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
Great discussion about the link between child sexual abuse and #addiction on this #podcast. Plus recovery strategies from both. #women
www.youtube.com/watch?v=--KX...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=--KX...
How She Overcame Addiction, Trauma, and Became a Federal Judge | Mary Beth O’Connor
YouTube video by Voice Up
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Great discussion about the link between child sexual abuse and #addiction on this #podcast. Plus recovery strategies from both. #women
www.youtube.com/watch?v=--KX...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=--KX...
Another study finding that harm reduction policies have the greatest impact on saving lives by reducing #overdose deaths. #addiction #opioids
www.recoveryanswers.org/research-pos...
www.recoveryanswers.org/research-pos...
Effects of policies intended to reduce opioid overdose
In this geospatial modeling analysis done in Ohio, more than a third of opioid use disorder treatment need was outside a 15-minute drive time of an Opioid Treatment Program to access methadone trea…
www.recoveryanswers.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Another study finding that harm reduction policies have the greatest impact on saving lives by reducing #overdose deaths. #addiction #opioids
www.recoveryanswers.org/research-pos...
www.recoveryanswers.org/research-pos...
"This has never happened," said Dr. Ryan Marino, a toxicologist and emergency room physician who studies #addiction at Case Western Reserve University. "There has never been an #overdose through skin contact or accidentally inhaling #fentanyl."
www.npr.org/2023/05/16/1...
www.npr.org/2023/05/16/1...
Cops say they're being poisoned by fentanyl. Experts say the risk is 'extremely low'
Police officers regularly report being poisoned or overdosing after encountering trace amounts of fentanyl on the job. Experts say it's not happening.
www.npr.org
November 9, 2025 at 8:09 PM
"This has never happened," said Dr. Ryan Marino, a toxicologist and emergency room physician who studies #addiction at Case Western Reserve University. "There has never been an #overdose through skin contact or accidentally inhaling #fentanyl."
www.npr.org/2023/05/16/1...
www.npr.org/2023/05/16/1...
Every dollar spent on #addiction treatment, housing, #harmreduction and mental health saves several in justice costs, emergency care and lost productivity. Every dollar spent on enforcement yields almost no measurable reduction in drug use or overdoses. #crime
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | Trump's unprecedented global expansion of the drug war
The Trump administration attacking boats in the Caribbean is a costly distraction meant to project toughness while masking its role in worsening the crisis at home.
www.msnbc.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Every dollar spent on #addiction treatment, housing, #harmreduction and mental health saves several in justice costs, emergency care and lost productivity. Every dollar spent on enforcement yields almost no measurable reduction in drug use or overdoses. #crime
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
"Social connection [] boosts serotonin, steadies cortisol, and restores activity in areas of the brain like prefrontal cortex []. The very systems that addiction hijacks can, with community, be recruited for resilience." #recoveryposse #wedorecover #soberlife
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a...
I’m a neuroscientist who works on memory manipulation. My work helps me recover from addiction
“Sobriety didn’t restore the old version of me; it allowed me to build a new one from the driftwood of the past,” neuroscientist Steve Ramirez writes, invoking the ship of Theseus.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:20 PM
"Social connection [] boosts serotonin, steadies cortisol, and restores activity in areas of the brain like prefrontal cortex []. The very systems that addiction hijacks can, with community, be recruited for resilience." #recoveryposse #wedorecover #soberlife
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a...
November 7, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Among other topics, deep discussion of my pre-drug use childhood in this Salty Ginger #podcast. #addiction #WeDoRecover
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9fr...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9fr...
From Addiction to Federal Judge: Mary Beth O’Connor’s Journey of Recovery & Resilience
YouTube video by Salty Ginger Talk
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Among other topics, deep discussion of my pre-drug use childhood in this Salty Ginger #podcast. #addiction #WeDoRecover
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9fr...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9fr...
Numerous studies show that self-stigma, absorbed from societal stigma about #addiction, leads to depression, psychological distress, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, and decreased help-seeking, ultimately impeding recovery efforts. #recoveryposse #opioids
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Words matter: Stigmatizing language in medical records of individuals electing medication for opioid use disorder
There has been a concerted effort to minimize the use of stigmatizing language in healthcare settings; however, its prevalence in health record docume…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Numerous studies show that self-stigma, absorbed from societal stigma about #addiction, leads to depression, psychological distress, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, and decreased help-seeking, ultimately impeding recovery efforts. #recoveryposse #opioids
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
I went through a chunk of this CDC website about #teens, mental health, and unhealthy drug use, and it looks useful for #parents, in particular. #addiction
www.cdc.gov/free-mind/pa...
www.cdc.gov/free-mind/pa...
