Finding sobriety on a mountaintop | Scott Strode | TEDxMileHigh

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Published 2016-08-01

On the road to recovery from his drug & alcohol addiction, Scott Strode found self-confidence and a new identity in sports. “Every time I stood on top of a mountain or crossed a finish line, I was a little more a climber, and a little less an addict,” Scott explains. Is it possible that creating a community of sober athletes might revolutionize recovery?

Scott Strode is a triathlete, mountaineer, and recovering alcoholic. He’s the Founder and National Executive Director of Phoenix Multisport, offering free programs such as climbing, boxing, CrossFit, yoga, and biking to individuals in recovery from substance use disorder and introducing them to a new supportive network of sober friends. Phoenix is based on Scott's own discovery that a healthy, active lifestyle has a transformative effect on long-term sobriety. Scott has been recognized worldwide for his work with Phoenix.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)

@angelinehernandez4838 3 years ago

Last time I watched this I was 24hrs sober and now I’m watching again 5 months sober in tears and proud of myself. I haven’t been able to give myself credit.
@leah8342 2 years ago

I almost relapsed today. I came here to find motivation and think about healthy choices. To everyone out there struggling with addiction, keep fighting. We are all in this together ❤️
@betterbee1304 6 years ago

I'm 23 days sober. I think I'm in the right place.
@deenkwaan9968 5 years ago

In tears while I watch this......I have been 48 hours sober/Alcohol........
@looneytunes105 4 years ago

One year and 6 months clean and sober....the best life I’ve lived in 55 years..and counting!
@reidhanson4827 6 years ago

Any addict that has achieved (or not) sobriety understands perfectly why he's wearing that shirt. He's a brave man and one with incredible will power. I applaud his pride in his sobriety.
@Dominick_Calvitto. 7 years ago

I'm Sober 4 1/2 Years From Alcoholism,August 3rd Will Be 5 Years !
@jonahprate8192 1 year ago

3 years sober from coke and ketamine and this video still cuts like a knife. Im in tears watching this video as a full grown man. This is a message to all addicts that the path out is there for everyone. Recovery is struggle but in that struggle there is so much to learn and grow from. Recovered addicts are some of the strongest people i am proud to know and call friends. You are worth that effort to become that person who you want to be
@michaelhager1071 2 years ago

Currently 9 days sober and im in an impatient treatment facility. What a great thing this man has done. God bless him and the counselors here and the men that made this treatment center possible. I truly believe its saving my life.
@danieldalton2690 5 years ago

No joke physical fitness and work is the best way to stay sober, in my case anyway
@joshuagarrod3194 3 years ago

This made me cry with happiness, I'm still struggling with my alocholism, but this guy said so many things I can relate to. I'm proud of him
@virginiagarcia6032 3 years ago

I’ve been sober 2 years and was having a bad morning and came upon this. Thank you
@BrewCrew-tq8oy 5 years ago

Struggling with alcoholism now, I don't wish it on anyone. 3 days sober
@chrisjowaisas95 3 years ago

For years I've battled in my mind, trying to convince myself I can moderate alcohol...then I fail over and over, I quit, then I start again trying to moderate. It's been a frustrating and shameful cycle. I hide it from friends and family, even my girlfriend. I feel like I am finally facing it head on: I cannot moderate alcohol. And I am a happier person without a drop in my life. Our society feeds us misinformation our whole lives about this extremely addictive, extremely destructive substance and in that, we are all victims in a sense. This video is inspiring on so many levels.... for me, running has been such a savior, so many naturally induced feel good chemicals, pride, focus.... so I get it. I hope that I can continue to walk the sober path and I wish all of you well on your journey.
@reginafisher9381 5 years ago

I just woke up sober day number five,I loved this talk,I am so ready to start the next chapter in my life! This talk brought tears to my eyes and I am grateful .
@OutandAboutWithDiane 4 years ago

Thank you for this. Hiking has made me stay sober. I’ve only been sober for 3 months but every time I feel like using, I go out and hike. You have encouraged me to share my journey on my channel. Next year I am hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail in hopes to finding who I am.
@SNIPERG647 3 years ago

I'm stuck in a horrible cycle that I can't break, the mother of my children is slowly getting fed up of me. I don't know why I keep turning to the drink, but these videos are helping. Thank you. Day 1
@SoberChefEric 4 years ago

I'm a proud member of this tribe. I love making new people feel welcome. It was because this group that I feel worthy of being loved.
@sirenitaaaa3152 4 years ago

I have a drinking problem and I am watching videos to help me. I want a healthier life. This video has been the most helpful I have seen. I like to exercise and I have always been good at sports. Maybe this is the answer for my problem. Thanks 😊
@Brock267 3 years ago

this guy hit the nail on the head, these little traumas accumulate over time and you may go to despair and start feeling worse and worse so you grab a glass more and more I think we should concentrate on opposite of trauma and that's our blessings and things we can be proud of, currently what we have or which we were lucky to experience, like I have a good wife, healthy children, well paid job, I live in a great country, I have been on great soccer match with my friends, I got a kiss from beautiful girl on a party, I experienced birth of my child, I climbed a mountain, .... thinking and reminding this stuff is important to beat that trauma inside of each of us