Dependent: A True Story of Recovery

Journalist Jenny Valenti has two decades of experience with psychoactive substance use. After a long journey of fighting addiction, she wrote a book in which, using her own story as an illustration, she explores this issue from a woman's perspective.... Relying 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, shopping addiction, and risky sex are interchangeable with substance abuse. From her childhood in suburban London and turbulent 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, contemplating whether they meet the needs of women. Valenti believes that for all women in need of help to receive it, the specifics 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 for those for whom the topic of addiction is relevant.