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Isolation, while a public health necessity, carries significant risks for individuals struggling with addiction. Many in recovery rely heavily on community support networks, and the sudden withdrawal of face-to-face interactions can lead to relapse and emotional distress. For The Phoenix, which thrives on creating a safe, physically active environment, closing their gyms and gathering spaces threatened their core mission.
The organizers found themselves confronting an urgent need to rethink how they could serve their community amidst these restrictions. The natural isolation of the pandemic amplified the importance of staying connected for those battling addiction, making the organization’s role more critical than ever.