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This Side of Alcohol
"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 da
How grey area drinking kept me trapped...
"Gray area drinking" refers to a level of alcohol consumption that falls between moderate and risky drinking. Gray area drinking can describe people who misuse alcohol or struggle to control their alcohol consumption but do not fulfill criteria for an alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction.
How grey area drinking kept me trapped...
"Gray area drinking" refers to a level of alcohol consumption that falls between moderate and risky drinking. Gray area drinking can describe people who misuse alcohol or struggle to control their alcohol consumption but do not fulfill criteria for an alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction.
"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.
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 da
How grey area drinking kept me trapped...
"Gray area drinking" refers to a level of alcohol consumption that falls between moderate and risky drinking. Gray area drinking can describe people who misuse alcohol or struggle to control their alcohol consumption but do not fulfill criteria for an alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction.
How grey area drinking kept me trapped...
"Gray area drinking" refers to a level of alcohol consumption that falls between moderate and risky drinking. Gray area drinking can describe people who misuse alcohol or struggle to control their alcohol consumption but do not fulfill criteria for an alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction.
"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.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2021
26 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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 conversational voice, each vignette or journal entry has an impact on its own. Peggi Cooney has combined her extensive background as a social worker with her own experience in the grips of alcohol addiction and recovery in a way that makes you actually find yourself rooting for her. And for yourself.
No matter where you are in your life, the insights here are going to be valuable. Highly recommended.
No matter where you are in your life, the insights here are going to be valuable. Highly recommended.
November 17, 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.
July 19, 2023
Quit lit is probably one of my favorite genres. I don’t like to give negative reviews on memoirs because I think it’s incredibly brave for someone to put it all out there for strangers to read. However, this one fell flat for me.
Thoughts:
I felt like this was a complete nothing-burger: nothing raw, nothing new, nothing deep, nothing brave.
She didn’t get into the meat of why/how she fell into problematic drinking or what really led her to quit.
Finally, I thought she was trying too hard to sound like other sober authors (namely: Laura McKowen, whom I love) and it didn’t sit right with me because it didn’t feel authentic.
I got about 2 hours into the 6 hour book and I couldn’t fathom continuing to listen to the same thing over and over (i.e. why she’s glad she quit drinking-which probably could have been an essay, not a full book).
I’m so glad the author got sober and again, I feel bad for writing a negative review but at the end of the day, this space is where I write my thoughts on books to reference later so it’s not meant to hurt anyone.
Thoughts:
I felt like this was a complete nothing-burger: nothing raw, nothing new, nothing deep, nothing brave.
She didn’t get into the meat of why/how she fell into problematic drinking or what really led her to quit.
Finally, I thought she was trying too hard to sound like other sober authors (namely: Laura McKowen, whom I love) and it didn’t sit right with me because it didn’t feel authentic.
I got about 2 hours into the 6 hour book and I couldn’t fathom continuing to listen to the same thing over and over (i.e. why she’s glad she quit drinking-which probably could have been an essay, not a full book).
I’m so glad the author got sober and again, I feel bad for writing a negative review but at the end of the day, this space is where I write my thoughts on books to reference later so it’s not meant to hurt anyone.
June 13, 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 what “taking it one day at a time” really looks like. She tells her story with warmth, respect, compassion, humor, in her very own (and refreshing) “no bullshit” style.
Being on the “alcohol free” journey myself, I have highlighted more passages from this book than any other.
Thank you Peggi for writing 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 what “taking it one day at a time” really looks like. She tells her story with warmth, respect, compassion, humor, in her very own (and refreshing) “no bullshit” style.
Being on the “alcohol free” journey myself, I have highlighted more passages from this book than any other.
Thank you Peggi for writing this book!
January 3, 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 sobriety. So relatable on so many levels - I found myself re-reading sentences over and over. Her words hit me in the gut at times and pulled at my heartstrings all of your time. How wonderful to know I was not alone.
January 5, 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 help anyone who's questioning or wanting to take a break from alcohol. An inspiring read a PERFECT keeper for my bookshelf!
So many great nuggets of wisdom and tools included to help anyone who's questioning or wanting to take a break from alcohol. An inspiring read a PERFECT keeper for my bookshelf!
December 20, 2021
This Side of Alcohol was an amazing read. Peggi takes a very serious subject but turns into a relatable story. Some parts are definitely painful to read while others had me laughing. This is a raw story of an extremely accomplished woman who is able to lead a double life until things start to crumble. Thank you for sharing your very personal journey and your success.
March 29, 2022
An honest and inspirational book
This Side of Alcohol is a book that really resonated with me. As an older female drinker, I was able to relate to so many of the issues raised in the book. Peggi’s words have given me the hope and determination to succeed in leading a sober, happy life.
This Side of Alcohol is a book that really resonated with me. As an older female drinker, I was able to relate to so many of the issues raised in the book. Peggi’s words have given me the hope and determination to succeed in leading a sober, happy life.
January 29, 2023
I had the honor of meeting Peggi. She is real and a true joy. Her journey is so relatable that almost anyone can see that to drink and lose oneself is not our fault, and when we are ready we can quit using this addictive substance once and for all. She lays out the tools you just have to be ready to use them.
December 29, 2021
I’ve had the honor of meeting Peggi so I heard her voice as if she were talking directly to me with every page. She is a brave beautiful soul sharing her very personal journey of escape and freedom from emotional addiction to alcohol. She is a blessing to all.
December 20, 2021
Peggi's book is a MUST READ for anyone sober curious or sober! I highly recommend!!
December 31, 2021
Peggi did a great job telling her story. It is very relatable and interesting… it’s also very inspiring and provides techniques for staying sober I can use in my own life. A great Quit-Lit read.
June 19, 2023
What an outstanding book; informational, raw, painfully detailed. A must-read.
April 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
April 18, 2025
I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews