Woman of Substances: A Journey into Addiction and Treatment

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Don Sharp was not the original director. He says the producers were unhappy with the progress of the film during pre-production; the original director and several heads of production were fired, and Sharp was brought in four weeks before filming. Sharp says it was he who cast Jenny Seagrove and that Diane Baker recommended Liam Neeson. [1] Addiction results from a complex set of reasons including trauma as a child. Genetics plays a big role, as does learned behavior (drinking gave me solace before, so I’ll try it again). Nobody is that perfect or possesses every great virtue. People have to have faults. Also how is Emma supposed to be a role model for girls and woman if she is unrealistic and born with every single good quality? It is such a cop out to give the advice of "be born a genius and be attractive".

This helps them roll up their sleeves and get to work shaping their life the way they want it — without the excuses. 10. You’re not one to mindlessly follow the crowd I found Emma was quite often a difficult heroine to always admire or love because she was stubborn, illogical and bore huge grudges. I also thought some of her decisions did not make sense. Women, Valentish says she heard time and time again while researching the book, are also more likely than men to abuse drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating the symptoms of mental illness. Woman of Substanceswill resonate with women readers who have never really questioned the role that patriarchy has played in their drinking habits.’ —Katherine Gillespie, ViceShe wears the things that she likes, regardless of whether they’re on trend or the height of fashion. A fabulous read. Raw, revealing, at times heartbreaking, but searingly honest and clearly aimed to support anyone who is wondering if they will ever recover from addiction. Yes, says Jenny, you can: just don't expect unicorns to visit immediately. Beautifully written, it prompts a broader discussion around the role women's (little-discussed) hormones can play in one's ‘addiction and recovery story’, and how rarely this has been considered when it comes to models of recovery. Jenny tells a truly hopeful story about one woman who has come to terms with who she is. She looks the beast in the eyes. Well done.’ —Clare Bowditch, Valentish’s passion lies in exploring the underlying causes and their effects and, in the most female of ways, offering companionship and reassurance for her readers.’ —the Monthly

There’s really no such thing as fearless. It’s a natural part of human nature. It helps keep us safe and stay risk-averse to the most dangerous things. Now aged 46, Mir is still indignant about the way she was regarded socially as a divorcee. She has written how, before she married the man who is now her husband and father to their three young children, the maulvi at the mosque was so horrified to discover who the prospective bride was that he cautioned her future husband, asking, “Saima Mir BBC? Are you sure you want to marry her?” If I was her child I probably would have conspired against Emma too. No wonder her children turned out to be such cold spoiled brats! They probably had no love and were all from so many different dads they couldn't keep up with their family tree either.

12. You give back

So how does Saima Mir think the Pakistani community is going to react to her debut novel The Khan’s depiction of a criminal syndicate run by Pakhtuns, who also happen to be pious Muslims? Part monograph, part memoir, part Ginsbergian howl of outrage at a culture in which gender bias is a tenet. It is a work of compellingly articulate anger' The Australian.

Being principled, considerate, and steadfast make her a well-rounded individual with plenty to offer the world. Excellent combination of Valentish's memoir of addiction and non-fiction exploration of the social underpinnings of how women come to abuse substances, and how physiologically, medically, and socially women are discouraged from getting help.The character of Emma is a strong one. She's a calloused, strong willed, business woman at her core. She doesn't allow anyone to take advantage of her or mistreat her, including the men in her life, which is a huge thing for a novel published in the seventies. A Woman of Substance Is a meticulously plotted, extensively detailed, verbose and sometimes tedious saga, that overall comes to a satisfying conclusion.

After the honeymoon period of quitting comes the period of ‘maintenance,’ otherwise known as the rest of your life.’ During this period . . . your mind will be constantly trying to convince you to do impulsive things you will regret.” The novel spans over 50 + years, following Emma from rags-to-riches, as she basically builds an enterprise from the ground up. To me, the best part of this book is that Jenny Valentish tells her story in such an honest and bold way. Speaking up about such a difficult subject is admirable. Speaking up about it with so much respect and a strong voice like hers is simply admirable. Failure comes in the way of success. It is the proof that you’re doing something for yourself, and that’s how you become a woman with substance. At the time of failure, you may get motivation from various movies, books or articles but it is only you who can lift yourself up. 5.Live up to your standard of livingBecause more men than women seek treatment for substance abuse, the majority of addiction research has been on men. That’s part of the reason this is an important book. Valentish discusses her own chaotic alcohol and drug use as well as the specific challenges women face with substance use and access to help. They are happy to guide from the front, rather than follow from behind like sheep. 11. You think before you speak For this reason, Valentish says, childhood and adult sexual abuse, as well as domestic violence and addiction in pregnancy and motherhood, are areas that need to be better researched and funded from a treatment perspective.