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
Pinned
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
Playing whack-a-mole: Clear and concise explanation of one reason focusing on supply side (rather than demand side) drug enforcement has minimal impact on the availability of addictive substances in the US. #addiction #crime #drugs
www.talkingdrugs.org/playing-whac...
www.talkingdrugs.org/playing-whac...
"Playing Whack-a-Mole": A History of China's Drug Bans - TalkingDrugs
News of China's new nitazene ban prompted a deeper look into how past fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoid drug bans worked out.
www.talkingdrugs.org
November 28, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Playing whack-a-mole: Clear and concise explanation of one reason focusing on supply side (rather than demand side) drug enforcement has minimal impact on the availability of addictive substances in the US. #addiction #crime #drugs
www.talkingdrugs.org/playing-whac...
www.talkingdrugs.org/playing-whac...
#Sobriety can be hard, including being perfectly abstinent from day 1, because many of us used the drugs to push down our pain. Take away the drugs and we feel the pain, which is challenging because we don't have experience dealing with it sober. #recoveryposse #healing
a south park character says it sure does hurt in the rain
ALT: a south park character says it sure does hurt in the rain
media.tenor.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:13 PM
#Sobriety can be hard, including being perfectly abstinent from day 1, because many of us used the drugs to push down our pain. Take away the drugs and we feel the pain, which is challenging because we don't have experience dealing with it sober. #recoveryposse #healing
I certainly learned from others, in my #addiction recovery. But I also didn't adopt many strategies that worked for the people I met. Because those techniques weren't right for me. #empowerment #Secularism
a woman is talking to another woman and says " make your own decisions netflix "
ALT: a woman is talking to another woman and says " make your own decisions netflix "
media.tenor.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:41 PM
I certainly learned from others, in my #addiction recovery. But I also didn't adopt many strategies that worked for the people I met. Because those techniques weren't right for me. #empowerment #Secularism
Interesting blog about the Social Transmission of Recovery idea. And suggestions as to how to refocus #addiction recovery research on community based solutions. #recoveryposse #AddictionRecovery
recoveryreview.blog/2025/08/23/s...
recoveryreview.blog/2025/08/23/s...
Social Transmission of Recovery as a Helix of Connectivity, not a Service Checklist: A Conversation with Dr David Best
The Frontiers of Recovery Research Interview Series – William Stauffer What is this series of interviews? In April of 2024, I had the distinct honor of being asked by William White author and thoug…
recoveryreview.blog
November 26, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Interesting blog about the Social Transmission of Recovery idea. And suggestions as to how to refocus #addiction recovery research on community based solutions. #recoveryposse #AddictionRecovery
recoveryreview.blog/2025/08/23/s...
recoveryreview.blog/2025/08/23/s...
Important story about the particular challenges faced by #mothers who want #addiction treatment. #Parents
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Choose your child or choose recovery: The impossible decision facing addicted mothers
Shoshana Walter explores how the giant substance treatment industry fails people desperate for help.
www.motherjones.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Important story about the particular challenges faced by #mothers who want #addiction treatment. #Parents
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
When I talk to friends and family of those with an #addiction, I emphasize that everyone I know in recovery is friends and family too. I share this with them to let them know I understand their pain, fear, and frustration. #FamilyTherapy #RecoveryPosse
November 25, 2025 at 10:45 PM
When I talk to friends and family of those with an #addiction, I emphasize that everyone I know in recovery is friends and family too. I share this with them to let them know I understand their pain, fear, and frustration. #FamilyTherapy #RecoveryPosse
In early #sobriety, it can be painful to face the lost time and missed opportunities. Which is 1 reason it can be helpful to meet others, ahead of you on the path, to see how much can be achieved even in just a couple years. #WeDoRecover #RecoveryPosse
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
In early #sobriety, it can be painful to face the lost time and missed opportunities. Which is 1 reason it can be helpful to meet others, ahead of you on the path, to see how much can be achieved even in just a couple years. #WeDoRecover #RecoveryPosse
There's a much higher risk of developing an #Addiction if you have a high Adverse Childhood Experiences score. My score is 7 (out of 10). Which makes shooting meth at 17 and for another 15 years not as surprising as it would be otherwise. #ptsd #recoveryposse
americanspcc.org/take-the-ace...
americanspcc.org/take-the-ace...
Take The ACES Quiz
Take The ACES Quiz - American SPCC
americanspcc.org
November 24, 2025 at 7:21 PM
There's a much higher risk of developing an #Addiction if you have a high Adverse Childhood Experiences score. My score is 7 (out of 10). Which makes shooting meth at 17 and for another 15 years not as surprising as it would be otherwise. #ptsd #recoveryposse
americanspcc.org/take-the-ace...
americanspcc.org/take-the-ace...
