Addiction Technology Transfer Center: The Phoenix: Building Recovery Through Community, Connection and Meaningful Activity

The Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) play a critical role in advancing our nation’s health by equipping healthcare professionals and community organizations with effective tools to address individuals, children, and families impacted by alcohol and drug use. We build local capacity of the behavioral health workforce resulting in treatment that leads to long-term recovery and people
becoming contributing members of society as quickly as possible.

Substance use disorders (SUD) remain one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United States (US). Growing evidence suggests these challenges are deeply shaped by broader social and structural factors, including trauma, social disconnection, socioeconomic inequality and declining community cohesion. Research has demonstrated that many individuals achieve recovery without formal clinical treatment and that long-term recovery is strengthened when individuals have opportunities to build meaningful relationships, engage in purposeful activities and develop supportive communities in everyday life.

This webinar explores the role of meaningful activity, social connection and community in initiating and sustaining recovery. Attendees will be introduced to The Phoenix, a national nonprofit that has pioneered a free, volunteer-led model of recovery support, serving more than one million individuals across the United States. The Phoenix welcomes individuals in recovery, those seeking a substance-free lifestyle, and their friends, family members, and allies.

The webinar will also examine the growing evidence base supporting the Phoenix model, including research demonstrating improvements in recovery-related outcomes, psychological safety, social connectedness and flourishing. Finally, attendees will consider how these principles can strengthen recovery-oriented practice within their own settings, including practical approaches for connecting individuals to Phoenix programs and applying community-centered, strengths-based approaches to recovery support.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe the community ethos underpinning The Phoenix model
2. Identify practical pathways for connecting individuals with Phoenix programs
3. Summarize the emerging evidence supporting The Phoenix model, including research on psychological safety, flourishing and supportive social networks.