Mary Beth O'Connor @MaryBethO_ Twitter profile

Last Seen Profiles

@noemiemakesmaps

@SimpishLuc

@CC_Holloway

@bokeplokalmalam

@SukaIbuIbuTua2

@kaii_ku939011

@aktion_liberale

@PaisantYohann

@ngonianz

@aaronzwinter

@BelliciusRM

@qhtanslwy66

@martitacrvnts

@Erne_FeelFIFA

@NikAmmer

@SukaIbuIbuTua2

@danieli2609

@FatemaIFB

@cchsbballsaints

@Tayronkwidans

@TimJord67550801

@Dr_Andy_Haynes

@Zaire_3500

@mand_jakob

@choku_fd3s

@Hokies2022

@RequimArts

@celbrash

@alli_langley

@ceratizit_wnt

@Leonabjhanken

@latina_lola_

@Kojects

@Aptos_Turkiye

@shahramVT

@O_UVU_

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

10 months

Even with 29 years #sobriety , I'm confident that if I picked up alcohol or weed, I'd end up back on meth. Not immediately, perhaps, but I'd bet within 6 months. So, for me, #abstinence is the only option. #RecoveryPosse #wedorecover

132

62

1K

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

8 months

30 years sober! I was an IV meth addict, survivor of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assaults. Today, I'm a retired #judge , #author , and #advocate for multiple pathways to #recovery . Quite the journey! #RecoveryPosse #Healing #women #sobriety

150

58

698

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

@guyfelicella When I got sober at 32, after a 16 year meth use disorder, I felt old. Sure, life could get better, but I thought there was a limit. So happy to be wrong about this!

2

10

545

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

29 years #Sober from my IV meth #addiction and all other drugs. And I'm proud of this accomplishment. Still, going from 28 to 29 isn't the hard part. It's the early years that are tough and thus more deserving of accolades when #sobriety is achieved. #recoveryposse #recovery

60

20

472

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

When I got #Sober from my meth #addiction , I didn't plan to become a #judge . 20 years later, I was. The result of taking the next forward step and then the next and then the next. #RecoveryPosse #recoveryjourney #recoveryispossible #Lawyers #attorney

45

31

417

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I used 3 times in my first 5 months. Twice while in rehab, but didn't get caught. I now have 28 years of sobriety. I just wasn't ready, or able, to have perfect abstinence on day 1. #wedorecover #recoveryposse #harmreduction

36

18

361

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

In rehab, I asked, if #addiction is a disease, why would the cure be religious/spiritual? Response: We weren't to "debate the book." I support 12-steps as one option, but push back on the false "it's the only way" or "it's a better way" narrative, because neither is true. #sober

129

25

310

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I didn't plan to become a judge when I got sober. It evolved from taking the next step forward, then the next, and the next. And now I wrote a memoir and am a recovery advocate. When you enter #recovery , there's no telling what you will achieve. #recoveryjourney #recoveryposse

37

20

313

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

After a 28 year break, I bet I could have one beautiful meth run again. But it wouldn't stop there. And it would turn ugly fast. #recoveryposse #addiction

44

8

289

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I had a Berkeley degree but had worked my way down the corporate ladder during my #addiction . 1st job was way below my education, but consistent with what I was ready to handle. I worked my way up from there, to federal #judge 20 years later. #recoveryposse #recoveryjourney

31

21

292

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Rehab at 32 years old after destroying my life. I felt old and thought the best I could do was improve, not attain any dreams. At 6 years I attended #Berkeley Law and at 20 became a #judge . So don't give up on your #dreams . #Recovery life has infinite possibilities. #wedorecover

16

168

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Sometimes it's suggested that maybe I can drink/use because it's been 29 years, I respond that it's not worth the risk. Nothing important to be gained and everything important probably would be lost.

36

12

164

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I'm not ashamed of my substance use disorder history. Also not ashamed that I shot up meth for many years. Why should I be? SUD is a brain disorder, not a moral failing. #addiction #RecoveryPosse #wedorecover

16

17

159

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

The overwhelming majority of fentanyl overdose deaths involve illicit manufacture. So limiting access to legally prescribed, life-changing pain care for those who need it most is not the solution to the opioid and overdose crises. #addiction #recovery

17

50

161

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

When people ask me about coerced #Addiction treatment, my first point is "why are we even discussing that when we don't have enough treatment beds for those who voluntarily want it?"

