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Start from Strength

Empowering Recovery Through a Trait-Based Approach

The Start from Strength Trait-Based Model offers a revolutionary and structured approach to recovery, providing individuals with a powerful way to reclaim their lives. This distinctive approach to recovery and prevention empowers individuals by building on their inherent strengths rather than focusing solely on their challenges. Developed by Dr. Jason Roop, this person-centered model is rooted in the belief that every person possesses unique traits that can be harnessed for success. This model encourages a shift in perspective—from a deficit-based approach to one that recognizes and nurtures personal resilience. By focusing on these strengths, the model empowers participants to rediscover their potential and thrive. For individuals who have experienced multiple stays at traditional rehabs, All Together Recovery offers a fresh perspective through this program, providing a renewed path to long-term recovery.

Dr. Jason Roop is the founder of the Trait-Based Transformation Model and serves as the Director of Research and Development at Hometown Health Systems. Dr. Roop is a passionate advocate for second-chance employment and person-centered care. Dr. Jason Roop’s Trait-Based Model was born from his personal journey and extensive research on how leadership traits manifest in individuals struggling with addiction. After battling addiction himself for 17 years, Dr. Roop realized that many of the traits seen in effective leaders, such as resilience, empathy, and creativity, are also present in those battling substance use. By rediscovering and harnessing these traits, individuals can transform their lives and thrive beyond addiction.

Learn more at the

Center for Strength-Based Transformation

Key Principles of the Strength Trait-Based Model

Personal Empowerment

We believe every individual holds the key to their own recovery. By helping you identify and develop your strengths, we empower you to overcome obstacles and build a sustainable path to wellness. Our program amplifies positive traits like perseverance and creativity that fuel transformation.

Individualized Approach

Recovery is deeply personal. The Start from Strength model takes this to heart by providing a personalized framework designed around your unique traits. This structured approach ensures that every individual receives tailored care aimed at achieving long-term success.

Holistic Support

Our approach integrates emotional, psychological, and social support, ensuring that your recovery journey is well-rounded. Whether through peer support, counseling, or community engagement, we help you gain confidence and motivation by building on your strengths.

Positive Reinforcement

Central to the approach is the continuous encouragement of progress, no matter how small. By recognizing achievements and reinforcing positive behavior, individuals are inspired to continue on their path to wellness with renewed energy and self-confidence.

Recovery through Transforming Leadership Traits

We emphasize that people with substance use disorder often exhibit powerful leadership qualities. These leadership traits are inherent, even when misused in active addiction, such as:

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from adversity, often misused as stubbornness in addiction.

Empathy

Deep emotional understanding of others, which can turn into manipulation in active addiction.

Creativity

Often used negatively in addiction but a source of innovation in recovery.

By recognizing these traits and redirecting them positively, the model empowers individuals to transform their lives.

How the Trait-Based Model Works

The Start from Strength model is dynamic and flexible, allowing participants to progress through various stages of recovery at their own pace. The model is not linear or sequential, meaning that individuals can simultaneously engage in multiple aspects of the program:

Trait Identification

Trait identification is the cornerstone of the trait-based model, focusing on discovering positive character and leadership traits in individuals with substance use disorder. By pinpointing traits such as resilience, empathy, and determination, the program helps clients recognize their inherent strengths. These traits, previously used negatively in addiction, are reframed as valuable assets that can be harnessed in recovery, empowering individuals to channel these characteristics toward positive life changes.

Solutions-Focused Therapy

Our therapy isn’t about reliving past mistakes. It’s about moving forward, setting practical goals, and using your strengths to achieve them. By working through root causes while focusing on future goals, solutions-focused therapy is a future-oriented therapeutic approach that shifts the focus from problems to solutions. We encourage clients to envision their desired future and build on their existing strengths to achieve their goals. By identifying practical steps and utilizing the client's positive traits, solutions-focused therapy helps individuals gain confidence in overcoming challenges, facilitating a forward-moving recovery process.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Many people in recovery possess entrepreneurial traits like innovation and drive. Our model encourages you to explore business ventures, social projects, or creative passions, giving you the tools to transform ideas into action. The Start from Strength model integrates entrepreneurial opportunities to empower individuals to build careers, launch businesses, or lead social initiatives. This not only boosts self-confidence but provides tangible pathways for individuals to thrive in recovery.

Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy develops the natural leadership qualities within you. By honing traits such as tenacity, empathy, and authenticity, you’ll be empowered to take on active leadership roles in your recovery, your community, and your life. Through targeted training and development, the academy empowers clients to harness their natural leadership potential, enabling them to positively impact their environments and excel beyond their recovery journey.

Success Rates & Research

The success of the Start from Strength model is well-documented. Research supports the efficacy of the trait-based model, with evidence from its implementation in recovery centers. Participants have shown significant improvements in self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence, contributing to long-term recovery success.

%

Reduction in Depression

%

Reduction in Anxiety

Key Traits After Trait-Based Intervention:

Tenacity

% Post-Intervention Score

*A 10.41% Increase from Pre-Intervention Score

Resiliance

% Post-Intervention Score

*A 8.16% Increase from Pre-Intervention Score

Creativity

% Post-Intervention Score

*A 7.81% Increase from Pre-Intervention Score

Self-Awareness

% Post-Intervention Score

*A 5.54% Increase from Pre-Intervention Score

Center for Trait-Based Transformation (2024). Trait-Based Model of Recovery. https://startfromstrength.org/trait-based-model-of-recovery  

How It Works at All Together Recovery

At All Together Recovery, the Start from Strength model is woven into every aspect of our programs. From the initial assessment, we work with each client to uncover the personal traits that will guide them through recovery. Whether it’s resilience, compassion, leadership, or creativity, we use these strengths as building blocks for a successful and meaningful recovery journey. This model complements our overall holistic approach, where we not only address the symptoms of addiction but also help individuals reclaim control of their lives by recognizing the strengths they already possess. Our team is dedicated to providing the guidance and tools necessary to amplify these traits, setting each person up for lasting sobriety and personal fulfillment.

Program FeaturesWhy It Works
Strength-Based RecoveryShifts focus from weaknesses to your strengths, helping you grow and succeed.
Individualized Trait IdentificationPinpoints your unique qualities like resilience and empathy, reframing them as assets for recovery.
Solutions-Focused TherapyMoves beyond past issues by focusing on future goals, giving you practical steps toward recovery.
Leadership DevelopmentEmpowers you to take charge of your life, fostering leadership traits and confidence.
Entrepreneurial OpportunitiesHelps you turn dreams into reality by encouraging business, social, or personal ventures in recovery.
Holistic Support & Positive ReinforcementReinforces progress with personalized support, ensuring growth in every aspect of your life.

Are you ready to embark on your journey to recovery? The Start from Strength Trait-Based Model offers a revolutionary, strengths-based approach that empowers individuals to harness their inner leadership traits. For individuals who have experienced multiple stays in traditional rehabs, the Start from Strength program offers a transformative approach that sets you up for lasting recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey!

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