Led by David Patton

Mapping the Impact of The Phoenix as an Epicenter for Change, Healing and Transformation

This project positions the Phoenix as an epicenter of change, healing, growth and transformation. Impacting those at the center of The Phoenix community, but this is a generative force – its ‘goodness’ spreads among members, volunteers and staff but also extends further afield to the wider community, into local neighborhoods and touching the family, friends and neighbors of its members. By examining this ripple effect, the study will uncover how The Phoenix’s cultural influence contributes to the holistic well-being of individuals and communities beyond those in recovery, offering a new perspective on the role of collective recovery movements in transforming society.

Led by The Phoenix Research team, in collaboration with David Best

Increasing Recovery Strengths, Reducing Barriers, and Human Flourishing: The Journey of Phoenix Members

This survey study examines long term outcomes among members of The Phoenix. In particular, we are examining changes across key life domains and human flourishing for all Phoenix members, including those in recovery, those choosing to live sober, and allies and supporters. Initial learning from this project is published in our 2024 report, linked below.

Led by Danny Valdez

Applying Natural Language Processing to Analyze Communication within The Phoenix App

This study applies a range of natural language processing (NLP) and deep-learning techniques to analyze social posts on The NewForm App (formerly The Phoenix App). By identifying key discussion topics and the sentiment of these, this research aims to uncover what members communicate on the platform. Sentiment analysis provides insight into the emotional tone of discussions and how members support one another in a digital community.

Led by John Kelly and David Eddie

Advancing the Science of Recovery Communities: The Role of The Phoenix for Those New to Recovery

This proof-of-concept study seeks to explore the transformative impact of The Phoenix, prospectively testing improvements in substance use, psychosocial functioning, and autonomic nervous system responses for new members in recovery compared to matched community controls, as well as shedding light on predictors of engagement, retention, and derived benefits.

Led by Meg Patterson

The Role of Social Networks in Supporting Recovery and Wellbeing

The goal of this study is to learn more about the social connections people create while participating in physical activity through the Phoenix and to explore the social support networks created throughout their recovery journey. By doing so, this study aims to document the extent to which these connections contribute to positive recovery-related outcomes and overall wellbeing.

Led by The Phoenix Research team

Stories From The Desert: Phoenix Members Experiences of Camping, Connection and Adventuring in Moab, Utah

This qualitative study documents the experiences of Phoenix members who attended a Phoenix adventure retreat in Moab, Utah. Members participated in focus groups and a photovoice project, sharing their personal reflections and images that captured meaningful moments from the trip. Through these focus groups and submitted photos, members expressed feelings of psychological safety within The Phoenix community, shared their "Phoenix moments," and reflected on how the community supports their personal growth.

Led by The Phoenix Research team

Stories of Growth Through Volunteering with The Phoenix

This qualitative study documents the experience of Phoenix volunteers. Volunteers completed individual interviews to share how their experiences volunteering for The Phoenix have supported their own journeys of growth and have positively impacted their lives in unexpected ways.