Childhood Trauma | Neglect | PTSD | Isolation | Recovery | Sharing | HealingIn this episode of "When I Stop Fighting - The Podcast," I’m very happy to welcome Mary Beth O'Connor, author of the memoir "From Junkie to Judge." Mary Beth shares her journey from addiction to becoming a federal administrative law judge. She discusses her traumatic childhood marked by violence and neglect, which she identifies as key factors that led to her addiction, starting with alcohol at twelve and escalating to meth by seventeen. Despite a few years of better choices while attending college, Mary Beth struggled with addiction for nearly two decades, battling severe anxiety and PTSD stemming from her traumatic past. She emphasizes that addressing trauma is crucial for recovery, as many individuals face similar mental health challenges while overcoming addiction. Mary Beth reflects on the chaos of her upbringing, noting the lack of support and control in her life, which contributed to her feelings of isolation and responsibility for her younger siblings.The conversation explores the complexities of recovery, the importance of sharing personal stories, and the resilience required to overcome profound struggles. Through her experience, Mary Beth advocates for understanding addiction not merely as a substance issue but as intertwined with trauma, highlighting the multifaceted approach needed for healing and personal transformation.Find Mary Beth here:https://junkietojudge.comFrom Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction: O'Connor, Mary Beth: 9780757324567: Amazon.com: BooksX/Twitter: @MaryBethO_Bluesky: marybethoconnorLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-o-connor-8aaa4b121/

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