Victims and Sinners: Spiritual Roots of Addiction and Recovery [Paperback] Mercadante, Linda a

**Victims and Sinners: Spiritual Roots of Addiction and Recovery** dives headfirst into the messy intersection of faith, addiction, and healing. Linda Mercadante doesn't pull punches as she explores how spiritual beliefs both fuel and fight substance abuse, examining everything from toxic shame to transformative grace. This isn't your typical self-help fluff – it's a raw, honest look at how religious communities handle addiction, often badly, and what actual recovery looks like when you strip away the platitudes.

Perfect for counselors, clergy, recovering addicts, or anyone who's ever wondered why "pray harder" isn't exactly a treatment plan. Mercadante brings serious academic chops to this deeply personal topic, making complex theology accessible without dumbing it down. This preloved paperback from Patina Paperbacks covers spiritual recovery, religious psychology, and addiction counseling with refreshing candor.

**Reader Reviews:**
"Finally, someone who gets that spirituality and addiction aren't enemies – brilliant insights throughout."
"Mercadante nails the complicated relationship between faith and recovery. Wish more religious leaders would read this."