Author/Editorial/Media Reviews
| Debra Gaynor: Book reviewerwww.reviewyourbook.com
Incomprehensible Demoralization drew me in and held me captive ~Debra Gaynor for reviewyourbook.com – 5/5 STARS
Andy Behrman : authorElectroboy: A Memoir of Mania
You must read this brilliant memoir of addiction , August 3,2009
Jared Combs, a pharmacist, brings us into the world of addiction from the prospective of a pharmacist - - yes - - a pharmacist - - the guys in the white coats who we completely trust with OUR medication and who can do no wrong.
Paula Scimeca : authorUnbecoming a Nurse
Jared Combs' vivid depiction of the choke-hold prescription drugs had on him as a pharmacist mirrors the experience of many nurses and doctors. "Incomprehensible Demoralization" is all the more captivating as Combs skillfully takes all readers by the hand, past his very public humiliation and professional monitoring, to a place of utter surrender. As a nurse who has labored long in advocacy efforts for chemically dependent nurses, "Incomprehensible Demoralization" is as accurate a portrayal of addicted healthcare professionals as one could ever get without personally living through the nightmare. Paula Davies Scimeca, RN, MS, Author of "Unbecoming A Nurse: Bypassing the Hidden Chemical Dependency Trap."
Barbara Whitfield: author My Recovery: A Personal Plan for Healing
This author's writing style is compelling. He tells his story with so much honesty that his tragic decent into alcoholism and drug addiction becomes educational for the reader. Lucky for us, his humor softens some of the blows on this wild ride. And, lucky for him and his family, he shows us his way out.
Henry Baum : Self-Publishing Review… this is a page turner of a book. It’s an amazing window into how low people are willing to fall, but also an uplifting story about how they can rise back up again. Combs is an engaging writer with an incredibly engaging story.
Deborah Golbom Jared's unabashedly candid revelation of his downward spiral into addiction, lies, theft and redemption is an education for all to obtain. A 'real life' look into the lengths addicted minds will go to for another hit. An added plus of the book is the guide lines for friends and family of the addict. Couldn't put the book down and will continue to vividly remember it. Debbie Golbom for The Prescription Addiction Radio Show - Breaking the Silence
Reader Reviews
Jared came to speak at our church and his story was very interesting. I bought the book that night and finished it in a few days! He puts everything that he went through in the book. It shows so many things he went through and can really give hope no matter what situation you are in!! A book that I have recommended to others!!
This book really touched home for me. Jared puts things into perspective. The book made me realize that no matter how much of a "low" one can reach there is always hope and sometimes even success for recovery. Drugs are a powerful thing and have actually taken over both of my siblings lives in the past 10 years. Before I read Incomprehensible Demoralization I had given up on them and rarely even spoke to them. Now, I want to reach out to them....this book made me see that support of family is everything. At times the book had me laughing out loud at Jared's sarcasm and crazy stories. However, there were times I actually cried while reading the turmoil this man and his family endured. I'm giving him two thumbs up for the courage to actually tell his story as well as being a great writer!
Jared Combs' vivid depiction of the choke-hold prescription drugs had on him as a pharmacist mirrors the experience of many nurses and doctors. "Incomprehensible Demoralization" is all the more captivating as Combs skillfully takes all readers by the hand, past his very public humiliation and professional monitoring, to a place of utter surrender. As a nurse who has labored long in advocacy efforts for chemically dependent nurses, "Incomprehensible Demoralization" is as accurate a portrayal of addicted healthcare professionals as one could ever get without personally living through the nightmare. "Incomprehensible Demoralization" is a must read for anyone who believes knowledge about medication grants one immunity from getting hooked. Fortunately for Combs, knowing too much about medication is being replaced, one day at a time, with ongoing recovery efforts. Paula Davies Scimeca, RN, MS, Author of "Unbecoming A Nurse: Bypassing the Hidden Chemical Dependency Trap."
Jared Combs has lived through a nightmare and has made it to the other side. His story is raw and inspiring. Read it - you won't be able to put it down until you see how it ends!
Stunning read that brings you through one man's darkness and then into the light. Life changing type of book that causes you to look into your own soul and seek out your personal guiding light within. It helped me to exorcise my own demons and my life is richer and better for it. Get this book, read it, and give your own heart a chance. You will not be disappointed. Just do it.
