Join host Christine Blosdale on the podcast 'Out of the Box with Christine' as she welcomes Mary Beth O'Connor, the award-winning author of 'From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.'

Mary Beth shares her harrowing journey from childhood abuse to battling substance use disorder, starting with alcohol at age 12 and shooting methamphetamine by 17.

Despite years of addiction, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994, building a secular recovery plan that worked for her. Professionally, she graduated from Berkeley Law, litigated class actions for the federal government, and served as a federal administrative law judge until her retirement in 2020.

The conversation delves into the trauma that often underlies addiction, the failings of the system in protecting abused children, and the importance of mental health treatment. Mary Beth's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the possibility of recovery, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in addiction, mental health, and personal triumph.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:35 Mary Beth's Early Life and Struggles

01:53 The Impact of Trauma and Addiction

05:13 Confronting the Past and Seeking Help

09:33 The Role of Mental Health in Recovery

11:32 Challenges in the System and Advocacy

18:27 Mary Beth's Journey to Law and Recovery

20:48 Current Work and Final Thoughts

24:25 Conclusion and Call to Action