'You can be broken while being brave': Southern Utah author rebuilds life after downfall

Beth McDonough speaks with St. George News, Sept. 16. McDonough recently released "Standby," the first part of a planned two-part memoir, detailing her battle with addiction.

Beth McDonough speaks with St. George News, Sept. 16. McDonough recently released "Standby," the first part of a planned two-part memoir, detailing her battle with addiction. (Sheldon Demke, St. George News)


Save Story

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

ST. GEORGE — Beth McDonough was a seasoned reporter who told the stories of others. But when two DUIs, arrests and the collapse of her career turned her own life into front-page news, she was left facing public shame, personal loss and the fight to survive herself.

"I've covered thousands of people who've been arrested and busted for crimes, and then I became one of them," McDonough told St. George News.

Her book, "Standby," is the first installment in a planned two-part series. McDonough said it recounts her public downfall, taking readers behind the headlines of her jail time and arrests.

McDonough said she will always be an alcoholic, but no longer drinks. She urged those struggling with addiction to examine whether their behavior is working and to remember that the disease does not give, it only takes.

Read the full article at St. George News.

Most recent Southern Utah stories

Related topics

KSL.com Beyond Series
KSL.com Beyond Business

KSL Weather Forecast

KSL Weather Forecast
Play button