Information for Parents and Caregivers | Free Mind | CDC
www.cdc.gov
November 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I went through a chunk of this CDC website about #teens, mental health, and unhealthy drug use, and it looks useful for #parents, in particular. #addiction
www.cdc.gov/free-mind/pa...
www.cdc.gov/free-mind/pa...
I believe I can't safely consume drugs (including alcohol). I don't conclude, though, that I am forever an addict. And certainly this is not the essence of who I am. Which is why I stopped identifying myself that way in meetings at 6 months sober. #recoveryposse #AddictionRecovery
November 6, 2025 at 4:46 AM
I believe I can't safely consume drugs (including alcohol). I don't conclude, though, that I am forever an addict. And certainly this is not the essence of who I am. Which is why I stopped identifying myself that way in meetings at 6 months sober. #recoveryposse #AddictionRecovery
I don't argue with people trying moderation, but instead encourage setting a specific plan and being honest if they can't do it: "[R]esearch shows that attempting moderation often still leads to abstinence, since failures at cutting back help people realize they need to quit." @maiasz.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I don't argue with people trying moderation, but instead encourage setting a specific plan and being honest if they can't do it: "[R]esearch shows that attempting moderation often still leads to abstinence, since failures at cutting back help people realize they need to quit." @maiasz.bsky.social
The "becoming a judge" part of my story is unusual. Unfortunately, the "child abuse led to childhood #addiction" part is not. #recoveryposse #Trauma
November 4, 2025 at 11:50 PM
The "becoming a judge" part of my story is unusual. Unfortunately, the "child abuse led to childhood #addiction" part is not. #recoveryposse #Trauma
To reduce harmful drug use among #teens, improve kid’s abilities to cope with stress. These interventions decrease reward discounting, resulting in increased high school completion rates, and other signs of valuing distant rewards -- Neuroscientist Keith Humphreys, Stanford #addiction #parents
November 4, 2025 at 7:49 PM
To reduce harmful drug use among #teens, improve kid’s abilities to cope with stress. These interventions decrease reward discounting, resulting in increased high school completion rates, and other signs of valuing distant rewards -- Neuroscientist Keith Humphreys, Stanford #addiction #parents
Reassuring blog about fun in #sobriety. #recoveryposse #addiction
www.recoveringself.com/happiness/so...
www.recoveringself.com/happiness/so...
Sobriety Is Not the End of Fun, It Is the Beginning
Guest Blog For many people considering sobriety, a common fear arises: Will my life get boring? This concern often comes from how deeply alcohol and drugs are woven into social events, leisure time…
www.recoveringself.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Reassuring blog about fun in #sobriety. #recoveryposse #addiction
www.recoveringself.com/happiness/so...
www.recoveringself.com/happiness/so...
As far back as I can remember, I had #anxiety symptoms. Counting behaviors, superstitious beliefs, and perfectionism as just a few examples. #trauma #ptsdrecovery
November 3, 2025 at 7:17 PM
As far back as I can remember, I had #anxiety symptoms. Counting behaviors, superstitious beliefs, and perfectionism as just a few examples. #trauma #ptsdrecovery
Recovery isn’t a one size fits all and a person must tailor their recovery to who they are (been an addictions counselor for almost 30 years). It was refreshing to see her share some of the alternative (not mainstream) behaviors and actions that worked for her - Shelley, Goodreads
a.co/d/1TQx6OS
a.co/d/1TQx6OS
From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction - Kindle edition by O'Connor, Mary Beth. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction - Kindle edition by O'Connor, Mary Beth. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features lik...
