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

Are you feeling alone in your struggle of addiction or trauma—or a loved one’s struggle?

There is hope in the grit!

In Downstairs Church: Finding Faith in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, Caroline Beidler, MSW explores the problem of addiction and trauma for women today and then highlights the freedom—and hope—that can be found in the downstairs church or recovery community. Beidler also highlights the radical vulnerability required of addiction and mental health recovery, something that all people can benefit from. When we share our stories of struggle in real ways, authentic transformation can happen.

Downstairs Church:

• Encourages readers through personal testimony that they are not alone
• in their experience
• Teaches from a first-hand account about the realities of addiction and how trauma can impact a female family or church member
• Accesses current trends and statistics woven in with story-telling, recovery principles, and scripture to learn more and combat the stigma of addiction and trauma for their loved ones
• Addresses the stigma of addiction and trauma, promoting more love and tolerance by affected family and faith communities.
• Provides a call to action to get involved in addiction recovery efforts or access recovery support services.

With compassion because of her own personal experience of addiction and sexual violence, as well as insight because of her professional expertise, Beidler blends relevant statistics and practical information with real-life testimonies of redemption.

Beidler also provides a practical list of ways that faith communities can become more trauma-informed spaces for those who may be seeking love and acceptance inside church buildings. Ultimately, Downstairs Church offers a portrait of radical grace and a God whose love persists even in church basements.