Suzanne Laura Thistle ~ 07/14/20 ~ Stargate to the Cosmos, Studio B ~ Hosts Jane

Suzanne Thistle began her recovery journey in 1987, which led her to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Her professional addiction experience spans over 20 years, and she currently teaches about substance use and misuse at a local university. Her roles have included executive and clinical director of two agencies, manager, as well as a therapist. While serving in these positions, she received the “Legislative Advocacy Award” for addiction professionals and the “Treatment Agency of the Year” award, both from her peers. During time off, Suzanne enjoys being with family, traveling, hiking, and relaxing on Newfound Lake.

Suzanne a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, of 15 years, and worked in prevention prior.  She is also a person in long-term recovery, 33 years. Her road to recovery was not an easy one, laced with a traumatic childhood and emotional pain.  However, after spending my entire recovery path reading and studying addiction, attending therapy, and getting a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a substance abuse concentration, I have learned to live life on life’s terms.  I thank God every day for life second to none. My dreams are coming true and I am able to help others through the work I do and my professional and personal experience.

Chem-Free Sobriety.  The book Chem-Free Sobriety highlights how to stay sober without addictive medication provides an inside look at 101 recovery trailblazers with 1-49 years of sobriety. Each story answers the following questions: When did you start drinking or using drugs, and how did it progress? Looking back, when do you think it was mostly out of control? How are you able to not drink or use daily? What is your thought about medication-assisted treatment? Is there anything you want those struggling with addiction to know? What do you want lawmakers to know? This is a must-read if you are struggling with addiction.