Crystal Hamilton grew up in the rigid confines of the Mormon faith, burdened by family secrets and the crushing weight of religious expectations. While others found comfort in their beliefs, she felt isolated, drowning in shame she couldn’t understand. Desperate for an escape, addiction and depression, numbed the pain of a reality too heavy to bear.

Before becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Crystal confronted the traumas that shaped her; unraveling the deep wounds of the past to redefine her sense of self. Through recovery, self-discovery and the painful process of healing, she came to understand trauma as a force that shapes identities and relationships.

Raw, powerful and deeply personal, Drowning in Doctrine is more than a story of survival. It’s a testament to resilience, transformation, and the journey to reclaiming one’s voice. For anyone who has ever felt trapped by their past, this memoir offers hope, healing, and the courage to rewrite their story.