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.

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.

Deputy Executive Director

Jacki Hillios, PhD, MSW

The Phoenix

Boston, MA

Senior Research Manager

Beth Collinson, PhD, MRes

The Phoenix

Boston, MA

Senior Researcher

Katie Heinrich, PhD, FACSM, FAAHB

The Phoenix

Manhattan, KS

Contract Analyst

Arun Sondhi, PhD, MBA

The Phoenix

London, UK

Contract Researcher

Kara Link, BA

The Phoenix

Seattle, WA

Contract Analyst

Danny Valdez, PhD, MS

The Phoenix

Bloomington, IN

Research Contractor

Aspen Streetman, MS, PhD(c)

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.

Founder and Director

John Kelly, PhD, ABPP

Recovery Research Institute

Boston, MA

Research Scientist

David Eddie, PhD, ABAP

Recovery Research Institute

Boston, MA

Assistant Professor

Meg Patterson, PhD, MPH

Texas A&M University, Department of Health Behavior

College Station, TX

Director

David Best, PhD

Centre for Addiction Recovery Research

Leeds, UK

Research projects

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.

Led by Danny Valdez

Applying Natural Language Processing to Analyze Communication within The Phoenix App

This study tests a variety of natural language processing (NLP) and deep-learning tools to process and contextualize data from The Phoenix: A Sober Community mobile app with the goal of identifying key discussion topics and app uses. Sentiment analysis helps determine the emotional content of those posts and how members support one another through the platform.

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

Building Recovery Capital through Social Networks: An Investigation of Phoenix CrossFit

The goal of this survey study is to learn more about the social connections people create while participating in CrossFit 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. We are currently recruiting for this study. If you are a person in recovery and participate in Phoenix CrossFit, please email our research team at researchandevaluation@thephoenix.org to learn more.

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 the 2022 Phoenix adventure retreat in Moab, Utah. Members participated in focus groups to share about their experiences of feeling psychologically safe within The Phoenix community, experiences of their Phoenix moment, and how 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.