#037- The Phoenix’s Role in Facilitating Resilience and Recovery through Recreation and Community with Dr. Jacki Hillios

In this episode, Dr. Jackie Hillios, co-founder and Deputy Executive Director of the Phoenix, discusses the importance of community in addiction recovery and the need for a shift in the treatment approach. The Phoenix is an organization that uses fitness and community to support individuals in recovery, and has expanded to become a global organization focused on creating conducive recovery communities. Dr. Hillios is an active public speaker who enthusiastically shares what she has learned from developing and scaling the Phoenix's healing community model. In 2013, Jacki presented Transcending Addiction and Redefining Recovery at TEDx Boulder. Her talk has been watched by nearly a million people and is being shared in university classrooms across the country. In this conversation, Jacki highlights the role of psychological safety in healing and explores the evolution of language in addiction terminology and the impact of partnerships in music and innovation. She shares personal experiences and memorable moments from the Phoenix community, emphasizing the transformative power of connection and support. The following themes emerged from the conversation: creating psychological safety and community connection, supporting employment through volunteering, expanding the Phoenix community, innovations in technology and virtual programming, and making fitness more accessible through psychological safety.

Download the Phoenix app and learn more about the organization.

Takeaways

• Community is essential in addiction recovery, providing support, connection, and a sense of belonging.
• Psychological safety is crucial for healing, allowing individuals to be vulnerable and take risks in a safe environment.
• Language plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of addiction, and person-first language helps reduce stigma.
• Partnerships in music and innovation can create opportunities for healing and support in the recovery journey.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Phoenix and Dr. Jackie Helios

03:08 - Challenges in Addiction Treatment and the Need for Community Approach

08:20 - Defining Addiction and the Importance of Community

13:58 - The Phoenix: A Sober, Active Community

14:09 - Comparison with Alcoholics Anonymous and the Evolution of Recovery

19:11 - The Role of Peer Professionals and the Power of Community

23:03 - The Role of Psychological Safety in Healing

27:01 - Addressing Stigma and Changing the Narrative

29:11 - Misconceptions about Addiction

31:35 - Volunteers and Inclusivity in the Phoenix Community

33:24 - Training and Etiquette for Phoenix Volunteers

35:37 - Language and the Evolution of Addiction Terminology

37:31 - Maintaining Quality and Expanding Partnerships

38:15 - Partnerships in Music and Innovation

42:05 - The Influence of Culture and Stress on Substance Use

43:26 - The Journey to Becoming a Clinician

45:44 - Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Family Influences

47:35 - Creating Impactful Moments in the Phoenix Community

48:21 - Creating Psychological Safety and Community Connection

51:09 - Supporting Employment through Volunteering

52:48 - Expanding the Phoenix Community

55:39 - Innovations in Technology and Virtual Programming

58:18 - Making Fitness More Accessible through Psychological Safety