Overview

"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."

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9781950323609

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Reviews

Vulnerable, painful, hopeful and inspiring. In sharing her sobriety journey with us, Peggi lets us into her innermost thoughts and personal experiences as well as sharing the pointers she found along the way. This isn't just a 'how I did it' story but a guide to how you could do it too. In true Peggi style, she puts herself on the page so that others can can find a way out too. -Louise (@Poetry is My Therapy) Peggi's account of how she turned her life around-and helped others to do so, too- is brave, inspiring, and deliciously detailed. -Robyn Flemming, Skinful: A Memoir of Addiction An honest story of redemption, self-discovery and thriving in sober minded LIVING. -Jen Kautshch, SoberSis What an inspiration! Peggi's story is one that resonates deeply with me and I appreciate her candor and forthrightness about a difficult topic. She's simultaneously encouraging and inspiring for anyone who finds herself in similar shoes. Taking control of life and going in a new direction is always a challenge, but Peggi has shared her brave story in a way that is engaging and relatable. - Keela Johnson, Forsyth Woman Magazine Peggi is the best kind of memoirist, one who is achingly honest, insightful and witty. The lessons in these pages will bring you to that special intersectionof your heart and mind. -Kezia Calvert, The Elephant Chronicles Peggi's raw no holes barred account of life in a bottle is an important contribution to a global conversation on alcohol and women. -Hola Sober Magazine It wasn't until I read Peggi's story that I began to understand my own. -Jeff Graham: Getting BAC2ero Peggi's story is a life changer. I have seen it..a lot of it. She is no BS...completely devoted to the truth. A must read. -Michael McNamara: Founder of Post Traumatic Winning The Book is such a vivid, raw description of rock bottom reality and the tricks that both alcohol and denial play on the mind. Peggi's powerful journey back to life makes us all believer that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!! -Staci Danford: The Grateful Brain.

Author Information

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. This Side of Alcohol is her first book.www.thissideofalcohol.com Facebook.com/groups/thissideofalcohol@thissideofalcohol

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