Phoenix Free is Elon University’s Collegiate Recovery Program — a supportive community that empowers students who choose a substance-free lifestyle. Whether you’re in recovery, seeking support, or looking to become an ally, we welcome you.

 

Recovery can look different for everyone. Phoenix Free believes that recovery is about finding hope and purpose through connection, self-awareness, and growth. Students in recovery, whether from substance use, disordered eating, gambling, or other addictive behaviors—come together to support one another in making mindful choices and living a substance-free, balanced college life.

What is a Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)?

A collegiate recovery program is a supportive environment within the campus culture that reinforces a student’s decision to engage in a substance-free college experience. It is designed to provide an educational opportunity alongside recovery support to ensure that students do not have to sacrifice one for the other.

Collegiate Recovery Programs increase access to recovery services and support on campuses for students with substance use disorders and those wishing to pursue a substance-free lifestyle. They are one measure in addressing the growing need for behavioral health care among young adults.

– NC Department of Health and Human Services, 2023

By the Numbers

171Number of CRP's in the US
30Number of CRP's in NC
4Number of CRP's at private institutions in NC

What We Offer

Our mission is to help students maintain a substance-free and healthy lifestyle in order to fully engage in their academic, social, and personal pursuits. Phoenix Free is student-led and provides students with the following support and resources:

Meetings & Events

Weekly Meetings

Looking for recovery support? Phoenix Free can connect you with a strong recovery community on campus. Recovery is possible on a college campus!

All Recovery Meetings are held each Monday night from 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Moseley room 216. Pizza and snacks will be provided.

Substance-Free Social Events & Programs

#WearPurpleWednesday: Held September 3rd, 2025 on Medallion plaza, wear purple and get a free Pelican’s snowball.

This event is sponsored by HealthEU and the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.

Virtual Community Mutual Aid Groups

When in-person meetings are not an option or unavailable, online and remote resources such as virtual meetings can help bridge the gap and provide critical support to those dealing with alcohol and other substance use issues. The following online resources may help:

AA Online Meetings

Online AA meetings operate similarly to face-to-face meetings. All meetings are open meetings. To attend a meeting, sign up for a free Skype account. AA meetings are held daily and represented by a wide variety of members.

AA Online Meetings

Bigvision

An online community that offers support to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who are in recovery from alcohol and/or substance use disorders. Bigvision provides links to daily support meetings, including interactive weekend events such as a comedy hour and sports trivia.

Bigvision

NA Online Meetings

Virtual NA is a globally based collaborative service resource whose primary purpose is to provide a meeting search for both online and phone line meetings of Narcotics Anonymous hosted from different countries around the world.

NA Online Meetings

SMART Recovery Online (SROL)

An online community where participants interact and support each other in recovery from addictive behaviors. Features include: daily online meetings, message board, and 24/7 live chat. Registration is required to access the SMART Recovery Online message board, chat room, and online meetings.

SMART Recovery Online

Local Support Group Meetings

Gambling Awareness and Recovery

Understanding Gambling Behaviors

Gambling includes sports betting, online poker, fantasy sports, or casino-style games. For some students, gambling becomes more than recreation—it can impact finances, relationships, and academic life.

Recognize the Signs

  • Preoccupation with betting or gaming
  • Hiding or deceit about gambling activity (losses, debts, or time spent gambling)
  • Chasing losses
  • Borrowing money or using credit to gamble
  • Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut back
  • Experiencing stress in relationships, finances, or academics due to gambling

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone else, you’re not alone. Help is available.

Support and Connection at Elon

Phoenix Free celebrates progress, not perfection, and affirms that recovery is about discovering your strengths, building resilience, and creating a meaningful path forward.

Join us during one of our weekly All Recovery meetings and connect with a peer leader, or talk with a staff member to learn more about recovery options.

State and National Resources

  • NC Department of Health and Human Services “More Than a Game” Campaign
  • NC Problem Gambling Program Helpline — 1-877-718-5543
  • National Council on Problem Gambling
  • Gamblers Anonymous
  • Gam-Anon Family Support

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous

AANC District 33 Meetings – Alamance County
AANC District 23 Meetings – Guilford County
AANC District 23 “Young People” Meetings – Guilford County
En Español
Latinos En Sobriedad
104 New Stateside Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Martes, Jueves y Viernes 8am 10 pm

Contact Information
Hotline: (919) 783-6144
Toll Free: (888) 237-3235
Find an Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

 

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous – Greensboro Area

The Greensboro Area of NA exists to serve NA home groups and the public in the cities of Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Elon, Graham, Kernersville and Reidsville, NC.

Contact Information                                                                                                                  24 Hour Phoneline: (866) 375-1272

Find a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting

Al-Anon/Alateen

Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group of Alamance County

Contact Information                                                                                                              Local Contact: (919) 713-1516
National Hotline: (800) 344-2666
Area 42 Central North Carolina Website
Virtual Meetings Schedule
Find an Al-anon/Alateen Meeting

Who is Eligible to Participate?

Phoenix Free is open to all undergraduate and graduate students who have a desire to stop using alcohol and/or other substances and live a sober lifestyle. No knowledge of recovery is required. You only need an interest in change. Students at any point in a recovery journey are welcome. If you would like to get involved or learn more about Phoenix Free, please email phoenixfree@elon.edu.

Recovery Ally Training

Support the CRC and become a Recovery Ally! Our goal is to foster an environment where students in or seeking recovery feel accepted by their peers, feel comfortable asking for help, and are celebrated by the campus community. By becoming a Recovery Ally, you are declaring to students that you embody these ideals.

Fall 2025 Dates Coming Soon!

Recovery Support Resources

Phoenix Free CRC Team Members