This Side of Alcohol, Peggi Cooney
This Side of Alcohol, Peggi Cooney
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

This Side of Alcohol
Random thoughts and candid words of pain, hope, humor, love - and all that is possible in sobriety

Author: Peggi Cooney

Narrator: Peggi Cooney

Unabridged: 6 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/22/2022


Synopsis

"Peggi, you are done, and you will be okay."These are the words I heard in my heart as I fell to my knees in my bedroom on July 12, 2019, committed to declaring for the last time "This is the first day of my alcohol-free life."One day prior, a drinking incident following a family reunion was the final straw for my husband and daughter. My husband walked away from the mess that was our marriage due to my drinking. This was followed in rapid sequence by my daughter warning me that I wouldn't be able to have the kind of relationship I wanted with her family - and especially with my grandchildren - if I didn't do something about my drinking.This Side of Alcohol is borne out of the cathartic journaling I did during the first two years following my break-up with alcohol. It tells the story of what I did to get and stay sober, allowing me to transform my shame, guilt, and anger into self-compassion, self-discovery, and forgiveness - of myself and others. From self-loathing isolation to a joyous community of support and rediscovered intimacy with my family. From living my life engulfed in cognitive dissonance (teaching about the connection between trauma and addiction while I was drinking every evening) to the pride I feel today in being present and authentic in every aspect of my work and life.This Side of Alcohol is my story of living my sobriety out loud, telling the truth, and being at peace.

About The Author

Peggi Cooney is a social work instructor/coach. Peggi has a Master's in Social Work from California State University, Chico, and spent 16 years in Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services as a social worker. Since getting sober, Peggi has become a sobriety advocate and has developed quite a following through Facebook, Instagram, and her website This Side of Alcohol. She facilitates a weekly community support group and is currently working on the development of a recovery program for parents involved in the child welfare system. Peggi has been married to Paul for 35 years. Together, they have five children and 12 grandchildren. She lives in West Sacramento and Lake Almanor, California. 


Reviews

Goodreads review by Lauren on December 18, 2021

I am a big fan of quit lit, and this book is right up there in what I would recommend for someone looking for help. If you are exploring an alcohol free life, if you are already sober, or if you love someone who has an alcohol struggle, this book is for you. Written in an honest and straightforward......more

Goodreads review by Kristin on November 16, 2021

Such a beautiful and deeply personal story. I love Peggi’s candor and her writing is raw and impactful. Her book got me in the gut and reminded me why I am so glad to be on the other side of alcohol. A must read for anyone in recovery or someone who is sober curious.......more

Goodreads review by Brigitta on June 12, 2023

I loved this book! Whether you’ve quit drinking, are entertaining the idea of “taking a break”, or trying to understand the struggles of a loved one, this book will be an invaluable resource to you. I loved Peggi’s honesty, right from day one… her journal entries are raw and shine a truthful light on......more

Goodreads review by Sheila on January 02, 2022

This Side of Alcohol is raw and honest from the first page. Peggi Cooney’s personal writings suck us all into her journey of finding a sober life, and stopping the Wine Witch from controlling her life. Peggi brutally shares her pain, anger, disappointment and lots of humor that develops in finding s......more

Goodreads review by Annette on January 05, 2022

Peggi's candid flare in her journal entries were not only entertaining but ALL the emotions! This book takes you right along side Peggi in her struggles and experiences with alcohol, so much so that you no longer feel alone on your own journey. So many great nuggets of wisdom and tools included to he......more