Description:Climbing Up the Downward Spiral takes a holistic approach in looking at practical, neurological, and spiritual issues, as it walks readers through the shadows of some of the most difficult problems of our time: financial loss; drug and alcohol abuse and addiction; mental illness; and suicide.The authors also share from their considerable personal experience with these problems. Bringing together some twenty years of work with people in programs of downtown, late-night ministry in different cities as well as personal experiences with illegal drugs, bipolar disorder, and a serious suicide attempt, Jones and Joseph walk readers through the shadows of our lives, offering encouragement, methods of coping, and above all, hope.Endorsements:Stories of real people coping with adversity, including those of the authors themselves, give flesh to the insights and suggestions of this readable and comprehensive book.--Richard H. SchmidtEditor and Director, Forward Movement Publications, The Episcopal Church Taking a hard look at the hard times people suffer and endure has never been and never will be easy, yet that is precisely what we are called to do if we are true to both our humanity and various faith traditions. Substance abuse, mental illness, and suicide are profoundly serious social problems that we must strive to understand, if we are ever to help make a positive difference for our sisters and brothers who struggle with these issues. Climbing Up the Downward Spirial invites you to take a step toward understanding this journey through the eyes and experience of those who have been on the path.--Don RickardPastor, Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community, Longmont, Colorado In the last chapter of this book the authors weave into the discussion of suicide a wealth of human experiences, many ending tragically. There are also stories of how it is possible to pull someone back from the precipice as he/she finds meaning in life and engages with others. One hope for the book is that faith communities will step forward to provide both education and support to those who suffer with mental illness.--Susan Marine, Member of HOPE Coalition and personal survivor of deaths by suicide in her familyAbout the Contributor(s):Dean Jones has held academic positions at Seattle Pacific University, the University of Utah, Indiana/Purdue University at Indianapolis, Bowman Gray School of Medicine and the University of Washington, School of Nursing. He is the author of Face to Face with Society's Lepers: Downtown Night Ministry, The Other Chamber: A Portrait of the Mentally Ill Offender, and A New Light: The Ecumenical Catholic Communion.Michael Joseph is a Doctor of Pharmacy. He is employed as a community pharmacist by a major retailer and has completed a course of study in addiction studies.
