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
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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
My therapist once told me that it takes less sexual abuse in childhood to create lasting damage than verbal or physical abuse. Although often all 3 go together, particularly in the most common scenario of sexual abuse happening in the home.
September 15, 2026 at 12:33 PM
My therapist once told me that it takes less sexual abuse in childhood to create lasting damage than verbal or physical abuse. Although often all 3 go together, particularly in the most common scenario of sexual abuse happening in the home.
Another report finding that involuntary #addiction treatment often diverts money from underfunded and under-available voluntary treatment, doesn't have better results, and causes notable harm. #policy #mentalhealth
www.politico.com/news/2026/08...
www.politico.com/news/2026/08...
New study flags concerns with mental health treatment mandate
The first-of-its-kind evaluation of Kendra’s Law was commissioned at the direction of the state Legislature.
www.politico.com
September 14, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Another report finding that involuntary #addiction treatment often diverts money from underfunded and under-available voluntary treatment, doesn't have better results, and causes notable harm. #policy #mentalhealth
www.politico.com/news/2026/08...
www.politico.com/news/2026/08...
Yet another study showing that access to Supervised Consumption Services reduces the rate of people injecting drugs in public spaces. #harmreduction #opioids #addiction
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
September 14, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Yet another study showing that access to Supervised Consumption Services reduces the rate of people injecting drugs in public spaces. #harmreduction #opioids #addiction
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
One of my accomplishments in #addiction #recovery was continuing to take on new challenges, despite my severe #anxiety. And, at the same time, working to resolve that anxiety.
Alright, What's Our Next Move? (Nobodies)
ALT: Alright, What's Our Next Move? (Nobodies)
static.klipy.com
September 13, 2026 at 6:03 PM
One of my accomplishments in #addiction #recovery was continuing to take on new challenges, despite my severe #anxiety. And, at the same time, working to resolve that anxiety.
In this interview we cover a lot of #addiction recovery strategies, particular issues facing #women, and have a robust discussion on related policies. And this is my interview, despite the wrong picture popping up! 😊
www.advocacyincubator.org/program-area...
www.advocacyincubator.org/program-area...
Episode 6: “Recovery Has More Than One Path” Featuring Mary Beth…
What one woman's recovery teaches us about choice, trauma and healing.
www.advocacyincubator.org
September 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM
In this interview we cover a lot of #addiction recovery strategies, particular issues facing #women, and have a robust discussion on related policies. And this is my interview, despite the wrong picture popping up! 😊
www.advocacyincubator.org/program-area...
www.advocacyincubator.org/program-area...
"[T]hose who used weed in many different forms were 2.7 times more likely to use it daily and 2.8 times as likely to have been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder."
www.healthday.com/health-news/...
www.healthday.com/health-news/...
The Way You Use Weed Could Be A Red Flag For Addiction, Study Finds
MONDAY, Aug. 24 2026 (HealthDay News) — The way you use weed might be a red flag for heavy use or addiction, a new study says.People who use weed in nearly ever
www.healthday.com
September 12, 2026 at 8:13 PM
"[T]hose who used weed in many different forms were 2.7 times more likely to use it daily and 2.8 times as likely to have been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder."
www.healthday.com/health-news/...
www.healthday.com/health-news/...
A piece explaining one of my recurrent themes: that recovery rewires the brain. #recoveryposse #addiction #harmreduction
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
When Recovery Becomes the New Normal After Cannabis and Alcohol
After cannabis use ends, the amazing neuroplastic brain can begin the process of recovery.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 12, 2026 at 3:03 PM
A piece explaining one of my recurrent themes: that recovery rewires the brain. #recoveryposse #addiction #harmreduction
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
I was terrified on the drive to rehab. I told my husband, "I don't remember deciding this!" And he gave me a look that said, "You're going." And I did. #recoveryposse #addiction #sobriety
September 11, 2026 at 7:38 PM
I was terrified on the drive to rehab. I told my husband, "I don't remember deciding this!" And he gave me a look that said, "You're going." And I did. #recoveryposse #addiction #sobriety
#Addiction recovery mantras mostly oversimplify and sometimes are, to me, dead wrong. I find HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) to be odd, for example. Why "hungry" rather than "in pain," when the latter is much more likely to interfere with sobriety and recovery? #recoveryposse
September 11, 2026 at 2:17 PM
#Addiction recovery mantras mostly oversimplify and sometimes are, to me, dead wrong. I find HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) to be odd, for example. Why "hungry" rather than "in pain," when the latter is much more likely to interfere with sobriety and recovery? #recoveryposse
Good overview of the harms caused by policy changes at SAMHSA around #addiction treatment and #harmreduction.
