The John Volken Academy is a long-term residential drug and alcohol recovery program. Our residents overcome their addictions, as well as further their education, receive extensive career training, and gain all the tools they need to live happy and successful lives of sobriety. There are currently three academies in Seattle, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona and Vancouver, Canada.

Visit www.volken.org for more information.

Read how running has impacted Nathaniel's recovery at the John Volken Academy.

"To this date I've been a student for a year and 3 months. Before the start of the new year I was gaining weight and it was brought even more to my attention by a friendly jab from a close brother. Along with gaining weight, I wasn't as happy inside as I knew I could be, something was missing. I made a firm commitment to start running. I made sure to always run with a fellow brother, even if was just around our parking lot and backyard. It was tough at first, but I noticed running with someone motivated me to push harder. From the suggestion of another brother here, "No matter what, don’t stop!" became my motto.  Immediately I noticed a change. Emotionally and spiritually I felt healthier than I ever had. Within a week I felt physically better. 

The biggest change that came over me was when I was invited for an early morning run. After that first morning run I felt more alive and happier than any other morning in my entire program, maybe in my entire life. Running has helped me in so many ways and I continue to grow with each run.  My whole life has been filled with running; running from the cops, running from my family and friends, and running from problems and emotions. At 26 years of age, I'm eternally grateful to have found a new love with running. It has opened me up to a whole new world and a new way of finding happiness. I now choose to run for my future instead of running from my past."