Mary Beth O'Connor
@marybethoconnor.bsky.social
From Junkie to Judge memoir. Teenage meth addict and multiple trauma survivor, to secular recovery, to federal judge. I speak and write about a variety of substance use, harm reduction, and recovery topics. junkietojudge.com
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From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction
From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction [O'Connor, Mary Beth] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction
a.co
Mary Beth's story chronicles her sometimes harrowing journey from addiction to recovery. In the face of wilting trauma, she attained longstanding sobriety and reclaimed her tremendous potential. Highly recommend. - Ryan Weltz #memoir #quitlit #books
a.co/d/1WyEKwF
a.co/d/1WyEKwF
Emotional regulation, coping strategies, refusal techniques, and resilience are essential tools that help youth navigate pressure and stress without turning to substances. But prevention isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about filling lives with meaning, purpose and pride - Alexander Plante
a person is opening a yale lock with a key .
ALT: a person is opening a yale lock with a key .
media.tenor.com
February 18, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Emotional regulation, coping strategies, refusal techniques, and resilience are essential tools that help youth navigate pressure and stress without turning to substances. But prevention isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about filling lives with meaning, purpose and pride - Alexander Plante
"Despite routinely working with clients affected by SUDs, many providers report receiving minimal or no formal education in #addiction, limited practicum or internship exposure, and minimal supervision focused on SUDs." #harmreduction #MentalHealthAwareness
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Why All Behavioral Health Providers Need Addiction Training - The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a major public health concern in the USA. In 2023, over 167 million Americans reported substance use, and more than 48 million met the DSM-5 criteria for a diagnosab...
link.springer.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:29 PM
"Despite routinely working with clients affected by SUDs, many providers report receiving minimal or no formal education in #addiction, limited practicum or internship exposure, and minimal supervision focused on SUDs." #harmreduction #MentalHealthAwareness
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
February 18, 2026 at 3:32 AM
We need to break the "you have to have a horrible bottom to recovery" ideology. Intervening at the mild or moderate level for #addictions is a strategy that works and which we need to publicize! #recoveryposse #sobriety
a man wearing glasses has his mouth open and says i gotta fix this
ALT: a man wearing glasses has his mouth open and says i gotta fix this
media.tenor.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:37 PM
We need to break the "you have to have a horrible bottom to recovery" ideology. Intervening at the mild or moderate level for #addictions is a strategy that works and which we need to publicize! #recoveryposse #sobriety
[Addiction r]emission is about the subtraction of pathology; recovery is ultimately about the achievement of global (physical, emotional, relational, spiritual) health, social functioning, and quality of life in the community - William White
February 16, 2026 at 6:39 PM
[Addiction r]emission is about the subtraction of pathology; recovery is ultimately about the achievement of global (physical, emotional, relational, spiritual) health, social functioning, and quality of life in the community - William White
Great summary of brain changes that occur due to #alcohol sobriety. #addiction #sober
thesobercurator.com/how-our-brai...
thesobercurator.com/how-our-brai...
February 16, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Great summary of brain changes that occur due to #alcohol sobriety. #addiction #sober
thesobercurator.com/how-our-brai...
thesobercurator.com/how-our-brai...
My husband used to call me "the what about tomorrow" girl. Because of my #Trauma and #ptsd, I didn't trust that I'd get to keep the good things I'd worked for. It felt to me like I lived on the edge of a cliff and the ground was going to collapse under me at any second. #RecoveryPosse
February 15, 2026 at 11:44 PM
My husband used to call me "the what about tomorrow" girl. Because of my #Trauma and #ptsd, I didn't trust that I'd get to keep the good things I'd worked for. It felt to me like I lived on the edge of a cliff and the ground was going to collapse under me at any second. #RecoveryPosse
For me, a big part of my recovery journey was learning that I probably could stay sober if I did the work. Because in the beginning, while I didn't want to stay in the misery of my #addiction, I didn't believe #sobriety was possible for me. #AddictionRecovery
February 15, 2026 at 2:13 PM
For me, a big part of my recovery journey was learning that I probably could stay sober if I did the work. Because in the beginning, while I didn't want to stay in the misery of my #addiction, I didn't believe #sobriety was possible for me. #AddictionRecovery
Excellent short summary of the history and benefits of medication for opioid use disorders. #harmreduction #overdose #opioids
medium.com/@chad4harmre...
medium.com/@chad4harmre...
