CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — When Jason Roop showed up at Isaiah House Treatment Center in Willisburg in 2013, he had suffered through 17 years of addiction.

He had experienced four overdoses and been arrested 18 times, he said.

What You Need To Know

  • Jason Roop, a professor at Campbellsville University, has launched a trait-based recovery model 

  • Roop has been in recovery since 2013 

  • The model he created focuses on strengths like resilience and empathy 

  • It is already being implemented in three treatment facilities

“It took away every ounce of self-respect that I ever had, took away jobs,” he said. “It took away relationships, and ultimately, I had nothing. I had nowhere to go, and I had no hope.”

Roop said he completed the treatment program, got married and eventually started working at Campbellsville University, where he earned a PhD.

He argued in his dissertation that people with substance use disorder have great leadership qualities.

“There’s going to be resiliency, determination, tenacity and empathy,” said Roop. “We’re able to connect well with others and not just feel sorry for them.”

Now a pastor and professor, this summer Roop launched a trait-based recovery model that looks at how to use positive qualities to avoid triggers and build skills.

“We need to use words which reflect more accurately, not only the potential, but the present value and worth of individuals who are suffering,” said Roop. “We’re more than just a problem.”

The model is already being implemented in three treatment facilities, said Roop, and will be part of the pre-prosecution diversion program for the Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

MeLeigha Milby is the founder of Hometown Health Systems, where Roop also works as director of research and development.

“To use this trait-based model to really pull that one person, you know, the next Jason Roop, for example, to really see revival in the community of recovery and to really rebuild our hometowns across the commonwealth is incredible,” she said.

As Roop approaches ten years of sobriety this month, he’s grateful to show others about their own strength.

“There’s been a lot of love, a lot of suffering, but I’m so thankful for every day that I’ve lived and had the opportunity to help somebody else,” he said.

To find an addiction treatment facility in Kentucky, visit here.

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