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November 3, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Recovery isn’t a one size fits all and a person must tailor their recovery to who they are (been an addictions counselor for almost 30 years). It was refreshing to see her share some of the alternative (not mainstream) behaviors and actions that worked for her - Shelley, Goodreads
a.co/d/1TQx6OS
a.co/d/1TQx6OS
This is long but it's a detailed explanation of the Mayo Clinic's protocols for treating opioid use disorders and chronic pain, including emphasizing the important role of medications for OUD. #harmreduction #addiction #opioids
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Entering the Fourth Decade of the Opioid Crisis: An Institution’s Efforts to Redefine Opioid Stewardship
The opioid crisis in the United States has grown increasingly complex as it enters its fourth decade. Synthetic opioids and psychostimulants now contr…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This is long but it's a detailed explanation of the Mayo Clinic's protocols for treating opioid use disorders and chronic pain, including emphasizing the important role of medications for OUD. #harmreduction #addiction #opioids
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#Trauma can be the cause of perfectionism and overwork. That's part of how I responded to my extensive trauma history. Did this help me excel at a top 10 law school and become a judge? Yes. Did it often make me miserable with anxiety? Also yes. #recoveryposse #PTSDWarrior
November 2, 2025 at 12:48 PM
#Trauma can be the cause of perfectionism and overwork. That's part of how I responded to my extensive trauma history. Did this help me excel at a top 10 law school and become a judge? Yes. Did it often make me miserable with anxiety? Also yes. #recoveryposse #PTSDWarrior
Interesting piece by the parent of someone struggling with #addiction, including love them now so you're in place to help them when they're ready. #recoveryposse #motherslove
momsforallpaths.substack.com/p/i-stopped-...
momsforallpaths.substack.com/p/i-stopped-...
I Stopped Waiting for Rock Bottom and Started Living Again
A guest post by Brandi Mac
momsforallpaths.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Interesting piece by the parent of someone struggling with #addiction, including love them now so you're in place to help them when they're ready. #recoveryposse #motherslove
momsforallpaths.substack.com/p/i-stopped-...
momsforallpaths.substack.com/p/i-stopped-...
For those taking medications for alcohol or opioid use disorders, in LifeRing Secular Recovery we consider this sober. So you are welcome in our meetings and don't have to hide this.
Suboxone can be very beneficial for those who are struggling with opioid use disorder. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about it. Clear up some misconceptions using our handy infographic below
tarzanatc.org/services/sub...
#recovery
tarzanatc.org/services/sub...
#recovery
November 1, 2025 at 1:33 PM
For those taking medications for alcohol or opioid use disorders, in LifeRing Secular Recovery we consider this sober. So you are welcome in our meetings and don't have to hide this.
Early but encouraging study: By tweaking 1 component that helps control dopamine levels, the biological process that reinforces cocaine-seeking behaviors was blocked, which could lead to a medication to help overcome cocaine abuse #addiction #recoveryposse #harmreduction
news.vcu.edu/article/2025...
news.vcu.edu/article/2025...
VCU study identifies potential therapeutic strategy for treating cocaine use disorder
By uncovering molecular clues about the brain’s reward system, researchers see a path to keep two key proteins functioning properly.
news.vcu.edu
November 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Early but encouraging study: By tweaking 1 component that helps control dopamine levels, the biological process that reinforces cocaine-seeking behaviors was blocked, which could lead to a medication to help overcome cocaine abuse #addiction #recoveryposse #harmreduction
news.vcu.edu/article/2025...
news.vcu.edu/article/2025...
October 31, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Studies show resisting drug use is based on specific brain networks, which can be strengthened through cognitive-behavioral therapy, non-invasive brain stimulation, mindfulness therapy, memory-suppression techniques, medications, or neurosurgical interventions
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
Understanding the Brain’s “Action Mode”
Recent discoveries about how the brain works have shifted focus to brain networks, offering potential new hope for people addicted to substances.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Studies show resisting drug use is based on specific brain networks, which can be strengthened through cognitive-behavioral therapy, non-invasive brain stimulation, mindfulness therapy, memory-suppression techniques, medications, or neurosurgical interventions
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addi...
Good overview of teen drug use how to reduce #addiction risk by discouraging experimentation or encouraging delayed initiation. #recoveryposse #Parents
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
Promising Opportunities to Intervene on Adolescent Substance Use | American Journal of Psychiatry
PsychiatryOnline.org is the platform for all American Psychiatric Association Publishing journals, DSM, and bestselling textbooks, as well as APA Practice Guidelines, and continuing medical education.
psychiatryonline.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Good overview of teen drug use how to reduce #addiction risk by discouraging experimentation or encouraging delayed initiation. #recoveryposse #Parents
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...