Don’t Lose Hope: Adam’s Journey from Darkness to Light

Adam Vibe Gunton – Former Addict – Author – Entrepreneur – Recovered on Purpose

One man turned his greatest struggle into a mission to help others heal

Denver’s Civic Center Park is a landmark for many Coloradans, but for Adam Vibe Gunton, it’s where his story of transformation began. Once trapped by addiction and homelessness, Adam now stands as a symbol of hope and recovery for thousands across the country.

“There were a lot more benches around here where they let us kind of do our thing, and people were working, which means they were selling down here,” says Gunton.

Adam remembers the park as a place of pain — but now, it’s also a reminder of how far he’s come.

“I was homeless and a drug addict weighing 148 pounds eight years ago. I’m 225 now, working out for five days a week. I just got engaged last Thursday, right over here on Larimer Square, and I’m getting ready to build a family,” says Gunton. “It’s interesting coming back here and being so cleaned up and, you know, people I remember back in 2020, 2021, this was full of people struggling.”

Adam’s journey began with heartbreak. After losing a friend to suicide, he was prescribed opioids to cope. When the prescription ran out, he turned to heroin. For eight long years, addiction controlled his life — until one near-fatal moment changed everything.

“Called China White, and I put it in my arm like I always did,” said Gunton. “Then the next thing I knew, I was waking up on the asphalt in a pile of glass with blue and red lights around me.”

He had overdosed on fentanyl. That terrifying moment became his wake-up call.

“I wanted to die. And I think that was the ticket for me when I really was willing to do whatever it took,” says Gunton.

Determined to rebuild, Adam got clean and started Recovered on Purpose, a movement dedicated to helping others find their way out of addiction.

“With the treatment centers that we’ve opened with the marketing that we do and with recovery on purpose and the content that we do, online, we’ve been able to help thousands,” said Gunton.

Colorado man shares his journey to overcome addiction to help others, says “Don’t lose hope”

Now, Adam works to guide others — but he reminds people that change begins within.

“Don’t wait for somebody to come find you and help you. You must step up, and it is possible,” said Gunton.

And to families of those still struggling, he shares a message straight from the heart.

“My family, my mom and her sisters were praying for me with my grandma, and I started feeling that at the end of my addiction. Don’t lose hope,” said Gunton.

Adam’s story is proof that no matter how dark things seem, there’s always a way forward. Hope doesn’t disappear — sometimes it just hides until we’re ready to find it again. Whether you’re facing a tough time, helping a friend, or chasing a dream that feels out of reach, remember Adam’s words: Don’t lose hope.

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