struggling with substance use and/or mental health challenges in finding and maintaining recovery through use of physical fitness and self-discovery. A2A NM consists of an hour of strenuous activity, from weight training to cross fit, followed by an hour long, peer led, support group. By teaching the principles of pro-social behaviors and community inclusion, A2A NM strives to assist individuals create the best versions of themselves and become strong community members.” (https://www.achrnm.org/) 

“Initially, I wasn’t serious about getting sober, but I thought it might at least help reduce my sentence by a few months,” Johnny recalls.

Six years later, Johnny is sober and inspiring others to take the path of wellness with him. He works for ACHR and helps coordinate the A2A program.

His energy for life is infectious. Having been on the dark path of addiction, he appreciates each moment and small gifts each day brings his way. He embraces being a dad and a grandfather, acknowledging the years he wasn't well enough to be there for his family.

(L to R) Johnny, myself and Donato (another A2A peer support worker) at an event where we honored the two of them for their work to help others overcome addiction through movement.

Yesterday, we held a lunch on our UNM campus titled “Healing Through Movement”. Johnny came to speak and inspire. He shared his story with a room of students, staff and faculty. The room came alive.

After the lunch, someone came up to him and shared that they were also in sobriety.

I reminded him that whenever I talk, I might get a polite “Thank you” but not people sharing about their life journey in such a vulnerable way.

And yet, in Johnny's words he wants to become a motivational speaker one day.

My brother, you already are!

Johnny at the gym, moving for his recovery and wellness

The very thing that threatened to kill Johnny or to put him behind bars for the rest of his life is also what allows him to heal himself. In a beautiful way, his addiction is now a form of self-healing as opposed to being used for self-destruction. He uses his addiction to help others see a path for their healing as well.

Johnny, 

Mi hermano 

My brother

My health colleague

My fellow mover

I honor you and your journey today. 

I am thankful to know you.  

Keep moving.

Keep healing.

Here is a short film "What is Recovery" featuring Johnny and the AHCR team.