The Power of Play

The Power of Play

Curious about how others steer their sobriety journey? This conversation on Addict II Athlete shines a light on something many adults quietly lose: the simple joy of play. Coach Blu Robinson and Athletic Director Marissa Robinson break down why play "doesn't need to end at childhood" and how it can be a crucial tool in addiction recovery.

Marissa brings her background as a recreational therapist to explain how kids use play to process life, learn boundaries and practise what they experience. They share examples from TV, real families and their own kids to show what happens when that play disappears—social withdrawal, anxiety and a fast‑track into adult responsibilities far too young. The episode contrasts free play with tightly structured activities, calling out over‑scheduled children, shrinking school recess and even teachers using loss of playtime as punishment.

They reference research suggesting depression and anxiety rose as playtime dropped, and point to countries increasing recess and seeing academic benefits. For adults in recovery, the message is clear: addiction "steals it all away"—including your ability to have fun.

Coach Blu and Marissa talk about early sobriety feeling like emotional adolescence, why it’s okay to rediscover silly joys like flying kites or hopping through a chalked hopscotch, and how service projects, trail runs, camping, geocaching or simply throwing a snowball can all count as play. They highlight Team Addict II Athlete as a space where families "rediscover play" together—running events, volunteering, handing out lunches to people experiencing homelessness and turning those moments into new, sober memories.

As Dr Paul says in the episode, "If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong." If you’ve ever felt too old, too busy or too embarrassed to play, this chat might have you asking: what would happen if you gave yourself a bit of recess back?