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And She Came Tumbling Down: Breaking the Bonds of Alcohol and Creating a Life of Freedom Paperback – September 5, 2022
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"I started off by giving alcohol a job... to help me with anxiety at social events. Then I started promoting it and giving it more responsibilities, and it just started weaving its way into my world."
As a teenager in high school and college, Karla Adkins suffered from anxiety and debilitating panic attacks. Alcohol made her feel normal; it was the answer to her need to fit in and feel calm. Besides, everyone drank, so what was the harm? She counted on it to help her relax and relieve stress. Navigating the transition to adulthood and her first job after college, Adkins began drinking even more, though alcohol failed to numb the panic she felt that her life was spiraling out of control.
A stint in rehab helped temporarily, but a layoff from her job soon put her on an emotional rollercoaster, worsening her anxiety. Adkins continued struggling with her alcohol use and at the age of 37, found herself in a hospital bed with acute liver failure. It was the catalyst for her to learn the power of shining a light on shame, and to embark on a journey leading to sobriety and healing.
No one starts drinking with the intention to become addicted. Yet, extreme health issues can happen to anyone who drinks. Alcohol doesn't care who you are or how much money you have. In this achingly honest account, Adkins offers hope and inspiration to anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, and those whose lives have been shattered. It's not that you can't drink anymore...it's that you don't have to drink anymore.
- Print length176 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPublish Your Purpose
- Publication dateSeptember 5, 2022
- Dimensions6 x 0.48 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101955985642
- ISBN-13978-1955985642
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Filled with hopeful messages, gut wrenching truths, and a brave and resilient spirit, Karla's journey into the darkness and back again is captivating and life changing."
-Annie Grace
Author of This Naked Mind
"If you're questioning your relationship with alcohol, read this book. And She Came Tumbling Down has everything: raw storytelling, honesty,
vulnerability, aha moments, and redemption. Karla challenges the status quo around acceptable drinking in our boozy culture."
-Michelle Smith
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Founder of
Recovery is the New Black
"Few people are strong enough to be as candid about the most vulnerable parts of their story as Karla Adkins is. The world is a much better place thanks to her honesty and compassion and the unforgettable truths she shares. And She Came Tumbling Down will save people's lives."
-Marah Stets
New York Times Bestselling Writer, Editor
"Hearing an authentic, compassionate voice from someone who has blazed an alcohol-free trail for others to follow has given me the courage to follow that same trail step by step. For those of us who have been trapped by the addiction of alcohol (and there are so many of us), it can feel like a lonely, hopeless place. But Karla's story and especially her successful escape from the assassin's hands gives all of us hope while assuring us that we are indeed not alone. Karla paints a crystal-clear picture of how alcohol became a false friend that nearly annihilated her liver and thereby almost killed her. But it's her transformation out of the depths of despair that is really going to help people like me to see that there is another way of living ... and living extremely well ... without the toxic poison of alcohol. And for those who joke about alcohol and its effect on one's health (and again ... there are so many of us ... I know this, as I used to be one of them), I hope this book serves as a much-needed wake-up call."
-Chad David Smith
Client and Software Executive
"Karla's story is not only relatable and timely, it's one that has a message we all need to hear. Karla has taken her experiences and created a space to help others in a clinically appropriate and professional way, leaving the person feeling fully seen and heard. As a professional
counselor and trauma therapist, I fully believe that her skill set, competency, and understanding of the whole person will bring radical change to the field of addiction. Her message brings hope to many and has helped me change the way I see alcohol and its impact on the whole person. Karla writes with the same passion and zest for life as how she truly lives."
-Jody G. Dumphy, LPC
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Publish Your Purpose (September 5, 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 176 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1955985642
- ISBN-13 : 978-1955985642
- Item Weight : 8.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.48 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #119,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #265 in Alcoholism Recovery
- #311 in Anxiety
- #3,348 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Karla is on a mission to normalize not drinking and to help people make the shift from feeling shame to being courageous. After a life-altering event, her perspective on life changed, and through that experience, she created a safe, judgment-free zone where people can talk about their alcohol fears without being labeled. Drawing from her own experience as well as her certificate as a Certified Senior Coach through This Naked Mind, Karla helps put people back in control of their lives by empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to remove their desire to drink. In her free time, Karla spends time with her family including her husband, daughter, and dog on the East Coast of South Carolina.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the relatable story inspiring and thought-provoking. They describe the book as authentic, raw, and honest. Readers appreciate the guidance on next steps and consider it valuable. Overall, they say the book is worth reading and a worthwhile purchase.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the relatable story thought-provoking and inspiring for anyone seeking sobriety. They describe the book as poignant, profound, and full of heart. Readers immerse themselves in the author's journey to sobriety, finding each page filled with hope and love.
"...A remarkable true story about a courageous young woman who used alcohol, and other mechanisms to cope...." Read more
"...the release of this book because the author is a special friend and life coach. I knew her delightful personality would be there on the pages...." Read more
"Thank you Karla for sharing your journey. Each page was filled so kindly with your story and gave me the tools to see one’s path from a new..." Read more
"By sharing her own open and authentic story, Karla starts a new and refreshing conversation about alcohol use disorder free of shame, judgement and..." Read more
Customers find the book authentic and raw. They say it's honest and unflinching, with a raw account of the author's journey.
"...Karla tells a very raw, emotional account of her journey to the near brink of death due to an unhealthy dependence on alcohol...." Read more
"...This book is raw, and real and wry. Karla tells the truth, unflinchingly, but she knows what it is to flinch too...." Read more
"Fresh and Authentic...an open, new discussion about alcohol use disorder..." Read more
"Honest and relatable..." Read more
Customers enjoy the guidance in the book. They mention it provides important next steps for anyone hoping to change their lives.
"...Read this, listen, do your work and enjoy Karla’s guidance - it is precious and powerful!" Read more
"...science of how alcohol affects our brain and body, and guidance on the imperative next steps for anyone hoping to change their relationship with..." Read more
"...This book will save many lives." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it helpful and say the guidance is valuable and powerful.
"I loved this book...." Read more
"...Read this, listen, do your work and enjoy Karla’s guidance - it is precious and powerful!" Read more
"...alcohol free CAN be done and is actually more beautiful, joyful and worth living!" Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2022I was immediately immersed in this heart wrenching yet remarkably uplifting journey to sobriety. A remarkable true story about a courageous young woman who used alcohol, and other mechanisms to cope. This book is written in a friendly, easy to read tone. It is well edited, has brilliantly placed visual aides and I enjoyed the clever chapter titles. I cannot stop thinking about the antiquated, pre-conceived notions, this author brings to light, regarding anxiety, sobriety and how they are presented, commercialized and more often than not, indelicately handled in todays society. This book should be required reading for young adults. The relatable content is thought provoking. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling and also for those who are currently enjoying a peaceful moment in their lives. This is one of my favorite quotes from the book. ‘You came tumbling down, over and over. It left you with bumps and bruises and a few scars, but it didn’t break you.’
- Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2022I awaited the release of this book because the author is a special friend and life coach. I knew her delightful personality would be there on the pages.
Karla tells a very raw, emotional account of her journey to the near brink of death due to an unhealthy dependence on alcohol. You feel like you’re right there with her, cheering for her, sending her compassion.
This is a story of hope, possibility, triumph and freedom. Freedom that awaits anyone who has questioned their own drinking. If you or a loved one are in that position, you really need this book in your hands. I know she will reach a lot of people and help them to break free.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2022“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor - the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant 'To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart.' Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds…this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences -- good and bad." Brene Brown
In her book, Karla Adkins exemplifies true courage, candidly sharing her journey from illness to health, and putting her vulnerability on the line to bring hope to those questioning alcohol's role in their life. She exposes the unscientific, outdated and unquestioned narrative of our alcohol-centric culture that keeps people locked in shame and afraid to share their concerns about how alcohol is impacting their life and health, even with their healthcare provider.
In a refreshing deviation from the accepted norm, Karla challenges and disproves the idea that the AA model is the only and best way to control alcohol use disorder (spoiler alert, there is no such thing as an alcoholic). She uses the latest science to debunk the claim that those who struggle to "drink normally" are inherently different than those who don't struggle. And she brings hope for true freedom from addiction to the toxic, poisonous, addictive substance that our culture has turned into the default tool to deal with our stresses and celebrate our successes with.
Well written, with short, easy to read chapters that are as entertaining as they are enlightening. Karla's style is friendly and engaging, with humor and charm that made this a book I didn't want to put down.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024Thank you Karla for sharing your journey. Each page was filled so kindly with your story and gave me the tools to see one’s path from a new perspective. Your book gives life to a new vocabulary for me to better use in conversations surrounding this topic.
Thank you Karla for sharing your journey. Each page was filled so kindly with your story and gave me the tools to see one’s path from a new perspective. Your book gives life to a new vocabulary for me to better use in conversations surrounding this topic.
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2022By sharing her own open and authentic story, Karla starts a new and refreshing conversation about alcohol use disorder free of shame, judgement and the belief that we are powerless over alcohol. This is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered about their own drinking or that of a loved one but was afraid to open the pandora's box due to misinformation about alcohol and the label of "alcoholic". Karla's message of an alcohol free life as a choice for health and overall well being, free of negative labels is so positive and filled with hope!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024I loved this book. It is great for anyone who is questioning their relationship with alcohol or just needs a reminder to stay on the authentic path :)
this book is really good for anyone wanting to change their life for the better and let go of shame to be who they really are
- Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2022I liked the message. I wish the book was more polished. There were several missing chapters and I think with a good editor some of the writing could have been more powerful. I truly appreciate Karla putting her story out there though. We do, indeed, need to change the language around alcohol use and misuse. Thank you Karla, for baring your soul and putting this message out there!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022I loved this book so much I read it twice! Karla’s honesty about her struggle with alcohol is refreshing and relatable. She shines light on a topic that most of us don’t want to discuss… the shame, blame, and secrecy that accompany one living with alcohol use disorder. Her story is inspiring to anyone who is hoping to ditch the booze and live a life of freedom! Read this book!!!
Top reviews from other countries
- Lorna WilsonReviewed in Canada on August 10, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Add this book to your reading list!
Karla’s heartfelt and emotional story shines the light on how our society continues to make alcohol out to be this innocent substance that can do no harm “in moderation” when, in truth, liver disease can happen to anyone and with devastating results.
The author writes in a way that makes her story and its lessons accessible to everyone. Her kindness and her thoughtful approach to an often-difficult topic is both refreshing and openly brave.
- Sue PJReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
I really felt the human being behind the author. Karla writes with such straightforward honesty about this complex issue and really shines a light forward to those looking to change their relationship to alcohol and to contemplate the fact that their lives may be entirely different and so much better without it