Episode 2: Relapse, Trauma, and the Power of Community (Caroline Beidler)
How a sneaky drink at 11 beneath an oak tree turned into so much more.
Caroline Beidler still vividly remembers cracking open her first beer under a big oak tree. She was 11. That one small decision, though, led to so much more, until she found herself completely trapped by drugs and alcohol.
In this episode of “Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic,” I sit down with Beidler—managing editor of recovery.com, author, and addiction recovery advocate—to explore her powerful story of childhood trauma, early addiction, spiritual awakening, relapse, and ultimate restoration through faith and community. Together we unpack:
How a single beer at age 11 set Caroline on a path of self-medication through adulthood.
The role of church, baptism at 22, and “spiritual formation” in her sustained sobriety.
What happens when recovery meets relapse—and why recovery “ruined” addiction for her the second time around.
I reveals what substance I struggle with these days even more than alcohol.
We have a candid conversation on AA, 12-step recovery programs, and “higher powers.”
Caroline explains her latest book, You Are Not Your Trauma, and how traumas factor into addiction.
Carline offers a sneak peek of her upcoming book geared towards family members of addicts, and offers advice for family members of those who struggle with substance abuse.
About this week’s guest:
Caroline is a veteran social worker, managing editor of recovery.com, author of You Are Not Your Trauma, and founder of the Circle of Chairs Substack community. She speaks on trauma, addiction recovery, and family dynamics, and her writing has helped thousands find hope and healing beyond addiction. Connect with her at:
Substack: circleofchairs.substack.com
Website: carolinebeidler.com
Books: Downstairs Church and You Are Not Your Trauma
Key takeaways
Trauma shapes identity, but it doesn’t have to define your future.
Recovery is more than sobriety: it’s a process of spiritual formation and self-discovery.
Relapse isn’t failure—sometimes it “ruins it” for you by showing the old solution no longer works.
Peer support and belonging are the greatest predictors of long-term recovery success.
Loved ones need strategies too—from radical vulnerability to healthy boundaries.
Video version
Watch the video version of Episode 2 below:
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This is outstanding!