Karla Adkins

"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." Karla Adkins started drinking alcohol in high school and college to cope with her anxiety and panic attacks. She believed that alcohol would help her fit in and feel calm, and she didn't think there was anything wrong with it since everyone else seemed to be drinking. As she transitioned into adulthood, Adkins's drinking increased. She used alcohol to relax and relieve stress, but it never really worked. Instead, it made her feel worse and she began to worry that her life was spiraling out of control. Adkins tried rehab, but it only helped for a short time. When she was laid off from her job, her anxiety worsened and her drinking spiraled out of control. At the age of 37, she was diagnosed with acute liver failure and ended up in the hospital. This was a wake-up call for Adkins. She realized that she needed to get help for her alcohol addiction. She started attending 12-step meetings and began working on her recovery. Adkins's story is a reminder that anyone can become addicted to alcohol, regardless of their age, social status, or financial situation. She also shows that it is possible to recover from addiction and live a healthy and fulfilling life.