9

24

148

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

11 months

"Lawmakers and policymakers, blind to the evidence that #drug prohibition is the primary cause of the #overdose crisis, have given us the worst of both worlds: patients inadequately treated for #pain while overdose deaths soar. via @CatoInstitute

More Evidence That Opioid Policymakers Keep Aiming at the Wrong Target

More evidence that the overdose crisis is predicated on a false narrative.

www.cato.org

15

72

143

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

When I got sober at 32, after a 16 year meth use disorder, I felt old. Sure, life could get better, but I thought there was a limit. So happy to be wrong about this! #RecoveryPosse #soberlife #sobriety #wedorecover #recovery

9

3

132

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I haven't struggled with my substance disorder in over 25 years. Not since I struggled through the first 2 years. I think this is common and reassuring for newbies to know. #recoveryposse #addiction #recoveryispossible

15

10

129

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

With my 29 years #sober , I've been asked by newbies if I'd drink or use if I knew I was dying. No! I wouldn't want to spend my last days in that chaos and so disconnected from my loved ones. #wedorecover #recoveryposse

14

8

97

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

#sobriety meetings help many but aren't a mandatory requirement for a robust foundation. There also are options to 12-steps, if that's an obstacle. And there are other forms of support. Therapists, recovery coaches, friends, family, and others. #RecoveryPosse #addiction

19

6

86

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

It's really important to bring #alcohol use disorder into the medical system and to use the available drugs that help reduce or eliminate consumption. #addiction #sobriety #harmreduction #sober

Why prescription medication to treat alcoholism is ‘vastly underutilized’

Nearly 30 million Americans struggle with alcohol addiction. Medication used to treat alcohol-use disorder have been on the market for decades, but is rarely prescribed. Dr. Sarah Wakeman, medical...

www.pbs.org

11

14

90

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Signed copies of my Junkie to Judge #memoir are available at The Grove Barnes & Noble. #BookLover #BookTwitter #recovery #wedorecovet #recoveryposse #losangeles

7

10

87

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I think it helps, emotionally, to say "I choose not to drink/use" rather than "I can't drink/use." Plus, "choose" is more accurate. #recoveryposse #sobriety #abstinence #recovery

9

7

82

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I don't believe in this "back to day 1" #recovery ideology. We learned something with our prior sober time. We can learn something from the decision to pick up again, including what to do next time when faced with the same situation. #recoveryposse #sobriety #abstinence

20

4

80

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

With newbies I emphasize that the main benefit of my #recovery from my meth #addiction isn't that I went to law school or became a judge. It's the lack of self-created chaos. I still have struggles, but I'm not adding to the list through my own poor choices. #RecoveryPosse

10

7

83

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

When people who drink claim they don't use drugs, I say, "that's just a legal, liquid drug." #alcoholawareness #DRUGS

24

7

81

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Rock bottom is a dated concept. Early intervention works just as well and avoids increasing negative consequences. #recovery #sober #recoveryposse #wedorecover #sobercurious

32

5

77

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Some of what I was taught in rehab 29 years ago isn't true. For example, nearly 1/5th of those who have had alcohol dependence go on to drink at low-risk levels with no abuse symptoms. National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions and other studies.

47

3

78

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

When I talk about my From Junkie to Judge memoir/story, I emphasize that I went to #law school at 6 years sober and was appointed a #judge at 20 years. I didn't have these goals in early #recovery . These achievements were the result of step by step progress. #RecoveryPosse

6

77

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

Telling someone that must do #AddictionRecovery a certain way can cause people to give up, when that's not a good approach for them. So why say this, particularly when it's never true. #RecoveryPosse #secular #humanist #addiction #sobriety

19

3

71

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Intravenous use is more stigmatized than other #drug delivery methods, which is why I'm open about my long history of shooting up. I recovered, became a judge, and contribute to society. So let's not give up on anyone. #wedorecover #recoveryispossible #recovery #Lawyers #sober

