Exploring social connections and mental well-being among members of a sober active community: A social network...

Addiction is a complex and pervasive condition which affects physical, social, and mental health. Research consistently shows that social support and social networks are key to the addiction recovery process (defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential) and recovery communities available outside of or in conjunction to formal treatment are effective in providing such support. This study investigated social networks and psychological distress among members of The Phoenix, a sober active community that incorporates group-based exercise (e.g., CrossFit) into the recovery process.

Using Social Network Analysis (SNA), we analyzed relationships within The Phoenix CrossFit programs in Denver, Colorado (N = 35) and Wichita, Kansas (N = 42). Linear Network Autocorrelation Models (LNAMs) assessed whether social network positions and connections related to psychological distress among members, and Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) explored factors that explained the presence of supportive relationships between Phoenix members.

Network centrality, such as being identified as a source of support (i.e., in-degree), was associated with lower psychological distress, while peripheral positions correlated with higher psychological distress in both networks. Additionally, individuals experiencing higher psychological distress tended to seek more supportive connections, whereas those with lower distress were more frequently nominated as supportive figures.

These results highlight the potential of community-based recovery resources like The Phoenix to foster social networks that promote mental well-being.