Mary Beth O'Connor: Navigating Recovery and Trauma with Resilience
Nobody makes my life better too, because I spend a lot of time with you. When your life is a way is a lot better, it is you need to take your happy pills.
Imagine turning a life of addiction into one of advocacy and support. That's exactly what Mary Beth O'Connor has done. In this episode of Recovery Cast, hosts Pawley and Michele sit down with Mary Beth, the author of 'From Junkie to Judge', to explore her remarkable journey from addiction to sobriety. Sober since 1994, Mary Beth has faced and overcome numerous challenges, including trauma, PTSD, and the complexities of recovery.
Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding your own path in recovery. Mary Beth dives into the concept of multiple paths to recovery, challenging the traditional abstinence-only approach. She emphasizes the value of harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment, advocating for more inclusive and diverse methods in addiction treatment. As a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation, Mary Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.
Her advocacy work extends to speaking about sexual abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, and anxiety, shedding light on the intersection of these issues with substance use disorder. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Mary Beth's insights offer hope and practical advice. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and learn about the various ways to navigate the road to recovery.