Led by The Phoenix research team

The Belonging and Becoming (B2) Study: A longitudinal study exploring how our connections to others affect our sense of flourishing

The Belonging and Becoming Study (B2) is the most ambitious research initiative in The Phoenix’s history. This landmark longitudinal study follows new members over time to better understand how community and connection shape trajectories of flourishing. Participants will be followed for three years, regardless of whether they remain actively engaged with The Phoenix. This allows us to explore not only whether lives change, but how change unfolds over time, providing a more complete understanding of real-world journeys and the factors that support lasting positive change. The pilot phase of B2 launched in August 2026.

Led by The Phoenix research team in partnership with Patrick Hibbard

Evaluating The Phoenix’s Virtual Programming in Carceral Settings

Through partnerships with Edovo and CypherWorx, The Phoenix has reached more than 500,000 individuals in carceral settings. This evaluation examines engagement with Phoenix content delivered through the Edovo platform, exploring what content individuals access, how they engage with it, and what they share about its impact.

Led by Leigh Anne Dageford

Integrated Liver Transplant and Recovery Program

This study will evaluate the feasibility of implementing use of NewForm, The Phoenix’s digital platform, among individuals in recovery who have recently undergone liver transplantation. The study will assess interest, engagement, and satisfaction with the platform when used alongside standard post–liver transplant clinical care. The research team aims to determine whether liver transplant recipients in recovery will utilize the app and find community and support. Findings from this study will inform future research efforts aimed at improving outcomes for transplant recipients and potentially a broader population concerned about liver health.

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 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 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.