Substance Abuse - Child Abuse

It is vital that our society understands that there is a cause and effect to substance abuse. Research indicates a significant correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the use of substances as a coping mechanism. The local church may not feel safe to those who have been wounded and who have turned to substances as a coping mechanism. Traumatic events are encoded in the emotional brain, the Limbic System. Neuroplasticity allows for healing of the Limbic System. Pastors, spiritual leaders and seminarians need to be aware that creating options for worship and liturgy is vital; biblical laments offer important avenues for spiritual hope and healing.

Dr. Welch has served for twenty plus years in crisis care ministries. She served as a staff, interfaith, chaplain for death and dying at Boston Children's Hospital. She is a creative liturgist and community leader for outreach programs. She currently serves on the World United Nations Reporting Network (WUNRN) as a Content Expert for Girls and Addictions. She also helped to write and earn a US Federal Grant of $625,000.00 renewable every five years for substance addiction ministry. Dr. Welch is an author, speaker, pastor and artist. She resides in a seaside town just south of Boston, MA.