Recovery Conversations: Mary Beth O'Connor, Author "From Junkie To Judge"

Explicit content warning

04/26/24 • 37 min

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.

We want to hear from YOU - send us your feedback!

Are you an organization supporting individuals with substance use and/or mental health lived experience, a relevant content creator, or a person with lived experience involved in advocacy and want to join us for a conversation? Complete this form

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

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.

We want to hear from YOU - send us your feedback!

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

Previous Episode

Meet The Peer: Jennifer Lazarus, Certified Peer Support Specialist

In this episode of Meet The Peer, Jennifer Lazarus, a certified peer support specialist in North and South Carolina, shares her journey of becoming a peer specialist and the importance of peer support. She discusses her own lived experience with mental health challenges and addiction, emphasizing the role of peer support in recovery. Jennifer also highlights the need for self-advocacy and the value of person-first language. She addresses the stigma surrounding non-substance addictions like shopping and sugar. Jennifer offers a message of hope and support to those who are struggling, emphasizing that they are not alone and that reaching out for help is okay.

Schedule a peer support session with Jennifer: jenniferlazarus.peerspecialist.us

Takeaways:

Peer support specialists walk with individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges and show them that recovery is possible.
Advocacy is an important aspect of peer support, helping individuals communicate their needs and work with healthcare professionals to find the right treatment.
Non-substance addictions, such as shopping and sugar, can be just as impactful and require understanding and support.
Person-first language is crucial in recognizing that individuals are not defined by their disabilities or mental health challenges.
There is hope and support available for those who are struggling, and reaching out for help is important.

We want to hear from you - send us your feedback!

Links:

Straight Up Care: straightupcare.com
Watch our episodes: ReduceTheStigma.com, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV

Acknowledgements:

Host: Whitney Menarcheck
Editing by: Sarah Elash
Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production.

Next Episode

Meet The Peer: Sam Mason, Peer Support Specialist

Talk to Sam: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/5411133

Sam Mason, a peer support specialist based in South Dakota, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and healing. Hosted by Whitney Menarcheck, this conversation delves into Sam's lived experiences as both a survivor of unhealthy relationships and a supportive loved one of individuals battling substance use disorder. Sam opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in abusive environments, which shaped her perceptions and behaviors in relationships. She discusses the complexities of supporting her partner through substance misuse while navigating the impact on her family dynamics. Throughout the interview, Sam sheds light on the vital role of peer support in mental health and addiction recovery. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, validation, and non-judgmental support in overcoming stigma and fostering healing. From addressing misconceptions about self-harm to advocating for understanding and acceptance, Sam shares valuable insights and offers a message of hope to those facing similar struggles. Her story serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their journey toward recovery and that peer support can provide the understanding and connection needed to thrive.

Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care, the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.

We want to hear from you - send us your feedback!

Links