Dependent: A True Story of Recovery

Journalist Jenny Valenti has two decades of substance abuse behind her. After a long path of battling addictions, she wrote a book in which she explores this issue from a woman's perspective, using her own story as an illustration. Drawing on the opinions of leading researchers, clinicians, and psychiatrists, the author examines early warning signs of addictive behavior such as trauma, temperament, and impulsivity, explaining why eating disorders, compulsive shopping, and risky sex are interchangeable with substance abuse. From her childhood in suburban London and tumultuous years of growing up in the London music scene, we follow Valenti to Australia, where she experiences firsthand encounters with addiction clinics and Alcoholics Anonymous groups, reflecting on whether they meet the needs of women. Valenti is convinced that in order for all women in need of help to receive it, the peculiarities of women's addictions must be considered in research, therapy, and social policy. This honest, candid book will elicit empathy from any reader, and at the same time, it can be exceptionally helpful to those for whom the topic of addictions is relevant.