5

9

71

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

In my early #recovery , I couldn't imagine all the joys and achievements of the past 28 years! #RecoveryPosse

6

9

68

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Most people I know with long-term #recovery don't struggle after the first couple years. I share this with newbies because knowing it gets easier is one positive result of the hard work they're facing. #recoveryposse #sobriety #wedorecover

8

6

66

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

In early #recovery , I felt confused by my new self, like this version wasn't as real as the drug-fueled, chaos and misery version. It took a while for me to settle into my #sober life. #RecoveryPosse #wedorecover #soberlife #addiction #women

11

8

63

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

It's not uncommon to progress toward #abstinence , with slips during the process. I used 3 times in my first 5 months but now have 28 years. Persistence is the key! #wedorecover #recoveryposse #recoveryjourney #sobriety #abstinence

7

2

60

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

For those of us with a substance use disorder, there's no neon sign announcing we've crossed that line. Although I should've paid more attention when my fellow meth users were telling me I was overdoing it! #addiction #RecoveryPosse

7

6

59

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

In #recovery I realized that #happiness mostly is contentment, not ecstatic joy. And the best case scenario is mostly happy, not always. This, I think, is a realistic #goal , although getting there often is a process, as it was for me. #recoveryposse #recoveryjourney

5

4

59

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

#Addiction relapse rates are similar to those of other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Yet, people with these other conditions aren't judged in the same way for their lack of perfection. #RecoveryPosse #sobriety #recoveryjourney

5

7

57

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I'm an award winning author! #memoir #books #recoveryposse #wedorecover #sobriety #atheism #humanism #secularism #women #healing #trauma #ptsd #anxiety

13

4

52

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

To me, it's arrogance to think we know, with absolute certainty, what will work for others. Which is compounded if we ignore their concerns or interest in other avenues. And this applies to #recovery . #recoveryposse #sobriety #empowerment

16

5

52

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I used harm reduction in the last few years of my meth use disorder. The needle exchange. When I got sober, I didn't have HIV, Hep C, or any other blood-borne disease. #HarmReduction #addiction #RecoveryPosse

9

3

52

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

We need to treat addiction like the public health crisis it is, including providing readily accessible, affordable treatment and investing in harm reduction. #harmreduction #recovery #treatment

8

14

51

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Being forced to fight against my rehab's order to find a higher power or face certain relapse reignited my analytical skills and ability to make judgments about how to handle my life. This was the beginning of my self-empowered #recovery . #secularism #atheism #humanism #science

13

6

53

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

A hard, vicious bottom isn't required for those with a substance use disorder. And it's not advisable to wait for this, because people die that way. Early intervention is better, if you're able to do it. #recoveryposse #recoveryispossible #sobriety #recovery #health

9

10

50

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Before I can remember, I knew my mother wasn't interested in me and certainly wouldn't help me. Still, when she left me with family and moved elsewhere, I grieved the loss of the last shred of hope that I was wrong. #neglect #trauma #grief

18

5

50

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

My stepfather abused me for years - verbally, emotionally, physically, and sexually. Yet I no longer feel hate toward him. I haven't forgotten or forgiven. But I've processed the #trauma and released those intense emotions, for my emotional health. #traumarecovery #healing

9

3

52

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Meth kills too. About 33,400 deaths last year involved stimulants such as methamphetamine, up more than 340% from five years earlier. I am open about my intravenous meth use history to reassure others that they can #recover too. #wedorecover #openrecovery

5

8

52

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Neuroplasticity, the capacity for our brains to change in response to our behavior, strengthens our recovery. Our new positive habits and behaviors re-mold our brain, which is 1 reason why maintaining abstinence gets easier with time. #recoveryposse #wedorecover #recoveryjourney

9

8

51

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

A belief in divine intervention helps some and I'm happy for them. But isn't necessary. I have 29 solid, robustly recovered years without a belief in a higher power. And know many like me. #Secularism #humanism #Atheism #RecoveryPosse #recoveryjourney