It took a lot of courage to write this book with such truth and revelation. Jared tells it like it is and I could hardly lay the book down until I finished it . His story filled me with hope for those who are in the dark place of addiction. I learned many things I didn't know about the disease and it changed much of my previously wrong thinking about the subject. Anyone with an addiction or who has family or friends in addiction MUST read this book. Jared's victory to overcome his vast ordeal brings hope to the hearts of others who desire victory!
I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone who has or is dealing with addiction. Jared Combs has quickly become an accomplished story teller and in Incomprehensive Demoralization tells his own story. The author opens up and shares the dark side of his life and his struggle to rise above to see a light. His story is of his accomplishment by graduating college and becoming a pharmacist, then his demoralizing struggle and downward spiral with prescription drugs while living in Eastern Kentucky.
"Incomprehensible Demoralization" is a harrowing tale of drug addiction and recovery. The author's engaging, conversational-style prose engages the reader from the first page to the last. There is no sugar coating here; the reader is given a first-person account of the ugly world of drug addiction. This is a book that everyone should read, particularly young people.
This is an incredibly well-written account of the author's journey into addiction from his unique perspective as a pharmacist. I never knew what could go on behind that mysterious pharmacy counter. Like many reviewers before me, I began reading the book and could NOT put it down . Mr. Combs vividly describes how he went from being a teenage weekend binge drinker to a desperate professional who has become hopelessly addicted to narcotics; and he walks us through this painful journey until he finds recovery. Addiction is a serious and deadly disease, but the author shares his sense of humor with us and that is just the icing on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed his humor; his ability to find some laughs while recounting such a terrible time.
Jared Combs has opened up his life to convey the life of an alcoholic and drug addict to those of us who may not understand `why', such as myself, and to those who may be struggling with the addiction as well. I have witnessed a lot of the story he is telling in my life, but until I read this book, I could not understand why. It has answered a lot of questions and I have a different perspective of these problems that people struggle with. Jared Combs sheds a massive amount of light on his personal addiction, the burden it put on his family, and his recovery. God, family and the power of hope is what has brought Jared Combs through his recovery. This book pulled on my heart-strings with the struggle he went through and over came, as well as made me smile and laugh with the comical twist he adds. Once I started the book, I could not put it down . If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, I can not recommend this book enough. It will shed some light and understanding.
Jared Combs writes about his horrifying battle with addiction. His book inspires great hope, and is very informative. He takes you through his insane roller coaster ride with the overpowering grips of addiction. Armed with the courage to never give up hope, he enters the recovery process where he begins his path to sobriety and a much richer life. Pouring out his heart, and telling of his "real life" experience with addiction, you quickly realize that this could easily happen to you! You could not put this book down until you have finished it - even if you tried! When I read Jared's book I was at a very low point in my life. It truly inspired me. Now, I am on my way to a much better life. I would absolutely recommend this book to ANYONE. Thank you Jared!
Jared is a great author. He captivated my emotions throughout the book. I cried and I laughed, I cried and I laughed, and on and on. I love his sense of humor. He is lucky to have a such a super support system with his family, friends, buddies in his group and others. I also found the reading of this book to be very enlightening about the desperate struggles an addict goes through. It has made me realize that, even though I read about his struggles, I can't truly understand what it is like to be there. As a part of Jared's family, I can be proud of what he has accomplished and continue to pray for him to stay clean and sober for the rest of his life.
Really nice read. Mr. Combs' first person account of a very dark subject is spun in a manner different from similar accounts. His use of comedy to make light of his personal plight makes the read easy but never lets the reader forget that they are on the roller coaster with him. Very nice work! Hope to hear more.
What an inspirational story! It's been a while since I've read a book from start to finish in one sitting . This is not a story just meant for those who struggle with an addiction but a story for anyone who faces obstacles in everyday life. Some may be greater challenges than others, but, regardless, this story proves that any obstacle can be overcome with the right effort and support system. Well done!!
This book was very informative and inspiring. A story of mistakes, human strength, courage, and love of life. I recommend this book for anyone who has or is struggling with any addiction. As a recovering pharmacist, I could relate very much to Jared's story. Also, anyone who knows an addict could get a better understanding of the disease and how to help support their loved ones. Great job, Jared!! Thanks for touching me personally and professionally. Hope to talk with you soon again-B.K.