Brain imaging consistent with our understanding that the brain's neuroplasticity processes work in recovery such that our brain heals with extended #sobriety. #addiction #recoveryposse
November 24, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Brain imaging consistent with our understanding that the brain's neuroplasticity processes work in recovery such that our brain heals with extended #sobriety. #addiction #recoveryposse
One of the #podcast episodes interviewing me is on IMBD! #recoveryposse #addiction
m.imdb.com/title/tt3556...
m.imdb.com/title/tt3556...
"Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast" Journey from drug addict to Judge. Her amazing story (Podcast Episode 2025) | Talk-Show
Journey from drug addict to Judge. Her amazing story: With Mary Beth O'Connor, John Jay Wiley. Few stories are as inspiring as Mary Beth O'Connor's remarkable journey from childhood trauma to becoming...
m.imdb.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:41 AM
One of the #podcast episodes interviewing me is on IMBD! #recoveryposse #addiction
m.imdb.com/title/tt3556...
m.imdb.com/title/tt3556...
Mary Beth came to our library to do a reading and everyone was checking out a copy of the book and bringing it back in two days. They said it was unputdownable. - Librarian KWinks, Goodreads Reviewer #memoir #quitlit #booklover
a.co/d/9yLRI1l
a.co/d/9yLRI1l
November 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Mary Beth came to our library to do a reading and everyone was checking out a copy of the book and bringing it back in two days. They said it was unputdownable. - Librarian KWinks, Goodreads Reviewer #memoir #quitlit #booklover
a.co/d/9yLRI1l
a.co/d/9yLRI1l
Concise article by @dr4liberty
about why focusing on increased criminal penalties for certain drugs has been, and continues to be, a failed approach. #opioid #Fentanyl #overdose
www.acsh.org/news/2025/08...
about why focusing on increased criminal penalties for certain drugs has been, and continues to be, a failed approach. #opioid #Fentanyl #overdose
www.acsh.org/news/2025/08...
From Fentanyl to Nitazenes: Why the Drug War Keeps Making the Danger Worse
After warning for years—to policymakers’ deaf ears—that doubling down on failed drug war policies will only cause more dangerous drugs, like nitazenes, to emerge, we see it happening in real time.
www.acsh.org
November 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Concise article by @dr4liberty
about why focusing on increased criminal penalties for certain drugs has been, and continues to be, a failed approach. #opioid #Fentanyl #overdose
www.acsh.org/news/2025/08...
about why focusing on increased criminal penalties for certain drugs has been, and continues to be, a failed approach. #opioid #Fentanyl #overdose
www.acsh.org/news/2025/08...
Interesting piece from the Center for Motivation and Change about how #families might think about combining positive reinforcement and limiting enabling strategies to motivate those struggling with #addiction. #recoveryposse
motivationandchange.com/natural-consequences-worlds-way-give-feedback/
motivationandchange.com/natural-consequences-worlds-way-give-feedback/
November 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Interesting piece from the Center for Motivation and Change about how #families might think about combining positive reinforcement and limiting enabling strategies to motivate those struggling with #addiction. #recoveryposse
motivationandchange.com/natural-consequences-worlds-way-give-feedback/
motivationandchange.com/natural-consequences-worlds-way-give-feedback/
When I speak to judges, I point out that being arrested for drug possession doesn't mean the person is addicted. And give the data about how most people use all drugs in moderation. The judges often are surprised by this. #Judge #attorneys #Lawyers
November 21, 2025 at 6:59 PM
When I speak to judges, I point out that being arrested for drug possession doesn't mean the person is addicted. And give the data about how most people use all drugs in moderation. The judges often are surprised by this. #Judge #attorneys #Lawyers
This is true for substance recovery and mental health recovery generally. For me, I found it helpful to notice the overall upward trajectory, especially when I was less than perfect.
Never stop and never quit. Go at your own pace. You can't rush your healing & recovery. You've got this!
❤️🫂💚💪🏼
#MentalHealthMatters
#Anxiety #Depression
#Healing #Recovery
❤️🫂💚💪🏼
#MentalHealthMatters
#Anxiety #Depression
#Healing #Recovery
November 21, 2025 at 2:52 PM
This is true for substance recovery and mental health recovery generally. For me, I found it helpful to notice the overall upward trajectory, especially when I was less than perfect.