10

2

47

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I chose to use "junkie" in the title of my #memoir because injecting drugs is so stigmatized. I wanted to own that status. I am a retired #judge , but I'm also a former IV meth #addict . #wedorecover #RecoveryPosse #recoveryjourney #soberlife #sobriety #lawyer #ATTORNEY #books

3

5

52

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

The idea of being powerless over my substance use disorder, so I needed to turn over my will and my life, didn't work for me. After thinking about it, though, I agreed that I did not have the power to moderate my drug use. Which was a key idea for my #recovery . #secularism

15

2

48

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

My mother once asked me what I'd do if I had a million dollars. I said I'd go to #Law school. Then I said, wait, I don't need a million dollars to do that. Two years later, I started law school! Lesson: Your #dreams may be closer than you think! #recoveryposse #soberlife #Judge

1

5

47

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Sure, becoming a judge was a proud moment. But the most important part of #recovery is the lack of chaos and obsession. That's the precursor to all the other joys of my sober life. #soberlife #recoveryposse #addiction #WeDoRecover

8

7

48

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I think it's important to let newbies know this: Usually, after the early building of a #sobriety foundation, living without substances is just normal and not a daily fight. #recoveryposse #recovery #WeDoRecover #recoveryispossible

8

5

47

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

10 months

I made a lot of excuses for my mother for many years. She was less abusive than my stepfather and I didn't appreciate how she'd neglected and abandoned me. Seeing the whole truth helped me heal. #trauma #childabuse #women #healing

7

1

44

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

10 months

75% of those with a substance use disorder recover. Maybe not on the first try, but they do. #addiction #recovery #recoveryposse #wedorecover #alcoholfree

There is life after addiction. Most people recover

America is facing a deadly drug epidemic, but there is hope. Research shows 75% of people with addiction survive and go on to live full lives, especially if they get good treatment.

www.npr.org

6

5

46

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

In early #recovery , the new version of myself I was creating felt like pretend. It took several years for me to settle in and feel natural in my new way of life. #soberlife #RecoveryPosse #WeDoRecover #Healing

10

6

45

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I knew my #trauma pushed me into meth #addiction . But I didn't realize that, to heal from the trauma, I had to deal with my addiction. Because I couldn't access my feelings or accurately assess my past until I was #sober . #recoveryposse #recoveryjourney #mentalwellness

4

5

46

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Want to reduce the number of people #addicted to substances? Provide access to low cost mental health care. Because unaddressed #trauma and untreated mental health issues are a notable contributor to substance use disorder rates. #MentalHealthMatters #childabuse #DomesticAbuse

5

10

46

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Once my sobriety was stable, I focused on what I called Big R Recovery: improved mental health, happiness, marriage, friends/family relationships, professional success, and financial security. #recoveryposse #recovery #recoveryjourney #women #traumarecovery #Mentalhealth

1

0

43

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I tell #recovery newbies that I know stopping substances seems like a big loss. But, in time, it becomes clear that the loss is minuscule and the gain is massive. #recoveryposse #sobriety #recoveryjourney

4

7

44

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

If I can transition from junkie to #judge , anyone can recover, become a productive member of society, and reach their goals. #recoveryposse #wedorecover #recoveryjourney #soberlife #sobriety #addiction

7

44

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

@ethannadelmann @EmmaYas24 @aftariak @maiasz @AlexWodak @FreeMethadone @DrugPolicyOrg @HRInews @HarmReduction I have a friend who could not achieve abstinence from heroin, despite best efforts. She's been on maintenance methadone for 10 years. She's held a job, been promoted, raised a daughter, and gotten married in that time. So grateful she had this option.

0

11

45

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I tell #addiction #recovery newbies that if anyone says "this is the only way, don't even consider any other way," this is a red flag and isn't prioritizing their interests or what will best help them to succeed. #recoveryposse #sobriety #health #Healing

3

5

44

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

For anyone prone to #depression or #anxiety , #alcohol initially can seem to help. But during the evening or over time, alcohol will exacerbate these conditions. Treat the underlying problem rather than confusing the issue by adding alcohol into the mix. #mentalhealth #sobriety

5

7

40

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

My mother was shocked when I told her I wasn't ashamed of my #addiction . Why should I be? It's a brain disorder. #recoveryposse #Mentalhealth #wedorecover #science

9

3

42

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

I get pushback when I post accurate information that isn't consistent with #recovery orthodoxy, including because I'm "putting people at risk" and "confusing" them. I think accurate information let's us all make better risk assessments and consumption/recovery decisions.

12

1

41

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

When someone has a recurrence/relapse, they aren't starting over. They learned things that will help them as they recommit and try again. #recovery #RecoveryPosse #sober #addiction #wedorecover #sobriety

4

8

42

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

People who's #addiction developed as adults often focus on regaining what they'd lost. As my trauma and stress began so young, in my #recovery it was more about becoming the woman I was meant to be. #women #empowerment #Healing #RecoveryPosse #soberlife #mentalhealth

10

4

42

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Learning patience was critical to my #recovery from my substance use disorder and my #trauma history. I had to accept that progress was incremental, step by step. For recovery and life generally. #recoveryposse #recoveryjourney #Healing #women

5

40

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

The #trauma I suffered impacted me even more than it might have, because none of the adults in my life were focused on me or interested in helping. If you see a child in trouble, reach out. #Healing #traumarecovery #MentalHealthMatters

3

7

41

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

AA and NA have helped many recover & I applaud their success. But I'm glad I never accepted that #recovery required a higher power, because I would have given up as that wasn't a path I could take. #secularism #multiplepathways

13

4

40

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

I caution newbies about any #recovery program that requires an exclusive commitment. It's OK to attend and pull ideas from multiple support groups. That's what I did and now have 29 years. #EmpowerYourself #empowerment #recoveryposse #wedorecover

6

40

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Some say connection is the opposite of addiction. One side of this is that healthy families and loving relationships reduce addiction risk. Another side is that having friends and family support in recovery increases the odds of success. #recoveryposse #wedorecover #sobriety

5

6

38

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

9 months

In early #recovery , when I didn't bow to the orthodoxy, I was told I was self-will run amuck. But taking control of my recovery strengthened me and built skills to handle all of life. #Empowerment #RecoveryPosse #secular #humanist #atheist #women

5

4

38

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

When I talk to newbies, I tell them I know it feels like giving up the #drugs is a major loss. I promise that, in time, it will become clear that the loss is miniscule and the gains infinite. #recoveryposse #WeDoRecover #recovery #sobriety #abstinence

3

2

37

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

It took me years, in my #recovery , to adjust my internal understanding of who I was to my new reality and my new behaviors. Which shouldn't have surprised me, since I'd been consumed with the drug life from ages 12-32. #recoveryposse #wedorecover #recoveryjourney #sobriety

1

2

36

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

When I speak with #recovery newbies I emphasize it helps to find hope, which often is through noticing their own improvement and interacting with others who attained #sobriety . Because hope helps when doing the hard work of recovery. #recoveryposse #wedorecover #recoveryjourney

4

5

37

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

I'd hesitate to say all #sober days are good, as life has many challenges. But all days are better than if I was still using, as that would make the good days bad, and the bad days worse. #RecoveryPosse #soberlife #sobriety

2

5

36

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

11 months

One of my early recovery techniques was to remember who I'd been before the abuse and the #drugs . Because that girl still lived inside me and reconnecting to her was an important step on the path back to my true self. #RecoveryPosse #women #Healing #addiction #traumatized

5

3

35

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

8 months

If you're struggling with #relapse , you might re-evaluate your recovery plan. Do you need (more) treatment, MAT, a different peer support group, a trauma therapist, or something else? #RecoveryPosse #addiction #addictionrecovery

4

3

36

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

Recovery is about overall incremental progress, not a straight line up. And persistence. Keep trying and you will succeed. #wedorecover #recoveryposse #sobriety #recoveryjourney #Healing

4

6

35

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

In the midst of my meth addiction, I felt I couldn't stop so didn't try. And then I stopped. But it was a process to absorb that this even was possible and then a process to build a strong enough foundation to stop altogether. #RecoveryPosse #sobriety #WeDoRecover #Sober

