The Phoenix
Research

Research

Harnessing the power of research and collaborative partnerships to create a more connected and empowered society where every individual can realize their full potential.

Latest and greatest

At a Glance: The Power of a Sober Active Community

At a Glance: The Power of a Sober Active Community

Research Partner Podcast: David Patton - Dismantling the Academic Hierarchies Around Recovery

Research Partner Podcast: David Patton - Dismantling the Academic Hierarchies Around Recovery

Find us on the App by searching for "Research by Phoenix & Partners"

Find us on the App by searching for "Research by Phoenix & Partners"

We're Hiring: Join the Team

We're Hiring: Join the Team

Research Alert: Journal Article Explores Support Provision in The Phoenix Model

Research Alert: Journal Article Explores Support Provision in The Phoenix Model

Our logic model shows the connection between what we do and the positive impacts our members experience. Through an applied research focus, we evaluate outcomes in relation to our model and improve what we do to better serve our members, partners and society at large.

The Phoenix: Sober active community model

The community

Sober social networks:
Connection, mutual support, members, volunteers, and partners

Meaningful activities:
In Person, Live Stream and On demand (music, yoga, CrossFit, and much more) 

Restorative culture:
Psychologically safe, supportive, inclusive and accessible

Short term outcomes

An increased sense of "CHIME-B"

  • Connection
  • Hope
  • Identity
  • Meaning and Purpose
  • Empowerment
  • Belonging

Intermediate outcomes

  • Sobriety and motivation to stay sober
  • Global health (mental and physical wellbeing)
  • Personal, social, and community resources (capital)

Long term outcomes

  • A paradigm shift
  • Cultural change
  • Economic savings
  • Lives transformed
  • Flourishing

We believe the most pressing societal issues, including substance use, mental health challenges, and legal system involvement, stem from related root causes. Together with our partners, we are generating, synthesizing and sharing meaningful knowledge that will reshape how society addresses these issues.

Meet our research team

Our team members are committed to igniting transformation through research.

Jacki Hillios, PhD, MSW

Deputy Executive Director

Jacki Hillios, PhD, MSW

The Phoenix

Boston, MA

Beth Collinson, PhD, MRes

Director of Research and Evaluation

Beth Collinson, PhD, MRes

The Phoenix

Boston, MA

Katie Heinrich, PhD, FACSM, FAAHB

Senior Researcher

Katie Heinrich, PhD, FACSM, FAAHB

The Phoenix

Manhattan, KS

Arun Sondhi, PhD, MBA

Contract Analyst

Arun Sondhi, PhD, MBA

The Phoenix

London, UK

Kara Link, BA

Contract Researcher

Kara Link, BA

The Phoenix

Albuquerque, NM

Danny Valdez, PhD, MS

Assistant Professor

Danny Valdez, PhD, MS

The Phoenix

Bloomington, IN

Aspen Streetmann, PhD, MS

Contract Researcher

Aspen Streetmann, PhD, MS

The Phoenix

Manhattan, Kansas

Research partners

We are grateful to have innovative research collaborators working alongside us. If you're interested in partnering, please reach out at researchandevaluation@thephoenix.org.

John Kelly, PhD, ABPP

Founder and Director

John Kelly, PhD, ABPP

Recovery Research Institute

Boston, MA

David Eddie, PhD, ABAP

Associate Director of Clinical Translational Recovery Science

David Eddie, PhD, ABAP

Recovery Research Institute

Boston, MA

Meg Patterson, PhD, MPH

Associate Professor

Meg Patterson, PhD, MPH

Texas A&M University, Department of Health Behavior

College Station, TX

David Best, PhD

Director

David Best, PhD

Centre for Addiction Recovery Research

Leeds, UK

David Patton, PhD

Associate Professor

David Patton, PhD

University of Derby, Social, Cultural and Legal Research Centre

Derby, UK

Research projects

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.

Learning and publications

Journal Article: Exploring Support Provision for Recovery from Substance Use Disorder Among Members of a Sober Active Community (2025)

Journal Article: Exploring Support Provision for Recovery from Substance Use Disorder Among Members of a Sober Active Community (2025)

The Transformative Power of a Sober Active Community: Impact at a Glance (2025)

The Transformative Power of a Sober Active Community: Impact at a Glance (2025)

The Relationship Between Connection, CrossFit, and Health: The Phoenix at The CrossFit Health Summit (2024)

The Relationship Between Connection, CrossFit, and Health: The Phoenix at The CrossFit Health Summit (2024)

Understanding and Transcending Stigma: Stories from Phoenix Volunteers (2024)

Understanding and Transcending Stigma: Stories from Phoenix Volunteers (2024)

The Transformative Power of a Sober Active Community: An Accessible Approach to Healing (2024)

The Transformative Power of a Sober Active Community: An Accessible Approach to Healing (2024)

The Phoenix CrossFit: Approach and Key Outcomes (2024)

The Phoenix CrossFit: Approach and Key Outcomes (2024)

Outcomes by Connection to The Phoenix (2023)

Outcomes by Connection to The Phoenix (2023)

Outcomes by Mode of Engagement (2023)

Outcomes by Mode of Engagement (2023)

The Phoenix White Paper (2019)

The Phoenix White Paper (2019)