Review

Down but not out

WOMEN’S PERSPECTIVES ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: The vicious circle
Pamela Raine
Ashgate Publishing Group, 2001, £37.50

This book is unusual in its focus on women as problem users of drugs and/or alcohol. Because the issues involved in drug and alcohol abuse are so closely bound up with self image, and so readily (negatively) perpetuated, gender is crucial. The (perceived) attitude of social services towards the children of problem users influences users’ honesty and descriptions of their lives. Family responses are also highlighted as a hurdle in the woman’s attempts to negotiate the caring process that might be able to help her.

The author rightly makes the point that what women experience of problem drinking and drug use (and de-tox) is different from men. Raine makes no apologies for her basic premise that within certain services, women may be marginalized.

The different effects that alcohol and substance abuse have on female physiology are less of a focus. Raine discusses in depth how differently women might be handled by doctors (or by services in general) and how this might affect their progress and care.

Women’s own words are used to illustrate the arguments. While the descriptions are undramatic, they are very much to the point.

The text is well supported by full references and appendices. This book would be a welcome addition to the reading list of students in a range of subjects. Its subject matter is not limited only to women’s studies and addiction. There are human statements here which can inspire students, teachers and practitioners in many related areas.