3

6

35

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I encourage everyone to start their substance use and #trauma #recovery as soon as possible. Delay just means more suffering. I know it's hard, but it is possible to begin to improve your life now. #recoveryposse #harmreduction #Healing #Mentalhealth

3

8

35

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

5 months

Stating that 12-steps isn't the only option, isn't right for many, and isn't better than the alternatives is not an attack on 12-steps. I say this because I often get comments by people who seem to think it is. #recoveryposse #secular #humanist #empowerment

14

3

36

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

@DrDoyleSays I didn't know until I got sober that I had ptsd and severe anxiety, from my lengthy and varied trauma history. I thought I was just "high-strung" and that the worrying and fear and perfectionism were my natural personality. With mental health treatment, I was able to heal.

4

0

34

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

7 months

@L_Villandry The you're either 100% committed to sobriety on day 1 or you'll fail. For me, and I think most of us, getting to that point is a process.

4

1

34

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

10 months

I used 3x in my first 5 months. I never categorized this as 3 failures. I still was building my skills so I could maintain #abstinence . #recoveryposse #addiction #wedorecover #recoveryjourney #sober

4

6

36

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I had to teach myself to notice my achievements because my natural tendency was to catastrophize. In my early #recovery , I would look back at what I'd accomplished since I'd started the process, which helped build my confidence. #wedorecover #recoveryjourney #recoveryposse

3

5

35

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

8 months

I emphasize with #sobriety newbies, that it can feel more empowering to recognize you are making a positive decision rather than "I can't." I choose to be #sober and I choose to live a happier life. #RecoveryPosse #addictionrecovery #Empowerment

6

3

34

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

Drug #addiction is a complex illness, characterized by intense and, at times, uncontrollable drug craving, [plus] compulsive drug seeking and use that persists even in the face of devastating consequences (Nat'l Institute on Drug Abuse). Yet, we do recover! #Health #mentalhealth

3

6

34

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

If I can transition from junkie to #judge , you too can recover and reach #goals you can't even imagine in the midst of the chaos of #addiction . #empowerment #RecoveryPosse #recoveryjourney #soberlife #recovery #womenempowerment

2

3

32

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

8 months

When I got sober in 1994, I thought only combat veterans could have #PTSD . Until my therapist explained the symptoms, many of which I had, and that #trauma can create this condition too. #healing #mentalhealth #anxiety #women

3

34

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

When I was young, I did self-harm behaviors that I didn't understand, like shooting meth and promiscuity. Only as an adult did I learn these were #Trauma responses. #women #RecoveryPosse #MentalHealthAwareness

7

4

35

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

My recovery was self-empowered. When describing this to newbies, I emphasize that asking for the help you think you need is part of self-empowerment. #secularism #humanism #atheism #recoveryjourney

1

6

32

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

1 year

This would be funny if it weren't so true. #addiction

🪬Luna Empath 🪬

@SoberEmpath

2 years

💯💯💯 #RecoveryPosse

1

9

28

1

6

31

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

6 months

Whether to use the "addict/alcoholic" label is a personal choice. If it's helpful, great. If it isn't or you disagree with it, don't use it. If someone else tries to decide for you, they are violating your autonomy. #RecoveryPosse #empowerment #sober

8

6

33

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

10 months

One of the additional negatives of being stuck in a substance use disorder is that you can't grow because you can't see reality. Like you can't see your own self-undermining behaviors, like poor communication skills or low work performance. #RecoveryPosse #addiction #alcohol

6

5

28

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

It's publication day for From Junkie to Judge! #memoirs #books #recoveryposse #lawyers #attorneys #sobriety #wedorecover #recoveryjourney #addiction #soberlife #mentalhealth #traumarecovery #childabuse #recovery #trauma @AMIGHTYBLAZE

5

11

33

Mary Beth O'Connor

@MaryBethO_

2 years

I've thought about who I would've been without the child abuse, sexual assaults, and boyfriend violence. In my #recovery , I've been able to reconnect with my original true self. My personality and worldview are still affected by my history, but much less so. #trauma #Healing

5

2

33