Peggi Cooney, Author of This Side of Alcohol, is a Social Work Instructor/Coach with a Master’s in Social Work. She’s spent 16+ years in Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services as a social worker. Since getting sober, she has become an active sobriety advocate. Married for over 35 years to her husband Paul; they have five children and 12 (yes, you read that correctly!) grandchildren!
About This Side of Alcohol
This Side of Alcohol was borne out of Peggi’s cathartic journaling during the first two years following her break-up with booze. As the story unfolds, she shares what she did to get and stay sober, which allowed her to transform her shame, guilt, and anger into self-compassion, self-discovery, and forgiveness. Not only could she forgive others, she learned how to forgive the most important person, herself.
Peggi said goodbye to self-loathing and isolation and said hello to a joyous community of support. She’s also rediscovered intimacy with her family relationships. Her pride today of being present and authentic in every aspect of her work and life is unrecognizable to how she felt before putting down the bottle. This Side of Alcohol is her story of living sobriety out loud, telling the truth, and finally being at peace with her life.
Follow along with Peggi in all of the digital and social spaces!
- Private Facebook Group (with over 20K+ members!)
- Website
- @thesideofalcohol on IG
Book Review: “This Side of Alcohol” by Peggi Cooney
“In ‘This Side of Alcohol,’ Peggi Cooney courageously delves into the gripping narrative of her battle with what she terms as ‘gray area drinking.’ This term encapsulates the struggle that many individuals face—hovering between moderate drinking and dangerous consumption patterns. Cooney’s candid exploration sheds light on the complexities and challenges of this often-overlooked territory in the spectrum of alcohol use.
The heart-wrenching moment when Cooney reaches her breaking point on July 12, 2019, encapsulates the raw emotions and pivotal decisions that define her journey to sobriety. The poignant scene where she hears the resolute words ‘Peggi, you are done, and you will be okay’ sets the tone for her transformative path towards an alcohol-free life.
Through her reflective journaling over the following years, Cooney unveils the tumultuous aftermath of her relationship struggles linked to alcohol. The poignant account of her husband’s departure and her daughter’s request propels her toward a profound self-discovery and healing process. ‘This Side of Alcohol’ narrates Cooney’s evolution from self-destructive patterns to a beacon of self-compassion, forgiveness, and authentic connection with her loved ones.
Cooney’s narrative transcends mere sobriety; it embodies a chronicle of resilience, redemption, and the power of vulnerability. Her journey from isolation and cognitive dissonance to genuine presence and integrity is a testament to the human capacity for renewal and transformation. This Side of Alcohol resonates with authenticity, offering readers a glimpse into the profound shifts that occur when one confronts one’s demons and emerges stronger on the other side.
In essence, Peggi Cooney’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of addiction or grappling with the nuances of gray-area drinking. This Side of Alcohol is not just a memoir; it is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit and the possibilities that unfold when one chooses courage, honesty, and self-love.
“This Side of Alcohol” by Peggi Cooney offers a compelling narrative of struggle, redemption, and self-discovery in the realm of a gray area, drinking, and sobriety.
The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 4.5 out of 5
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
