Episode 37 - From Addiction to Leadership: The Trait-Based Model of Recovery with Dr. Jason Roop

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My guest for this episode is Dr. Jason Roop! Dr. Roop is the founder and CEO of the Center for Trait-Based Transformation, and the primary developer of the Trait-Based Model of Recovery: an evidence-based, person-centered approach to addiction treatment and recovery that emphasizes enhancing the personal strengths of individuals in addiction to promote success in business and life while in recovery.

Dr. Roop has an absolutely amazing recovery journey of his own: he began his recovery in 2013 after 17 years in active addiction, and by 2022 he had completed a PhD in Business Management and Leadership. Now in 2025, his Trait-Based curriculum for treatment and prevention has partners nationwide.

It was fascinating learning about Dr. Roop’s model for addiction and recovery, and I think you’ll enjoy it, as well. Over the hour we discuss:

• How does the Trait-Based Model of Recovery differ from traditional addiction treatment models?
• Many people view suffering from addiction as being a vulnerability, but you see it as an indicator for latent strengths waited to be tapped. How is this the case, and what are those strengths?
• What are some key traits that your program emphasizes to help individuals entering recovery thrive?
• Developing, validating, and promoting a new model for treatment is ambitious. What have been some early successes and pain points?

And more!

Dr. Roop was also kind enough to share a diagram of the Tree of Traits, a foundational element of his treatment. To download a copy, please click here.