Almost two years ago, I had an idea that wouldn't let go of me. What if sobriety didn't have to feel like punishment? What if recovery could be engaging, even enjoyable? What if we could completely reimagine how people approach their relationship with alcohol?
Today, to celebrate the launch of my Substack, I'm excited to share the story of how that simple question evolved into Phenomenal - a comprehensive sobriety program that's challenging everything we think we know about recovery.
The Genesis
As someone who's walked the path of recovery myself, I knew intimately what was missing from traditional approaches. Too often, sobriety programs focus solely on stopping drinking rather than building something better in its place. They rely on willpower, shame, and restriction instead of empowerment, understanding, and transformation.
The breakthrough came when I realised I needed to apply what I (think I) know about human psychology - specifically, how to create engaging, sustainable behavioural change. If apps and games can keep us hooked through reward systems and progress tracking, why couldn't I use the same principles to make sobriety compelling?
Building the Foundation: The THRIVE System
The heart of Phenomenal, my signature system if you will, is what I call the THRIVE System - a comprehensive framework that moves beyond simple abstinence to complete life transformation:
- Seek to Understand: Deep exploration of your relationship with alcohol
- Plan for Change: Strategic, realistic goal-setting and preparation
- Learn by Doing: Over 140 evidence-based techniques and activities
- Grow Through Reflection: Regular check-ins, journaling, and self-assessment
This isn't just theory. Every element has been tested and refined through real-world application with clients, drawing from both my professional training and lived experience.
The Challenge of Creating Something Different
One of the biggest hurdles has been communicating that Phenomenal isn't just another sobriety program. I’m not competing with AA or traditional therapy - I’m creating something entirely new. It's been fascinating (and, at times, frankly exhausting) to develop messaging that conveys this without dismissing other approaches that work for many people.
The program needed to be:
- Respectful of different paths to recovery
- Welcoming to people wherever they are in their journey
- Compassionate in acknowledging the real struggles involved
- Unique in offering something genuinely different
Making Sobriety Engaging
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Phenomenal is how I’ve gamified the recovery process. Drawing inspiration from successful online learning platforms, I’ve incorporated:
- Progress tracking that celebrates small wins
- Achievement milestones that maintain momentum
- Community challenges that build connection
- Personalised coaching that adapts to individual needs
The result? A 12-week journey that people actually look forward to participating in, rather than something they have to endure.
The Technical Build
Creating the actual program has been a head-twisting blend of content development, platform design, and community building. To this point I’ve developed:
- A comprehensive 200+ page workbook with interactive exercises
- Digital modules that blend video, audio, and written content
- A private community platform for peer support
- Integrated progress tracking and celebration systems
Every piece has been designed with one question in mind: "How do we make this genuinely helpful and engaging for someone who's struggling with their relationship with alcohol?"
Early Feedback and Iteration
The most rewarding part of this journey so far has been seeing early participants' responses. Comments like "It would be no exaggeration to say that David completely changed my life" and "Six months alcohol-free for me now - get in!" remind me why this work matters.
But it's not just the success stories - it's the feedback that helps me improve. One participant noted that traditional programs felt "grim and punishing," while Phenomenal felt "like having a supportive friend guide you through change." That's exactly what I have been striving for.
Looking Forward
As I prepare for Phenomenal’s official launch, I'm reflecting on what I’ve built and where this is all heading. For me, Phenomenal represents more than just another sobriety program - it's a completely new way of thinking about recovery.
I’m moving beyond the outdated model of recovery as something you endure, toward recovery as something you embrace. Beyond shame-based approaches toward empowerment-based transformation. Beyond one-size-fits-all solutions toward truly personalised support.
The response so far suggests I’m onto something significant. But more importantly, I’m helping people discover that sobriety isn't just about what you're giving up - it's about everything you're gaining.
The Privilege of Sobriety
That phrase - "the privilege of sobriety"- has become central to everything I do. It captures the fundamental shift in perspective that I believe Phenomenal enables. When you stop seeing sobriety as punishment and start seeing it as privilege, everything changes.
This is just the beginning. As I plan to officially launch this Fall, and welcome more people into the Phenomenal community, I'm excited to continue refining and improving based on real-world results.
Because ultimately, this isn't about building a program- it's about transforming lives.
And from what I've seen so far, Phenomenal is only just getting started.
David Henzell is the founder of Phenomenal, a revolutionary sobriety program that transforms how people approach recovery. Drawing from both lived experience and professional expertise, David has created a comprehensive system that makes lasting change feel natural and achievable. Learn more at phenomenalsobriety.com
