Women of Substances is a fascinating and ferociously honest investigation into the female experience of addiction by journalist (and ex-Time Out Melbourne editor) Jenny Valentish, combining extensive research with her own story.
Valentish travelled around the country to treatment facilities and AA groups to gain insight into the early predictors of addiction, from childhood trauma to teenage impulsivity. The book is packed with facts and neuroscientific evidence that links other self-destructive behaviours with problematic substance abuse, and explores the experiences and challenges that are unique to women who struggle with problematic substance use. Throughout the book, Valentish reflects on her own experiences of substance use, offering an at times brutal portrayal of addiction and coming out the other end of it.
See Valentish in conversation with author, bookseller (and Time Out Melbourne theatre writer) Tim Byrne at Avenue Bookstore in Richmond on Thursday June 8.
The talk is free, but booking is essential via rsvp@avenuebookstore.com.au.