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From the Brink of the Drink: A Personal Story of Tribulations and Triumphs of Alcoholism
From the Brink of the Drink is the true story of an alcoholic woman, whom at the tender age of twelve began relying on alcohol to calm deep-seated insecurities, mounting pressures, and uncontrollable fears. Despite her dependence on the drink, she achieved great personal successes, and from the outside looking in, led an enviable life. When full-blown alcoholism took hold of her, she lost her career as a health care provider, her family, her home, her health, and nearly her life. She struggled to claw herself out of the hopeless depths of despair to rebuild her life and become sober, healthy, and happy. The harrowing and heartbreaking yet inspirational journey will have you laughing, crying, hopeful, and with a deeper understanding of the horrors of addiction.
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 1, 2020
Excellent book
Powerful, honest, and inspirational. Beautifully written and gives great insight to addiction and the long, difficult but necessary road to recovery.
Powerful, honest, and inspirational. Beautifully written and gives great insight to addiction and the long, difficult but necessary road to recovery.
January 5, 2022
thank you
I am only 98 days sober, using a different program than AA, but I see the common basis. It basically takes away more of the stigma. It is helping me change my beliefs about alcohol and the benefits I thought it provided. I admire all who are working at sobriety, it is a better life
I am only 98 days sober, using a different program than AA, but I see the common basis. It basically takes away more of the stigma. It is helping me change my beliefs about alcohol and the benefits I thought it provided. I admire all who are working at sobriety, it is a better life
February 10, 2021
WOW!!!!!
In recovery 11_years in May.I hit just about every plateau on my way down as Karla except divorce.
A great read...truthful and informative!
In recovery 11_years in May.I hit just about every plateau on my way down as Karla except divorce.
A great read...truthful and informative!
October 21, 2022
This was a very eye opening book about how certain things and decisions you make in your life can turn your life to crap in a hurry. People just do not realize how addictive drugs and alcohol are until you are in the situation yourself. People think you can just quit and it's over, but a real alcoholic addicted alcohol, needs to be weaned off slowly or they can go into convulsions, and have seizures during the withdrawal periods This book goes to show the challenges and trials and tribulations that are faced by someone who is an alcoholic who has lost literally everything, and the struggles she went through to gain all the trust and relationships back. I would definitely recommend this book.
I won this on a Goodreads book giveaway!
I won this on a Goodreads book giveaway!
January 11, 2021
Wow and wow wowzer
I literally couldn’t put this book down it was so raw and honest and I can’t find the right words to express how good it was please stay strong and what an amazing team you have all become
And what a journey it was and still is for you all x
I literally couldn’t put this book down it was so raw and honest and I can’t find the right words to express how good it was please stay strong and what an amazing team you have all become
And what a journey it was and still is for you all x
November 5, 2020
Overcomer
A very real and raw story of life in recovery. Karla paints a good before and after picture. Good read!
A very real and raw story of life in recovery. Karla paints a good before and after picture. Good read!
September 3, 2020
Inspiring read
Such courage to share her story! And determination to stay sober! A truly inspiring story. Recovery is possible! I recommend this book.
Such courage to share her story! And determination to stay sober! A truly inspiring story. Recovery is possible! I recommend this book.
October 16, 2023
So extremely powerful and vulnerable! Thank you Karla for sharing your story! I finished this book on my Soberversary. Today I am celebrating 2 years of sobriety from alcohol.
February 20, 2021
**Book was won in Goodreads giveaway, should you be interested in the book perhaps check to see if it is still available for a giveaway**
"This is a story of self- discovery—an honest, fearless inventory of my past, learning to avoid my personal pitfalls and work on my character defects to become a better person. An attempt to not repeat the mistakes of my past; to learn to be happy in life. In my humble opinion, this is a much more important part of recovery than actually quitting the drink."
As the cover states, this is the authors personal story. Her personal recovery does include detox, rehab, and AA 12 steps. While one or all of these may not resonate with an individual who is seeking recovery, or in recovery, the author does not force these programs. At times she even explains this is just her recovery. Regardless of an individuals preference for recovery this book could bring value to them. It can be relatable, and inspiring. This would also be a valuable read for a friend or family member who knows someone in recovery or currently addicted to their drug of choice.
"Alcoholism and addiction isolated me. It lied to me, it told me I did not have a problem, or if I did, it really wasn’t that bad."
"I could not stop drinking. I physically and psychologically simply could not stop, despite the fact that it had destroyed my life. I could not understand why. I should be able to put down the drink. I should be strong enough and have enough willpower to stop."
"This is a story of self- discovery—an honest, fearless inventory of my past, learning to avoid my personal pitfalls and work on my character defects to become a better person. An attempt to not repeat the mistakes of my past; to learn to be happy in life. In my humble opinion, this is a much more important part of recovery than actually quitting the drink."
As the cover states, this is the authors personal story. Her personal recovery does include detox, rehab, and AA 12 steps. While one or all of these may not resonate with an individual who is seeking recovery, or in recovery, the author does not force these programs. At times she even explains this is just her recovery. Regardless of an individuals preference for recovery this book could bring value to them. It can be relatable, and inspiring. This would also be a valuable read for a friend or family member who knows someone in recovery or currently addicted to their drug of choice.
"Alcoholism and addiction isolated me. It lied to me, it told me I did not have a problem, or if I did, it really wasn’t that bad."
"I could not stop drinking. I physically and psychologically simply could not stop, despite the fact that it had destroyed my life. I could not understand why. I should be able to put down the drink. I should be strong enough and have enough willpower to stop."
January 22, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book as part of Good Reads' First Reads program.