This is a roller coaster ride of a story perfect for anyone who may find themselves in need of inspiration or just looking for a great read. I found reading this book a journey- sometimes tragic, other times uplifting, but always fascinating thanks to the author's unique story and his captivating style of storytelling. Highly recommended!
A must read for everybody who is struggling with drugs/alcohol. Also a must read if you have a loved one who is fighting such a battle. You really do need this in your quiver.
This book is inspiring me to write my own tale of recovery! I, too am a recovering pharmacist and read Jared's book in 3 hours. I could not put it down . I know many colleagues in my state association who have read it also. I, too, consider myself a "bat out of hell" (like the Meat Loaf song) and consider myself spared, perhaps even more than Jared was, particularly on the night of May 14, 2005. I was driving 75-80mph down a busy freeway after taking 50 Ambien pills. I SHOULD NOT BE HERE! But by the grace of God I too am practicing pharmacy today.
What a courageous man. Mr. Combs doesn't waste any time in telling his story! He hits us with the cold ugly truth right off the bat... and the hits keep coming! His voice comes across as genuine and sincere and it's easy to identify with him... which makes this a very difficult story to read. He shares his "highs" and lows and tells a brave story of recovery.
I have been involved in the field of Chemical Dependency as an
Like so many before me, I could not put this book down once I got started. I know the author personally and recognized many of the stories, but he still kept me guessing the entire time. I laughed, I cried, I thought to myself "Awwww, Jared, how could you do that?!" It is a great read and is definitely an eye-opener to the ups and downs of addiction.
Jared's book is an outstanding and informative read. As others have mentioned, once I began reading it I could not put in down and finished the entire book in one evening . What makes it so real is that it is not a story of one who almost destroys his life and the lives of others around him, then recovers and tells everyone his feel good story. Rather, it is a refreshing look at one who has faced addiction and must continually monitor his sobriety one day at a time. His desire is to not resurrect the past but to remember it so he does not go there again. Thus, he has expressed his story in this book with a humble heart and servant attitude so that others may be empowered with hope. Thanks Jared for sharing.
Jared has done a wonderful job describing the horrors of addiction. It's amazing that someone with all of that to lose would pick drugs over job, family and everything important to him. Hopefully by sharing his story so openly, someone living in the same morass will realize that there is a way out.
I have read Jared's book. Like others, I could not put it down . He so vividly portrays the insanity of the disease of addiction. His story shows that one can overcome the grips of addiction and go on to lead a fruitful life. His book was serious, informative and humorous all at the same time. I am in recovery myself and could identify myself with so many things that happened to Jared. I would recommend this to anyone who is in the living hell of addiction or to anyone who is affected by someone in addiction. Well done Jared!!!!
This author's writing style is compelling. He tells his story with so much honesty that his tragic decent into alcoholism and drug addiction becomes educational for the reader. Lucky for us, his humor softens some of the blows on this wild ride. And, lucky for him and his family, he shows us his way out.
First, I want to commend you on sharing this very personal account of your life as well as your families' involvement. Hopefully, by reading your book countless individuals will be able to see that they too can survive a world of drugs and alcohol. However, as you say it is day-by-day and one step at a time. You let us see what it is like to be an addict and the great lengths you go to in order to get your next fix. I truly believe God intervened in your life for a purpose because there were so many times that you could have ended up not being here with us. I think writing this book is only the beginning!
You will laugh and cry on the same page! What an amazing man to humble himself before all peers. He details his actions and his hell wrenching thoughts and experiences while in the control of addiction and throughout his recovery. God is so big and it is totally amazing that he can now see how God planted special people along his journey to keep him safe. God has a bigger purpose for him! Jared is so strong and so blessed and I am sure he will pass these blessings along to others as only a past addict an. Jared is an inspiration to everyone.
Jared Combs is a natural storyteller. In his book, "Incomprehensible Demoralization", Jared uses his talent to not only tell hilarious and tear jerking stories; but to send a message. Hope is powerful. This book is more than a story of a guy in the medical profession that turned addict and alcoholic. This book is about unconditional love. Jared's wife Darcy and his mother and father are the epitome of this love. Everyone should do themselves a favor and read Jared Combs' tale of recovery.
The author writes this as though you were listening to him sitting across from you telling his story. You become captivated immediately with his honesty and openness. And the raw and edgy prose of the book reveals a sometimes disturbing look inside the mind of addiction. But it is well worth the journey! I found this to be a modern day parable of how God will run after a single lost sheep to return it to His flock. It may begin as "Incomprehensible Demoralization" but its ending is just as mysterious and undeserving but wonderful just the same. [Psalm 103: 8-10]
Yes...I wrote the forward to his book. And...I've worked with him as a client and now as a colleague in this battle with the disease of addiction. This book is one that flows in its narrative. It is poignant, informative, and difficult to put down . Thanks for baring your soul, Jared. I can hope that it may have planted a seed in someone else to seek help.
We have an erroneous vision of what an addict looks like. The person sitting next to you in church could be an addict. It could be your doctor, lawyer, postal worker, or the little old lady that lives next door. Incomprehensible Demoralization drew me in and held me captive. Jared Combs describes the life of an addict, namely his own life. It is with much courage that he shares the tale of his life. He was a drug addict, pharmacist, his marriage was deteriorating, but the pills were more important. Through the Lord, his church, the support of his family and AA, he has become a recovering addict. Combs seizes every opportunity to help others, share his witness.
I truly could not put this book down until I finished it . It was fascinating, funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Jared's story is an incredible one and his journey to the man he is today can give anyone hope, addict or not, that change is possible and there is a light at the end of every tunnel no matter how dark it may seem. Needless to say I loved the book and I'd recommend it to all.
I'm the reporter Jared is talking about on page 39! I was a young intern at a television station in Jared's hometown when I covered his arrest in 1997. I'm still in Hazard and was thrilled to do a positive follow-up story with him this week. I read his book in just a few hours. I couldn't put it down . It is a brutally honest, fascinating look inside the life of a former drug addict. I would recommend this to anyone, especially to those who may be abusing drugs or alcohol that need some hope and encouragement. Congratulations. Steve Hensley
knowing the author made this even more appealing to me .it was very intresting had just the right amount of humor i think it was written in very good taste read the book in one single evening once i started i could not put it down it made me cry it also made me laugh hats off to jared for what he has done and continues his sobriety i recomend that this be a book to add to your collection congrats robin reed
This book, told in first person by Dr. Combs, is a must read for any pharmacist, physician, nurse or any health care professional who has a substance/chemical abuse problem. Dr. Combs lets the reader know his plight with drugs and alcohol, how they affected his family and also his reputation. As an impaired professional myself, I can closely identify with Jared, as I am sure other impaired health care professionals will be able to. Jared deserves true credit to write this exceptional story. Once you pick this up, there is no way you will put it down! |
An Inside view of addiction
Comprehending Addiction, February 24, 2009
Awesome Book!!!, July 21, 2009 
Good book!, July 14, 2009 
"Incomprehensible Demoralization" is a must read, July 7, 2009 
I couldn't put it down!, June 28, 2009 
Inspirational, June 28, 2009 
The Victory can be, May 23, 2009 
Working with Tempation, April 7, 2009 
A warning, March 11, 2009 
Future Best Seller here..., March 3, 2009 
Shedding Light on the Incomprehensible Demoralization , February 18, 2009 
TRULY INSPIRATIONAL FOR ANYONE!, February 5, 2009 
Emotions, December 8, 2008 
WONDERFUL READ!!!, November 26, 2008 
Inspirational!, November 25, 2008 
excellent!!, November 21, 2008 
The world needs more stories like this one, October 14, 2008 
A Must Read for Alcoholics/Addicts, October 9, 2008 
Inspiring, October 8, 2008 
A Remarkable Story of Recovery, October 8, 2008 
A must read, October 8, 2008 
WOW!!, October 5, 2008 
Great Read, October 5, 2008 
Great read, October 5, 2008 
curtis, pharmacist, October 2, 2008 
Inside view of addiction, September 28, 2008 
inspiration to others, September 26, 2008 
Absolutely incredible! , September 25, 2008 
Incomprehensible Demoralization Review, September 11, 2008 
Riveting!!!, September 11, 2008 
A great read, September 11, 2008 
Courageous..., September 10, 2008 
great read inspiring story, September 5, 2008 
Thumbs Up, September 2, 2008 
loved the book kept my intrest could not put it down , September 2, 2008 
A must read, July 30, 2009