273- Overcoming Addiction: A Judge's Powerful Recovery Journey with Mary Beth

Mary Beth O'Connor shares her transformative journey from addiction and trauma to becoming a federal judge, illustrating how personalized recovery approaches can lead to extraordinary life changes. Her story challenges common misconceptions about addiction treatment while offering practical insights for both those struggling with addiction and their supporters.

• Growing up in a violent household that led to early substance use at age 12
• Progression to methamphetamine addiction by age 16 while dealing with trauma
• Development of an individualized recovery plan rather than relying solely on 12-step programs
• Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD alongside addiction
• The importance of patience and persistence over perfection in recovery
• How 75% of people with substance use disorders eventually recover, though rarely on the first try
• Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) as an effective support approach for families
• Incremental progress that led from staying employed to becoming a federal judge
• The necessity of individualized treatment plans versus one-size-fits-all approaches
• Resources including Life Ring Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation

Find Mary Beth's memoir "From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction" and connect with her at junkietojudge.com or on social media.

Follow Mary Beth at

https://podcastguests.com/expert/marybethoconnor/

https://junkietojudge.com/

Direct link to her book

https://www.amazon.com/Junkie-Judge-Womans-Triumph-Addiction-ebook/dp/B0B3Y9CFGJ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Her foundation

https://sherecovers.org/

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