As the title says, this book is a journey through the life of an alcoholic. Become a drunk. Go to rehab. Repeat. Sometimes don't even try to do the rehab, but continue drinking while in treatment. The author describes the life she lead in honest detail. The horrors she put her family through and failed marriages due to both spouses also being addicts. At the end of the book are chapters written by two of her children, her mother, father and sister describing what it was like for them. The author is five years sober at the time the book was written, but knows that this can end in a sip, and vigilance must be maintained for the rest of her life. If you've ever been an addict, related to an addict, or the loved one of an addict, you will recognize this story, and should read this book for help in understanding that you're not the only one. Everyone else should read it to help them understand what's what.
As the title says, this book is a journey through the life of an alcoholic. Become a drunk. Go to rehab. Repeat. Sometimes don't even try to do the rehab, but continue drinking while in treatment. The author describes the life she lead in honest detail. The horrors she put her family through and failed marriages due to both spouses also being addicts. At the end of the book are chapters written by two of her children, her mother, father and sister describing what it was like for them. The author is five years sober at the time the book was written, but knows that this can end in a sip, and vigilance must be maintained for the rest of her life. If you've ever been an addict, related to an addict, or the loved one of an addict, you will recognize this story, and should read this book for help in understanding that you're not the only one. Everyone else should read it to help them understand what's what.
July 30, 2022
No surprise that this is a memoir charting an American woman’s battle with alcoholism. As expected, it is not happy reading, but heavy and depressing as we see the devastating effects that her drinking has on her loved ones and career. We follow her through the 10 steps of recovery (with notable Christian content) and the aftermath.
While I applaud the author for overcoming her obstacles and her honest account of her addiction and messy life, I found the book a little repetitive and not very interesting. My mistake for thinking that I would like to read about someone's alcoholism in the first place.
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
While I applaud the author for overcoming her obstacles and her honest account of her addiction and messy life, I found the book a little repetitive and not very interesting. My mistake for thinking that I would like to read about someone's alcoholism in the first place.
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
July 30, 2021
I love reading great memoirs. This is well written and gut wrenching. It’s the story of Karla Juvonen who struggled for over two decades with her addiction. It doesn’t sugarcoat her experience, the havoc that her addition cost her personally, cost her family and will continue to follow her all her days. Some of the things that happened to her and by her hand are hard to read, but if you are interested in learning about life through the eyes and experiences of others, this is that type of memoir. I got mad, sad and in the end cheered her perseverance in the face of such difficulty. It’s also a cautionary tale and a lifeline for those that may be going through similar struggles.
May 16, 2022
Wow! What a true and inspirational book that books in perspective how bad alcoholism is and how others see it. It goes to shoe you how anyone in any walks of life can stifle from this horrible disease. I highly recommend this honest and eye opening book of how alcoholism has such an affect on yourself, others and your life.
Thank you Goodreads for my giveaway copy I truly couldn’t put this book down!
Thank you Goodreads for my giveaway copy I truly couldn’t put this book down!
December 23, 2024
excellent inspirational book for people who drink or love someone who does
What a story she tells. Pretty much took her drinking all the way to rock bottom and clawed her way back to the top after many attempts at sobriety. No holds barred. She goes into great detail of the drama and trials of her disease. Also included in this book is writings from her family who share what their experience surrounding her drinking entailed. Highly recommend.
What a story she tells. Pretty much took her drinking all the way to rock bottom and clawed her way back to the top after many attempts at sobriety. No holds barred. She goes into great detail of the drama and trials of her disease. Also included in this book is writings from her family who share what their experience surrounding her drinking entailed. Highly recommend.
April 5, 2022
Honest and inspirational
This was an excellent read and I loved it! Never boring and really honest. One of the best of these types of books I have read. Well done Karl's you deserve all the good for your bravery and hard work.
This was an excellent read and I loved it! Never boring and really honest. One of the best of these types of books I have read. Well done Karl's you deserve all the good for your bravery and hard work.
Read
April 14, 2022Truthful, raw, inspiring
The author's honesty allowed a glimpse into this very self centered disease and the solution. Her story is extremely relatable, truthful, and shows how alcoholism can stricken any one but that there is a solution that leads to freedom.
The author's honesty allowed a glimpse into this very self centered disease and the solution. Her story is extremely relatable, truthful, and shows how alcoholism can stricken any one but that there is a solution that leads to freedom.
May 13, 2026
great read
Not a fan of the twelve step program but she does preface by saying that’s what worked for her and that there are many other methods. Her raw storytelling really made the book readable and engaging.
Not a fan of the twelve step program but she does preface by saying that’s what worked for her and that there are many other methods. Her raw storytelling really made the book readable and engaging.
December 25, 2020
Interesting read
January 16, 2021
One of the best books I have ever read!!!
February 13, 2021
Great read
I can totally relate with the alcoholic and the family member of an alcoholic growing up. This book puts it in perspective.
I can totally relate with the alcoholic and the family member of an alcoholic growing up. This book puts it in perspective.
April 26, 2021
Great Read
Great insight into relapse and recovery. I found this book to be very relatable. Love that AA was this authors path to recovery.
Great insight into relapse and recovery. I found this book to be very relatable. Love that AA was this authors path to recovery.
September 8, 2024
From one alcoholic to another
It is real. Thank you to the author for sharing your story. The best book I have ever read. I highly recommend to all addicts/alcoholics.
It is real. Thank you to the author for sharing your story. The best book I have ever read. I highly recommend to all addicts/alcoholics.
January 25, 2026
A very raw book about one women's battle with alcoholism. She lost everything and came back from it. I've read a lot of book from people in recovery and this one is as honest as they get.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews