The Phoenix Celebrates National Recovery Month in Honor of the 23 Million Americans Recovering from Substance Use Disorder

The Phoenix to host 23 Days of “Sweatember” as part of a robust calendar of activities, along with expanded live-streaming fitness classes and the launch of on-demand fitness; The recovery community, along with family and friends of individuals in recovery are encouraged to participate in activities

Denver, CO (September 1, 2020) – During National Recovery Month in September, millions of Americans are recognized for their courage and strength while in recovery from substance use disorder. The Phoenix, a nonprofit organization that fosters a supportive, physically active community for individuals recovering from substance use disorder through its innovative peer-to-peer model, is proud to announce an array of activities to celebrate the more than 23 million Americans in recovery and inspire those struggling with substance use to join them.

The Phoenix is encouraging its members, the broader recovery community and supporters of individuals in recovery to join them for “Sweatember” – 23 days of wellness activities hosted by The Phoenix in celebration of National Recovery Month. The 23 days of activities is symbolic of the 23 million Americans in recovery and will feature classes such as community fitness, high intensity interval training (HIIT), dance, boxing, yoga, and meditation. As with all programming from The Phoenix, Sweatember classes are free for participants with 48 hours of continuous sobriety and will be live-streamed at thephoenix.org/sweatember.

“Nothing engages people more than physical activity, and we hope that our Sweatember programming will inspire not only those already in the program, but those desiring to begin a path to recovery,” said Scott Strode, Founder and Executive Director of The Phoenix. “National Recovery Month is a time to reflect and support those who face a difficult path on the road to true and full recovery, while also encouraging those suffering from substance use disorder to seek positive change. With a wide variety of classes, the 23 days of Sweatember will help participants lead a healthier and happier life as part of The Phoenix community.”

Utilizing a unique model of leveraging physical activity and social connection, The Phoenix helps people heal from substance use disorder and thrive in recovery. All programming is free of charge for anyone with a minimum 48 hours of continuous sobriety. Internal survey results show that more than 80% of members make significant improvements in happiness, confidence, purpose, coping and self-esteem after just three months of participation, while 8 out of 10 active members remain sober after 6 months with The Phoenix.

Earlier this year, The Phoenix introduced live-streaming virtual fitness classes, wellness programming and online social events to provide critical support and social connection. In celebration of National Recovery Month, virtual fitness will be expanded to offer more than 50 live-streamed classes per week. The comprehensive suite of programming powered through Zoom features daily fitness and wellness classes for participants of all levels, designed to challenge the mind and body and taught by qualified instructors from The Phoenix. In addition, The Phoenix is launching on-demand programming in September as part of its catalogue of virtual workouts for members. Virtual live-streaming and on-demand fitness classes are available at thephoenix.org/find-a-class.

“Our mission at The Phoenix is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we can rise, recover and live,” Strode added. “With the proper support mechanisms in place, we believe stigma can be removed and life-altering help can be offered to everyone who seeks it. Whether you are in recovery or know someone recovering from substance use disorder, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating a path to sobriety this month.”

Since 2006, The Phoenix’s free sober active community has inspired more than 38,000 people across America to believe they have the strength to rise from the ashes of addiction through the support of those who are walking that very same path. Through its brick and mortar locations in major municipalities across the U.S., (Boston, Mass., Denver, Colo., and Costa Mesa, Calif.), the nonprofit organization aims to redefine the addiction recovery process through its innovative peer-to-peer model, designed to facilitate human connection in a supportive environment and eradicate the stigma of addiction. Physical activity is the mechanism through which The Phoenix introduces individuals to the safe and supportive ‘sober active community’ at the heart of the program’s success.

For those seeking assistance or simply wanting to learn more, visit The Phoenix’s website at www.thephoenix.org. To donate to The Phoenix, which is funded by donations and grants, visit www.thephoenix.org/donate-to-phoenix.