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
The struggle is real for most, although usually only in the first year or two. That's the good news! That sobriety gets easier with time, especially if we address what was motivating us to keep using to excess.
February 13, 2026 at 1:26 PM
The struggle is real for most, although usually only in the first year or two. That's the good news! That sobriety gets easier with time, especially if we address what was motivating us to keep using to excess.
I'm an atheist too. But I support faith based recovery as long as it is someone's choice, preferably after being told of other options. The rock bottom statement definitely is inaccurate. Lots of data to show this.
February 13, 2026 at 1:23 PM
I'm an atheist too. But I support faith based recovery as long as it is someone's choice, preferably after being told of other options. The rock bottom statement definitely is inaccurate. Lots of data to show this.
I talk about IOPs in my trainings. Many people don't need in-patient treatment, many can't get it, and many can't go due to work, family, or financial reasons.
February 12, 2026 at 2:17 PM
I talk about IOPs in my trainings. Many people don't need in-patient treatment, many can't get it, and many can't go due to work, family, or financial reasons.
The data for the US shows that 3 to 6 people can be treated for the cost of incarcerating one. And we don't have enough evidence-based treatment of an appropriate length for this who voluntarily want it.
February 12, 2026 at 2:16 PM
The data for the US shows that 3 to 6 people can be treated for the cost of incarcerating one. And we don't have enough evidence-based treatment of an appropriate length for this who voluntarily want it.
In early sobriety and trauma therapy, my therapist gave me a laminated card with 20 emotions. To help me answer "how do you (or did you) feel."
February 12, 2026 at 2:14 PM
In early sobriety and trauma therapy, my therapist gave me a laminated card with 20 emotions. To help me answer "how do you (or did you) feel."
Many give up meetings after 2 to 3 years because they don't need them anymore. Between year 3 and 23, I did about 20 meetings total, mostly on sober anniversaries. When I joined She Recovers and LifeRing's Boards, I started doing some again to stay connected to the membership.
February 12, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Many give up meetings after 2 to 3 years because they don't need them anymore. Between year 3 and 23, I did about 20 meetings total, mostly on sober anniversaries. When I joined She Recovers and LifeRing's Boards, I started doing some again to stay connected to the membership.
And this doesn't make up for slashing SAMHSA and numerous programs.
February 11, 2026 at 2:26 PM
And this doesn't make up for slashing SAMHSA and numerous programs.
This is good news! I wrote a piece in support of Safehouse that might be of interest. www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
I was a federal judge, and I support Safehouse. Here’s why. | Opinion
As a recovering drug user, I know that needle exchanges saved my life. Safehouse would do the same for drug users in Philadelphia.
www.inquirer.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:24 PM
This is good news! I wrote a piece in support of Safehouse that might be of interest. www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
Yes. Some people respond well, for example, to the structure of 12-steps and others considered it too rigid. As to LifeRing Secular Recovery, which has building an individual recovery plan as a key pillar, some love that and others find it too loosy goosy. 😊
February 11, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Yes. Some people respond well, for example, to the structure of 12-steps and others considered it too rigid. As to LifeRing Secular Recovery, which has building an individual recovery plan as a key pillar, some love that and others find it too loosy goosy. 😊
Although it's important to get evidence-based care, which can be challenging to discern. SAMHSA has an evidence based treatment guide that can be useful in evaluating programs.
February 10, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Although it's important to get evidence-based care, which can be challenging to discern. SAMHSA has an evidence based treatment guide that can be useful in evaluating programs.
Yes. And I've seen people run into trouble by trying to leap ahead too fast.
February 10, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Yes. And I've seen people run into trouble by trying to leap ahead too fast.
Well, except that long-term sobriety often doesn't take ongoing focus. That's the light at the end of the tunnel! That the hard work is in the early months or years.
February 10, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Well, except that long-term sobriety often doesn't take ongoing focus. That's the light at the end of the tunnel! That the hard work is in the early months or years.
Happy to be encouraging!
February 10, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Happy to be encouraging!
Thanks for the repost! I try to share information and ideas that will be useful. 😀
February 10, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Thanks for the repost! I try to share information and ideas that will be useful. 😀
She Recovers includes trauma and ptsd healing, in addition to healing from substances, other mental health disorders, other behavioral health disorders, and more!
February 10, 2026 at 1:49 PM
She Recovers includes trauma and ptsd healing, in addition to healing from substances, other mental health disorders, other behavioral health disorders, and more!
Yes. Sharing our stories can serve many positive purposes. And this is one, for sure!
February 10, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Yes. Sharing our stories can serve many positive purposes. And this is one, for sure!
Exactly! They won't make perfect decisions in recovery but then no one makes perfect decisions in life. Still, they know who they are at a fundamental life. And what might work for them and what won't.
February 10, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Exactly! They won't make perfect decisions in recovery but then no one makes perfect decisions in life. Still, they know who they are at a fundamental life. And what might work for them and what won't.