THE PHOENIX, TRANSFORMATIVE NATIONAL SOBER MOVEMENT, SURGES PAST ONE MILLION PEOPLE IMPACTED

The Phoenix transforms recovery through community, connection, and shared purpose 

BOSTON, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Phoenix, a national nonprofit sober active community, announced today a historic milestone: it has directly impacted more than one million people experiencing substance use or mental health challenges. 

Founded in Denver in 2006, The Phoenix has pioneered a community-based approach to recovery—bringing people together through fitness, creative expression, mindfulness, and social connection. With programs in all 50 states, every class and event is free and accessible to anyone with at least 48 hours of sobriety. By creating stigma-free spaces where people can belong, grow stronger in body and mind, and support one another, The Phoenix is redefining what recovery looks like in America. 

"One million isn't just a number. It's one million unique lives, each with their own story," said Scott Strode, The Phoenix founder and executive director, who himself has thrived for almost three decades on his recovery journey. "Every person who finds support through The Phoenix is creating ripples of change in their families, workplaces, and communities. That's how we transform recovery together." 

The organization is powered by more than 4,000 volunteers, 125 full-time staff, and thousands of donors from across the country. Earlier this year, The Phoenix accelerated its already significant impact with the launch of NewForm, a digital platform that extends its community model online. NewForm connects people to recovery and mental wellness communities wherever they are, ensuring that even more people can find the belonging and connection that fuel long-term recovery. 

With nearly 48 million Americans currently struggling with substance use, and one in three experiencing either a substance use or mental health challenge, the need for connection has never been greater. Research confirms The Phoenix approach: a recent Texas A&M study found that sober communities like The Phoenix provide the most effective environment for developing social connections that support healing and growth. The Phoenix's own data from a 2024 study shows that more than 80% of its members remain sober after three months of participation, compared with a relapse rate of around 70% among those relying solely on traditional treatment. 

Said volunteer Annabelle Lawton of San Jose, CA: "I am so grateful that The Phoenix has shown me that it's possible to live a full, joyful life without drugs and alcohol. And volunteering with The Phoenix has been a blessing for my recovery. It has allowed me to use my skills in a meaningful way and shown me what my true purpose is. I have found that providing a safe space for people to have fun in a healthy environment is what makes me feel deeply connected to my community. So, I am proud to offer these experiences to others with the help of The Phoenix."

As The Phoenix approaches its 20th anniversary, the milestone of one million lives impacted represents both a celebration and a challenge.

"This moment reminds us how far we've come, but also how much further we must go," said Strode. "We've set our sights on reaching 10 million people by the end of this decade, and with this community behind us, I know we'll get there." 

The Phoenix movement's effective, recovery-based model is featured in the upcoming documentary SOBER, set to release in 2026.

ABOUT THE PHOENIX AND NEWFORM  
The Phoenix is a nationwide sober active community that leverages the power of connection and shared experience to help people rise, recover, and thrive. Programs include fitness classes, art and music, mindfulness, and social events—all free to anyone with 48 hours of sobriety. NewForm accelerates this mission by making Phoenix's model accessible digitally, connecting individuals to recovery and mental wellness communities wherever they are. Together, they are building a movement that is transforming how society approaches recovery and mental health. 

SOURCE The Phoenix