November 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
"People do not only use drugs because of the usual suspects: trauma, poverty or pathology. They also use them because they feel good. Pleasure. Connection. Belonging. A stronger sense of self." And this article discusses why policy should reflect this truth. #harmreduction #drugs #teens
The Economics Of Pleasure: How A New Approach To Drug Use Could Save Millions
Billions are spent fighting drugs. Recognizing why people really use them could save money, save lives and transform global drug policy.
www.forbes.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:53 PM
"People do not only use drugs because of the usual suspects: trauma, poverty or pathology. They also use them because they feel good. Pleasure. Connection. Belonging. A stronger sense of self." And this article discusses why policy should reflect this truth. #harmreduction #drugs #teens
Yet another study with the same finding: Increased #fentanyl possession criminal penalties did not change the preexisting trends for overdose deaths in Colorado, and may have contributed to an increase in #overdose deaths among the state's Black population. #crime
www.westword.com/news/colorad...
www.westword.com/news/colorad...
Colorado's Harsher Fentanyl Laws Aren't Working, Report Says
Despite 2022 legislation that made possession of small amounts a felony, opioid overdose deaths are still rising
www.westword.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Yet another study with the same finding: Increased #fentanyl possession criminal penalties did not change the preexisting trends for overdose deaths in Colorado, and may have contributed to an increase in #overdose deaths among the state's Black population. #crime
www.westword.com/news/colorad...
www.westword.com/news/colorad...
Incremental healing and improvement is the norm for most of us recovering from #trauma. It's important to notice that forward momentum, particularly for those of us (me included) who tend toward focusing on the negative. #recoveryposse #PTSD
November 19, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Incremental healing and improvement is the norm for most of us recovering from #trauma. It's important to notice that forward momentum, particularly for those of us (me included) who tend toward focusing on the negative. #recoveryposse #PTSD
Studies repeatedly show that syringe services programs (which I used in the 80s/90s) reduce discarded needles in the community and do not increase crime. They can halve new HIV and hepatitis C cases, increase entry into addiction treatment fivefold, and save taxpayer money.
November 19, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Studies repeatedly show that syringe services programs (which I used in the 80s/90s) reduce discarded needles in the community and do not increase crime. They can halve new HIV and hepatitis C cases, increase entry into addiction treatment fivefold, and save taxpayer money.
#Addiction stigma isn't just an irritant. It has real world consequences, such as on the ability of the incarcerated to obtain medication for their #opioid use disorders. #RecoveryPosse
Harm Reduction Journal
The Harm Reduction Journal is an open access, community-focused journal for research on reducing risks and harms associated with drug use, gambling, online ...
harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:39 AM
#Addiction stigma isn't just an irritant. It has real world consequences, such as on the ability of the incarcerated to obtain medication for their #opioid use disorders. #RecoveryPosse
The vast majority of people entering the penal system meet diagnostic criterion for #addiction, which is a massive human rights violation because we’re putting people with a mental illness in a cage. - Dr. James Craig, Addiction Specialist #recoveryposse #crimes
November 18, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The vast majority of people entering the penal system meet diagnostic criterion for #addiction, which is a massive human rights violation because we’re putting people with a mental illness in a cage. - Dr. James Craig, Addiction Specialist #recoveryposse #crimes
We've never spent the monies necessary to offer drug treatment, along with other mental health treatment, plus the other services needed (housing, employment, physical health). Yet we judge the current system, and those struggling, as if we'd already done all this. #addiction
November 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
We've never spent the monies necessary to offer drug treatment, along with other mental health treatment, plus the other services needed (housing, employment, physical health). Yet we judge the current system, and those struggling, as if we'd already done all this. #addiction
Good tips for staying #sober during the holidays. #recoveryposse #sobriety
www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/staying-sobe...
www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/staying-sobe...
Staying Sober During the Busy Holiday Season: Tips for Success - Flagstaff Business News
Flagstaff Business News Staying Sober During the Busy Holiday Season: Tips for Success
www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Good tips for staying #sober during the holidays. #recoveryposse #sobriety
www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/staying-sobe...
www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/staying-sobe...
I push back on the "they did the best they could" assumption as to parents. I'm sure those who are doing their best sometimes make mistakes. But not all parents are even trying to do their best. #childhood #trauma #abuse
a woman in a floral shirt with the words " you haven 't even tried " next to her
ALT: a woman in a floral shirt with the words " you haven 't even tried " next to her
media.tenor.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I push back on the "they did the best they could" assumption as to parents. I'm sure those who are doing their best sometimes make mistakes. But not all parents are even trying to do their best. #childhood #trauma #abuse