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
New SAMHSA Requirements Threaten Opioid Use Disorder Treatment And Overdose Prevention | Health Affairs Forefront
The health care system must engage people in treatment, provide them with care that is likely to set them on a path to recovery, and ensure that they have continued support. New federal agency require...
www.healthaffairs.org
September 10, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Good overview of the harms caused by policy changes at SAMHSA around #addiction treatment and #harmreduction.
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
Meta analysis of studies regarding effective use of stimulants to treat stimulant use disorders and ADHD. #addiction #harmreduction
www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/pharmaco...
www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/pharmaco...
Pharmacotherapies for Co-Occurring Stimulant Use Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Network Meta-Analysis
Stimulant-based pharmacotherapies, particularly higher-dose methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts, were associated with superior outcomes for both stimulant-use indicators and ADHD symptoms.
www.psychiatrist.com
September 10, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Meta analysis of studies regarding effective use of stimulants to treat stimulant use disorders and ADHD. #addiction #harmreduction
www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/pharmaco...
www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/pharmaco...
In early recovery, and in life generally, it is useful to evaluate who you want to be. What type of person. And then do the work to become her. #healing #recoveryposse #soberlife
Only I Can Change My Own Life Quote
ALT: Only I Can Change My Own Life Quote
static.klipy.com
September 9, 2026 at 8:52 PM
In early recovery, and in life generally, it is useful to evaluate who you want to be. What type of person. And then do the work to become her. #healing #recoveryposse #soberlife
This reminds me of how, in early recovery, I'd sometimes get frustrated when people would react negatively to my behavior. I'd want to say, "But I've improved so much!" Which was true and I deserved to be proud of that achievement. But I wasn't done with the work yet.
September 9, 2026 at 1:42 PM
This reminds me of how, in early recovery, I'd sometimes get frustrated when people would react negatively to my behavior. I'd want to say, "But I've improved so much!" Which was true and I deserved to be proud of that achievement. But I wasn't done with the work yet.
Interesting response to the New York Times repeated stories about the perils of high potency #cannabis.
www.cultivated.news/p/calling-ou...
www.cultivated.news/p/calling-ou...
Calling out the NYT’s biased cannabis coverage
NORML deputy director Paul Armentano on what the NYT gets wrong.
www.cultivated.news
September 8, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Interesting response to the New York Times repeated stories about the perils of high potency #cannabis.
www.cultivated.news/p/calling-ou...
www.cultivated.news/p/calling-ou...
I lost my husband in March and the #grief is awful. And I know it's going to be awful for a long time. And always will be in me to some degree. Picking up, though, isn't going to bring him back. And will prevent me from honoring him and processing the loss. #recoveryposse
September 8, 2026 at 1:03 PM
I lost my husband in March and the #grief is awful. And I know it's going to be awful for a long time. And always will be in me to some degree. Picking up, though, isn't going to bring him back. And will prevent me from honoring him and processing the loss. #recoveryposse
Whether it's recovery from #trauma or #addiction, I think most of us wish we'd started sooner. And there are losses to be faced. But starting today always is better than starting tomorrow.
Stabilo: START now! Handlettering Motivation
ALT: Stabilo: START now! Handlettering Motivation
static.klipy.com
September 7, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Whether it's recovery from #trauma or #addiction, I think most of us wish we'd started sooner. And there are losses to be faced. But starting today always is better than starting tomorrow.
I consider myself 95% recovered from my wide and deep #trauma history. After a lot of work and many years living a better life. I don't think 100% is realistic. And I don't need it to have a happy and productive life. #recoverposse #soberlife
September 6, 2026 at 6:20 PM
I consider myself 95% recovered from my wide and deep #trauma history. After a lot of work and many years living a better life. I don't think 100% is realistic. And I don't need it to have a happy and productive life. #recoverposse #soberlife
“We should judge legalization against the real-world alternative of prohibition, with its illicit markets, criminal penalties and unreliable product information.”
www.marijuanamoment.net/reports-of-i...
www.marijuanamoment.net/reports-of-i...
