Miami, Florida(Hexa PR Wire–November 25, 2025)–Mary Beth O’Connor, former federal administrative law judge and author of From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, joined The Michael Peres Podcast to discuss trauma, substance use disorder, and evidence-based recovery paths. The episode traced O’Connor’s journey from severe childhood abuse and methamphetamine use beginning at 17 to entering rehab at 32, achieving more than three decades of sobriety, graduating from Berkeley Law, and serving on the federal bench. O’Connor explained dual diagnosis and why addressing trauma, mental health, and substance use together is essential, cautioned against “tough love” and TV-style interventions, and highlighted family approaches like CRAFT that emphasize engagement over confrontation. She also reflected on how lived experience informed her empathy and decision-making as a judge in cases involving addiction and mental health.
About Mary Beth O’ConnorMary Beth O’Connor is the author of From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. She serves as a Board Member, Secretary, and Founding Investor for the She Recovers Foundation, a Director at LifeRing Secular Recovery, and an advisor to the Hyer Calling Foundation. O’Connor speaks widely on multiple, secular paths to recovery and trains legal and medical professionals on trauma and substance use disorder.
About Michael PeresMichael Peres (Mikey Peres) is a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, journalist, and author. He has founded multiple media and technology ventures and serves as Chief Editor for several publications.
About The Michael Peres PodcastThe Michael Peres Podcast features concise conversations on technology, science, society, entrepreneurship, and current events in a neutral, journalistic format.
Contact InformationMary Beth O’Connor: Email