In this powerful interview, Mary Beth O’Connor, author of “From Junkie to Judge,” 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.