Narconon Colorado Staff Member Highlight: Tina Sue

Staff member Tina Sue at Narconon Colorado

When thinking about recovering from addiction the first thing that comes to mind will probably not be food, however, it is an important part of recovery. When people are caught up in addiction they usually are not eating regularly and often times end up developing several nutritional deficiencies. Because of this, nutrition is a very important part of getting someone to feel better not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

Food is an integral aspect of everyday life; it not only provides nutrition but comfort and something to look forward to as well. You cannot have a residential treatment facility without providing three meals per day for people to eat. It is no small feet to cook for a large group of people, especially to do so on a daily basis.

Ask anyone who has been to Narconon Colorado while Tina Sue has been here and they will tell you she is a great cook with a huge heart and even bigger personality. So without further ado allow me to introduce you to the talented Tina Sue!

Narconon Colorado Staff Member Tina Sue

What is your job title and what tasks do you perform at work?

I am the cook. I cook the food for everyone and help them to get healthy again.

How long have you been working in the addiction field?

I have been cooking at Narconon on and off since 2005.

What made you decide to work in the addiction field?

I decided to cook for Narconon because Narconon helped me, so I wanted to help Narconon. I like what I am doing. I like to challenge myself and I don’t use recipes. I can cook all kinds of different foods and I can copy almost any type of food.

What have been some of your biggest wins working in the addiction field?

Since working here, I have found that this is my purpose. I have had ups and downs but seeing the people here happy makes me happy and it helps me to keep going.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone currently struggling with addiction, what would it be?

Earlier in my life, I always tried to pretend to be someone I was not. Since being here I have learned to be myself. I would tell them to be themselves and to not try and impress anybody except for you.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who’s loved one is currently struggling with addiction what would it be?

That it’s very hard, and I know what that is like. I can’t say for them to understand them because they are not really there. I would say don’t give up on your children, there is always a way. Find the right program to help them.

What is your favorite thing about working at Narconon?

Every day I get to see people changing for the better. When people first come in their eyes look dead, after they are here for a while their eyes come back to life.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?

I really enjoy going out into nature. Once a week I like to have someone else cook for me!

Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers out there?

Life is beautiful. It doesn’t matter where you come from or where you are, look around you and you will find a purpose to enjoy life.

Narconon Colorado Staff Member Tina Sue making soup
AUTHOR

Julie

After overcoming her own addiction in 2012 Julie went on to become certified as an addiction counselor in order to help others achieve a life of recovery. She worked in the addiction field for 8 years and now uses both her personal and professional experiences with addiction as an influence for her writing.

NARCONON COLORADO

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION