This Side of Alcohol

Random Thoughts and Candid Words of Pain, Hope, Humor, Love—and All That Is Possible in Sobriety

By: Peggi Cooney

Narrated by: Peggi Cooney

"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.

©2021 Peggi Cooney (P)2022 One Audiobooks

So heartfelt!

This book hit me right in the heart all throughout the chapters. Sometimes it would bring me to my knees in tears. I will listen to this book over and over. Peggy Cooney is an amazing writer and a more amazing person who is true to herself and helps so many! Thank you

Wonderful.

I’m so glad the audio version came out!! I loved how Peggi shared not only her journey but also many quotes and insights from loads of other authors.

How many similarities I had with Peggi.

I enjoyed the story and the narration. So much of what she said was spot on! I also have step kids and even without alcohol blended families are very difficult sometimes. I went to rehab and now I go to AA a couple times a week. I've been through the steps and it has helped me tremendously with my mental wellbeing as well as my relationships with family and friends. I've been sober for 3 years and I couldn't have done it without God, family support and AA.

Compelling and honest

A powerful and such an honest account of what it takes …. beautifully read by herself .. thank you Peggy …

Heartfelt and authentic

I have watched, followed and read about Peggi’s journey over the last three years. In fact as I began my sober journey it was some of her authentic and raw postings in a sober group that not only captivated me but felt like a hand reaching out to me to come along side of her, giving me hope and strength. Her book is a result of her commitment to her daily posts, which is a very unique approach to helping others know they are not alone in their pain, as she navigates her path truly one-day-at-a-time. I love that Peggi is willing to fearlessly share her intimate stories to help others. I am so excited for this to now be in audiobook form and even more excited that she is the narrator. I hope you too are moved by her words and I hope to see you in the Facebook group by the same name.

Brave

Thank you Peggy for your honesty. You are an inspiration to women everywhere. And men for that matter

Relatable and inspiring

This book is personal, raw and honest. It’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. The book is not preachy but it is informative. The author shares her story in a deeply personal way without clinical distance. Full of positive reframes and self care techniques. I also love when authors narrate their own books.

So inspiring

Hearing Peggi share her journey so candidly was a game changer for me - I’m not alone and someone truly gets it! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your bravery to be so open and raw and honest❤️ Makes me understand that we can’t do this alone and community is what will make the difference. Thank you for your openness.

If you are wondering what Gray Area Drinking is…this is a must read

This is a very good read about how gray area drinking can take over your life - before you even realize how drinking has become such a toxic habit.

Peggi’s story is honest, painful in parts, but joyful as she overcomes her addiction.

Fantastic Read for All!

I listened to this book on Audible as I know the author and was very excited to hear her story. She is a good friend who I reconnected with after many years. I do not have any personal experience with alcohol issues but I found great understanding and empathy hearing Peggi’s story. She has a special way of drawing you in and inspiring you to lead your best life. I will listen to her book again and buy the hard copy as I love the quotes from her and passages from other inspiring authors. Words cannot do justice to how wonderful I feel this book is!