Reports Of Increases In Problematic Cannabis Use Don't Mean We Should Return To Prohibition (Op-Ed) - Marijuana Moment
“A free society should be capable of learning to live with potentially risky substances without the government banning them.” By Jeffrey A. Singer, Cato Institute As a physician, I don’t dismiss recen...
www.marijuanamoment.net
September 6, 2026 at 12:53 PM
“We should judge legalization against the real-world alternative of prohibition, with its illicit markets, criminal penalties and unreliable product information.”
www.marijuanamoment.net/reports-of-i...
www.marijuanamoment.net/reports-of-i...
There is a correlation between childhood sexual abuse and higher sex partner numbers. Part of that dynamic can come from not knowing how to say "no" or fearing what will happen if you do. In other words, don't judge promiscuity b/c it's often a red flag. #women #rape #sex
September 5, 2026 at 6:48 PM
To me, using the word "miracle" to describe #sobriety success is misleading. It suggests this is a rare occurrence when it's actually the norm. Most people do recover. #addiction #wedorecover
Nobi Exchange: We Did It Celebration
ALT: Nobi Exchange: We Did It Celebration
static.klipy.com
September 5, 2026 at 12:18 PM
To me, using the word "miracle" to describe #sobriety success is misleading. It suggests this is a rare occurrence when it's actually the norm. Most people do recover. #addiction #wedorecover
“Hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to be arrested annually for low-level cannabis-related violations even though a majority of voters no longer believe that the responsible use of marijuana by adults should be a crime.”
www.marijuanamoment.net/more-than-20...
www.marijuanamoment.net/more-than-20...
More Than 200,000 People Were Arrested For Marijuana Possession In The U.S. Last Year, FBI Data Shows - Marijuana Moment
More than 200,000 people were arrested for possessing marijuana in the U.S. last year, according to the FBI’s latest annual crime report, and another 17,000 were booked for allegedly selling or growin...
www.marijuanamoment.net
September 4, 2026 at 6:06 PM
“Hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to be arrested annually for low-level cannabis-related violations even though a majority of voters no longer believe that the responsible use of marijuana by adults should be a crime.”
www.marijuanamoment.net/more-than-20...
www.marijuanamoment.net/more-than-20...
I don't believe I'm one of them, but some people who once had a substance use disorder/addiction can consume moderately. When someone approaches me about this, I remind them of the risk. And encourage a specific plan for any such trial, plus honesty if it isn't working.
www.msn.com/en-au/news/o...
www.msn.com/en-au/news/o...
September 4, 2026 at 1:24 PM
I don't believe I'm one of them, but some people who once had a substance use disorder/addiction can consume moderately. When someone approaches me about this, I remind them of the risk. And encourage a specific plan for any such trial, plus honesty if it isn't working.
www.msn.com/en-au/news/o...
www.msn.com/en-au/news/o...
Because I built an individualized recovery plan, I sometimes get hit with the comment "well, #sobriety isn't recovery." Which is true but also bizarre to apply to me. After all, just as examples, I have 32 years of sobriety, had a successful long-term marriage, healed my trauma, and became a judge!
You Do It Your Way, I'm Gonna Do It Mine
ALT: You Do It Your Way, I'm Gonna Do It Mine
static.klipy.com
September 4, 2026 at 3:32 AM
Because I built an individualized recovery plan, I sometimes get hit with the comment "well, #sobriety isn't recovery." Which is true but also bizarre to apply to me. After all, just as examples, I have 32 years of sobriety, had a successful long-term marriage, healed my trauma, and became a judge!
Leaving a very high paying job that demanded most of my time was part of my trauma recovery. While I still struggled with it, my fear-based overwork and perfectionism were under better control. And I realized I didn't need the prestige of that job any longer.
September 3, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Leaving a very high paying job that demanded most of my time was part of my trauma recovery. While I still struggled with it, my fear-based overwork and perfectionism were under better control. And I realized I didn't need the prestige of that job any longer.
Love this quote from the former Women for Sobriety CEO about my #memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. #booklovers #WomenSpeak
a.co/d/01K3CkbG
a.co/d/01K3CkbG
September 2, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Love this quote from the former Women for Sobriety CEO about my #memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. #booklovers #WomenSpeak
a.co/d/01K3CkbG
a.co/d/01K3CkbG