Pickleball is Helping People Overcome Addiction: In the heart of Murray, Utah, a transformative initiative ‘Once Pickled ‘is taking place at the Birdhouse Pickleball Courts. Led by Nick Bolt. This gathering isn’t just about the game—it’s about recovery and renewal for those overcoming substance abuse.
Each week, Nick Bolt, a dedicated mental health counselor, prepares for his tournament at Murray’s Birdhouse Pickleball Courts, where players arrive to find court time, pickleballs, and paddles provided for them every Sunday.
“We get a big mix here, mental health, different kinds of substance abuse, different ages, men, women, everybody. No one is safe from this disease,” Bolt remarked.
The idea for this initiative struck Bolt during a therapy session with one of his patients. But why pickleball?
“I was talking to a patient in my office and asked him, ‘We’ve climbed the first big hurdle, so what do you want to do next?'” Bolt explained. Having started playing pickleball for exercise himself, he decided to establish Once Pickled, a group specifically for recovering addicts. The combination of physical activity, emphasis on friendship and therapeutic discussions proved to be a compelling formula for bringing individuals facing similar challenges together.
Ryan Anderson, a regular participant, shared his journey: “I’ve been through the ringer, I just got out of treatment not too long ago and I’m 60 days clean as of tomorrow. I’m getting back on the horse and found this pickleball group and it’s a lot of fun.”
The group sessions are a blend of play and meaningful conversations about their shared experiences, effectively blending recreation with what some might call “fun therapy.”
Growing Participation
Starting with just 10 players, the group has grown , now numbering close to 50 participants. With the expanding attendance comes a need for more equipment—paddles, pickleballs, and snacks for their tournaments.
Moved by their story, KUTV stepped in to support. Liv Gilbert from Mountain America Credit Union attended the tournament to “Pay It Forward” with a generous donation of $500. Bolt expressed gratitude, noting that the money will be put to good use supporting a community of people who are actively rebuilding their lives.
News in Brief: How Pickleball is Helping People Overcome Addiction
Therapist Nick Bolt uses pickleball to help recovering addicts at birdhouse pickleball court. In addition to his weekly mental health program, Once Pickled offers free court time, equipment, and a supportive community. It combines exercise, camaraderie, and discussions about addiction. The program has boomed, growing from 10 to 50 participants, and a kind donation helps them buy more equipment to keep serving this inspiring group
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