Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery

The addiction epidemic is traumatizing families, communities, and places of worship, with a record of overdose fatalities and a rise in substance use, especially for women. In Downstairs Church: Finding Faith in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, Caroline Beidler explores the problem of addiction and trauma for women and highlights the freedom and hope that can be found in the downstairs church or recovery community. She also provides a practical list of ways that faith communities can become more trauma-informed spaces for those seeking love and acceptance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing llc

The addiction epidemic is causing significant trauma to families, communities, and places of worship. Over the past year, there has been a record number of overdose fatalities and a rise in substance use, particularly among women. Tragically, many individuals are living in the darkness of shame, often brought about by the consequences of addiction, such as sexual violence and even death.

In her book, Downstairs Church: Finding Faith in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, Caroline Beidler, MSW, delves into the issue of addiction and trauma for women today. She then showcases the freedom and hope that can be found within the downstairs church or recovery community. Beidler also emphasizes the radical vulnerability required for addiction and mental health recovery, which can benefit individuals of all backgrounds. By sharing our stories of struggle in authentic ways, we can experience genuine transformation.

Through her personal experience of addiction and sexual violence, as well as her professional expertise, Beidler blends relevant statistics and practical information with real-life testimonies of redemption. She also offers a practical list of ways that faith communities can become more trauma-informed spaces for those seeking love and acceptance within church buildings.

Ultimately, Downstairs Church offers a portrayal of radical grace and a God whose love persists even in the darkest corners of society. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith to overcome adversity.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781631959783