How a free gym for those facing addiction is changing lives

Climbing the Himalayas Helped Me Stay Sober - Scott Strode feared an overdose would end his life—until an ice climbing brochure put him on a new path.

Scott Strode, 51, started drinking at 11 and using cocaine by 15. Addiction consumed his early 20s, leaving him paranoid and fearing an overdose. Once he got sober, fitness—climbing, boxing, triathlons—became his refuge. Determined to use his experience to help others, in 2006 he founded The Phoenix, a sober active community that has helped over half a million people overcome addiction. His forthcoming memoir, Rise. Recover. Thrive., aims to inspire even more people on their journey to recovery. In his own words, here’s how he did it.

15 Reasons It’s Awesome to Be Sober(ish) Right Now

Finding fun stuff to do when you’re sober, and with other cool sober people, has never been easier. The post-pandemic world boasts a new landscape for sober socializing. Here are 15 examples of sober at its most fun or fun at its most sober.

He Fell into Addiction as a Teen, and Then Found a Novel Way to Help Thousands of Other People Recover (Exclusive)

“I don’t really believe in the idea that you have to hit rock bottom to change,” Strode, 51, tells PEOPLE. “I think you need a moment of perspective where you're clear-headed enough to see a change that seems obtainable.”