In this powerful interview, Mary Beth O'Connor shares her journey from trauma and addiction to becoming a judge, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles. From growing up in a violent household to battling addiction for over a decade, Mary Beth's story is one of resilience and triumph. Discover how trauma and addiction are often interconnected and how Mary Beth found solace in drugs before embarking on her path to recovery. Despite facing numerous challenges, including struggles with mental health and navigating the criminal justice system, Mary Beth persevered and found her way to sobriety. Learn about the importance of addressing both substance use disorder and underlying mental health issues in recovery, and explore alternative pathways to healing beyond traditional 12-step programs. Mary Beth's advocacy work aims to reduce stigma and promote understanding of addiction and recovery, offering hope to individuals and families affected by these issues. Join us as Mary Beth shares insights, challenges, and words of encouragement for anyone on their journey to recovery. No matter where you are, there is always hope and a path forward. Don't miss this empowering conversation that sheds light on the complexities of addiction, trauma, and recovery, and offers hope for a brighter future. Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions to reduce the stigma.

Watch the full episode: 

FireTV - http://tinyurl.com/ReduceTheStigmaFireTV 

ROKU TV - http://tinyurl.com/ReduceTheStigmaRoku    and www.reducethestigma.com 

Listen to the podcast episode: YouTube Music - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqBhbueCf8mFBWErp99yZiZBRsJnn94wi

Takeaways

• Trauma and addiction are often closely connected, and addressing both is crucial for recovery.
• Intelligence does not protect against addiction, as substance use disorder is often rooted in trauma or other mental health conditions.
• Personalized recovery plans and alternative pathways to recovery are essential for success.
• Mandating 12-step programs in drug courts can be ineffective and may hinder individuals' recovery journeys.
• Decriminalization and evidence-based approaches are needed to address substance use disorder and reduce stigma.

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Links

• Straight Up Care: straightupcare.com
• Watch our episodes: ReduceTheStigma.com,Amazon Fire TV,Roku TV
• Mary Beth's Book: https://junkietojudge.com/

Acknowledgements 

Host: Whitney Menarcheck

Editing by: Sarah Elash

Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production