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Mary Beth O'Connor

@marybethoconnor.bsky.social

2.9K followers 2.9K following 1.5K posts

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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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · Aug 3

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

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 O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 5h

There are multiple benefits to distributing drug smoking supplies. These include a reduced risk of unintentional #fentanyl exposure by stimulant smokers due to sharing pipes with fentanyl users and a switch from riskier injecting to safer smoking for fentanyl/opioid users. #opioids #harmreduction

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 10h

Back at you! I've been with my husband for 41 years and I still sometimes need reassurance that he loves me. I know he does, from his actions, but at times can feel better when I get a direct statement.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 10h

Research studies increased our understanding of #addiction but we still have much to learn about the optimal duration of recovery supports services, how the intensity or focus of services should change over the course of recovery, and if and when medications can be safely discontinued - Nora Volkow

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

I always remembered the high level physical abuse. But until recovery didn't appreciate the impact of never having a parent who was interested in me, supporting me, or protecting me. #recoveryposse #trauma #Women

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

Long-term heroin use doesn't have negative cognitive impacts for most people once they achieve long-term sobriety. It's possible that it has some irreversible impact, but even if true this usually isn't severe. In fact, alcohol is a much higher risk in this regard.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

Good work!

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

Good work!

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

Good work!

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

This is exciting. We need to pursue all promising avenues for SUD treatment. The more options we have, the more people who will succeed.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

Good work!

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

It is a joyous stage to reach, where sobriety doesn't require constant effort.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

I think most of us start the recovery process before we reach that point. And I encourage this. Start where you are. Don't wait for certainty or confidence you can achieve sobriety. This often evolves over time.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 1d

Message for #addiction recovery newbies: #recoveryposse #sobriety

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

My Adverse Childhood Experiences score is 7. So many of my behaviors, from shooting drugs to promiscuity to cutting and more, are understandable with my trauma history. This is why 1/3rd of my #memoir is about my pre-drug childhood. #quitlit #sober
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From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction

Amazon.com: From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction eBook : O'Connor, Mary Beth: Tienda Kindle

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

I would just say "you deserve the same compassion you offer others." An important message, nonetheless. As so many of us judge ourselves harshly and unfairly.

Rise and Reset Sobriety Coaching @therisecoin.bsky.social · 4d

Recovery is not about control—it’s about care.
If you’re struggling today, start with one kind thought about yourself. 💜
#WorldMentalHealthDay #RiseAndReset #Recovery #SelfCare

-Lisa
If you are resetting - You don't have to do it alone

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

Or judge. Or turn the conversation to themselves. Or advise to "just get over it." Or so many other non-helpful ways to respond.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

I had to teach myself to notice my accomplishments. Because my pstd-induced severe anxiety caused me to focus on the negative. My errors, imperfections, fears. Seeing my progress helped build my confidence and competence.

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

Lovely! We can't work on ourselves every minute of every day. Enjoying life strengthens us. Nature can help with healing too.

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

I took a look. When I train, I often include that a horrible bottom is unnecessary and dangerous. And it always was retrospective, rather than having objective criteria. Today, we encourage people to intervene in their SUD when they're at the mild or moderate level. No need to wait for severe.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 2d

We often don't offer people evidence-based #addiction care of an appropriate length and yet judge them as if we do. We also often don't combine addressing other mental health conditions simultaneously, which improves the odds of #sobriety success. #RecoveryPosse

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 3d

For me, the climb out of #addiction started with "maybe rehab can teach me how to do better" and eventually turned into "never again." Because, although miserable and exhausted from the chaos, in the beginning I didn't think sobriety was an option. #recoveryposse #wedorecover

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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 3d

SheRecover.org has a support group for women first responders and medical professionals.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 3d

We also often judge ourselves harshly for our reactions to the trauma, like addiction or aggressive behaviors. Understanding the connection can help with the healing work.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 3d

Writing about the positives can help too. So many of us are attuned to the negative, due to our trauma histories. Focusing on our forward progress or the good parts of our life can reduce stress and be a reassurance.

Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 3d

Cleanne Johnson and I spoke about how to create the right treatment plan for your #addiction and/or #mentalhealth recoveries. #Podcasts
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Sx...

Junkie Turned Judge: One Woman's Fight for Redemption

YouTube video by Beauty of Colors