The Methadone Files: How a Wartime Painkiller, a Kentucky Drug Prison and a French Experiment…
When someone says methadone is “just replacing one drug with another,” give them a raised eyebrow and tell them this: it was born in a…
medium.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Excellent short summary of the history and benefits of medication for opioid use disorders. #harmreduction #overdose #opioids
medium.com/@chad4harmre...
medium.com/@chad4harmre...
In this #podcast, one topic is that I was 32 when I got sober after shooting meth for many years. I was not an early adopter of recovery! #recoveryposse #addiction
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVVo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVVo...
Mary Beth O’Connor – From Junkie to Judge: Healing, Trauma, Addiction, and the Path to Recovery
YouTube video by Kino Isaac Consulting Agency
www.youtube.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:38 PM
In this #podcast, one topic is that I was 32 when I got sober after shooting meth for many years. I was not an early adopter of recovery! #recoveryposse #addiction
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVVo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVVo...
During the first 30 days #sober you get information about what's creating the compulsion to drink or use. What are the circumstances? What are the emotions? What is the habit pattern? Learning all this can help build a robust recovery plan. #recoveryposse #wedorecover
a man says why am i doing this in white letters
ALT: a man says why am i doing this in white letters
media.tenor.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:34 PM
During the first 30 days #sober you get information about what's creating the compulsion to drink or use. What are the circumstances? What are the emotions? What is the habit pattern? Learning all this can help build a robust recovery plan. #recoveryposse #wedorecover
A self-medication fallacy underlies a lot of #addiction. The drugs (including #alcohol) seem to help in the beginning. But, for those of us who develop a use disorder, they later create more problems than they solve.
a panda bear is standing in front of a tree with the words this is not working at all written below it .
ALT: a panda bear is standing in front of a tree with the words this is not working at all written below it .
media.tenor.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:21 PM
A self-medication fallacy underlies a lot of #addiction. The drugs (including #alcohol) seem to help in the beginning. But, for those of us who develop a use disorder, they later create more problems than they solve.
February 12, 2026 at 1:55 PM
More importantly than surviving is the story of [her] incredibly strong spirit, her intelligence and her incredible strength that never left her from early childhood through her traumatic home life, through her #addiction, her abuse and her trauma. - Goodreads Reviewer Megan #quitlit
a.co/d/7dC5xhV
a.co/d/7dC5xhV
February 12, 2026 at 1:49 PM
More importantly than surviving is the story of [her] incredibly strong spirit, her intelligence and her incredible strength that never left her from early childhood through her traumatic home life, through her #addiction, her abuse and her trauma. - Goodreads Reviewer Megan #quitlit
a.co/d/7dC5xhV
a.co/d/7dC5xhV
Choosing an #addiction recovery program that is the right fit for you doesn't mean you're looking for "an easier, softer way." In fact, building an individual program or doing something different than those around you can be harder. Although if anyone finds an easier way that works, let us know!
February 12, 2026 at 4:38 AM
Choosing an #addiction recovery program that is the right fit for you doesn't mean you're looking for "an easier, softer way." In fact, building an individual program or doing something different than those around you can be harder. Although if anyone finds an easier way that works, let us know!
Video teaching how to respond to an #overdose using Narcan. #addiction #harmreduction
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzAv...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzAv...
How to Administer Narcan in an Opioid Overdose - Overdose Prevention Fund
YouTube video by UMASS TOX Overdose Prevention Fund
www.youtube.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Video teaching how to respond to an #overdose using Narcan. #addiction #harmreduction
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzAv...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzAv...
This website provides information about free and low cost #medical care, including for #mentalhealth and #addiction treatment: nafcclinics.org/find-clinic/
Find a Clinic | National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
Whether you need free or low-cost healthcare, want to learn about volunteer opportunities or want to offer support, find the closest clinic right here.
nafcclinics.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:31 PM
This website provides information about free and low cost #medical care, including for #mentalhealth and #addiction treatment: nafcclinics.org/find-clinic/
Healing from an #addiction is not only about abstaining, but also about developing a balanced emotional state, reshaping one’s thought patterns, healing any underlying issues (such as co-occurring mental health disorders and trauma) and finding purpose. #RecoveryPosse #WeDoRecover
a watch with a heart and the words time to heal
ALT: a watch with a heart and the words time to heal
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Healing from an #addiction is not only about abstaining, but also about developing a balanced emotional state, reshaping one’s thought patterns, healing any underlying issues (such as co-occurring mental health disorders and trauma) and finding purpose. #RecoveryPosse #WeDoRecover
I refer friends/family of those with an #addiction to this book. Which provides a good explanation of techniques that are much more effective than "you're going to the rehab I picked for you and you're doing it now or I'll never speak to you again."
