Ashley Loeb Blassingame
ckimmich@lionrockrecovery.com (Ashley Loeb Blassingame, Mary Beth O'Connor)
From Junkie to Judge: Atheist Discusses Secular Recovery
From Junkie to Judge: Atheist Discusses Secular Recovery
From Junkie to Judge: Atheist Discusses Secular Recovery
Tuesday 2nd November 2021
Hear Mary Beth O'Connor's journey from addiction to advocacy in secular recovery on 'The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast'.
Explicit
95 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Ashley Loeb Blassingame
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
318 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Mary Beth O'Connor: From Addiction to Advocacy in Secular Recovery
I have everything I never knew I wanted.
Mary Beth O'Connor's story is nothing short of extraordinary. A retired Administrative Law Judge, Mary Beth has been clean and sober for 27 years, and her journey is filled with resilience, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to secular recovery. In this episode of 'The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast', hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame, Mary Beth opens up about her path from substance use disorder to becoming a powerful voice in the recovery community.
Her journey is not just about overcoming addiction; it's also about healing from abuse and trauma, and finding her own way without traditional religious frameworks. Mary Beth currently holds significant roles in organizations like the She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing Secular Recovery, where she continues to support others on their recovery journeys. She’s also a published writer, with articles in major outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Philadelphia Inquirer, where she shares her perspectives on addiction and recovery.
One of the most compelling aspects of Mary Beth's story is her advocacy for secular recovery. She faced considerable criticism for not following the traditional 12-step program, yet she stood firm in her belief that recovery is a personal journey that doesn’t have to fit a one-size-fits-all model. This episode sheds light on the importance of finding a recovery path that works for you, without succumbing to societal pressures or judgments.
Mary Beth also discusses the benefits of women-only recovery groups, which she found to be incredibly supportive and empowering. Mentorship played a crucial role in her recovery, with women who had walked similar paths guiding her along the way. She also touches on the challenges of re-entering the workforce post-recovery, emphasizing the need for jobs that foster healthy habits and realistic expectations.
Throughout the conversation, Mary Beth acknowledges the role of privilege in addiction and recovery, recognizing that not everyone has equal access to resources and support. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the diverse routes available to achieve sobriety. Tune in to hear Mary Beth O'Connor's inspiring journey and learn how she found purpose and fulfillment in her work and advocacy.