9 years ago Dr. Jason Roop began his life in long-term recovery.
Today, he's leading research on the leadership traits held by those with substance use disorders – traits like empathy, persistence, and resilience – and educating on how people with those traits can make valuable contributions to the workplace.
Jason remembers what it was like back in treatment: "In the treatment setting, I met people like me who were looking for life beyond addiction. I realized I was not alone." As a pastor, professor, and executive director today, Jason's life is one of leadership – it's a life led with authenticity and vulnerability, a life beyond stigma and shame. That's important work for all of us, and for those of us with SUD, it's work that our experience has prepared us to do.