a.co/d/0i5u7Z4Q
a.co/d/0i5u7Z4Q
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change [Foote, Jeffrey, Wilkens, Carrie, Kosanke, Nicole, Higgs, Stephanie, Whitaker, Holly] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change
a.co
February 9, 2026 at 12:44 PM
I refer friends/family of those with an #addiction to this book. Which provides a good explanation of techniques that are much more effective than "you're going to the rehab I picked for you and you're doing it now or I'll never speak to you again."
a.co/d/0i5u7Z4Q
a.co/d/0i5u7Z4Q
Too often those with some successful #Addiction recovery think they know what everyone else must do to succeed. Accepting that what works for me and what will work for you might be different is, to me, a key concept when engaging with newcomers. #recoveryposse #sobriety
February 8, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Too often those with some successful #Addiction recovery think they know what everyone else must do to succeed. Accepting that what works for me and what will work for you might be different is, to me, a key concept when engaging with newcomers. #recoveryposse #sobriety
Good overview of the history and impact of extreme federal drug laws targeting those guilty only of drug use, particularly in regard to racial disparity. #racialjustice #addiction #drugs
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
Race, Mass Incarceration, and the Disastrous War on Drugs
Unravelling decades of racially biased anti-drug policies is a monumental project.
www.brennancenter.org
February 8, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Good overview of the history and impact of extreme federal drug laws targeting those guilty only of drug use, particularly in regard to racial disparity. #racialjustice #addiction #drugs
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
There are therapists who will work with people on moderating alcohol/drug consumption. If they can succeed with moderating, great. Many can't and trying to moderate can be part of the process of realizing this, while improving health in the meanwhile through lowered consumption.
February 8, 2026 at 12:13 AM
There are therapists who will work with people on moderating alcohol/drug consumption. If they can succeed with moderating, great. Many can't and trying to moderate can be part of the process of realizing this, while improving health in the meanwhile through lowered consumption.
Sobriety and recovery bring amazing changes. I sometimes use the simple example of how, in my #addiction, the odds of me showing up to your birthday party were about 1/3rd. In recovery, I'd show up, with a gift, and behave appropriately! 😃 #recoveryposse #soberlife
a cupcake with pink frosting is surrounded by sparklers with the words happy birthday written in the background
ALT: a cupcake with pink frosting is surrounded by sparklers with the words happy birthday written in the background
media.tenor.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Sobriety and recovery bring amazing changes. I sometimes use the simple example of how, in my #addiction, the odds of me showing up to your birthday party were about 1/3rd. In recovery, I'd show up, with a gift, and behave appropriately! 😃 #recoveryposse #soberlife
Interesting study explaining the benefits of #addiction professionals with lived experience. But also the need for training to overcome frequent biases such as believing their recovery approach is the only way and as to medications. #recoveryposse #medical
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
The benefits and potential biases of lived experience in substance use treatment services
Research points to the value of shared lived experience in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, but most focuses solely on professionals in designated peer support (PS) roles. Drawing on in-depth i...
www.tandfonline.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Interesting study explaining the benefits of #addiction professionals with lived experience. But also the need for training to overcome frequent biases such as believing their recovery approach is the only way and as to medications. #recoveryposse #medical
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Good review of why mandatory rehab isn't the solution to any of our problems, including that"[forced #addiction treatment] cannot substitute for a fully funded spectrum of voluntary care or become a shortcut for bottlenecks, underfunding, or political point-scoring."
publicola.com/2025/09/25/t...
publicola.com/2025/09/25/t...
The Siren Song of Forced Drug Treatment - PubliCola
By Susan Collins When big cities struggle with visible addiction, one solution that inevitably resurfaces is forcing people into treatment.…
publicola.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Good review of why mandatory rehab isn't the solution to any of our problems, including that"[forced #addiction treatment] cannot substitute for a fully funded spectrum of voluntary care or become a shortcut for bottlenecks, underfunding, or political point-scoring."
publicola.com/2025/09/25/t...
publicola.com/2025/09/25/t...