Fiona Steele

What Women Need to Know about Alcohol Fiona Steele

The Nursing Times Book Review- 7th April 2020https: //www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/book-reviews/what-women-need-to-know-about-alcohol-how-to-help-yourself-and-understand-others-07-04-2020/'Written in a jargon free, compassionate, and non-patronising way, it is an easy read and very understandable for anyone from members of the public to the healthcare professional.'This is a very comprehensive text written with women in mind and predominantly directed at them. However, it has a lot a value for nurses and others in that it covers many aspects of alcohol use, identification and interventions. It also links to a useful website for further information and other links: www.fionasteele.com . While it is self-published, it is very professionally done. Written in a jargon free, compassionate, and non-patronising way, it is an easy read and very understandable for anyone from members of the public to the healthcare professional. This is not a hefty volume and is quite an enjoyable read... one does not feel lectured to or at. This author has 20 years experience in the alcohol field, and it shows with her depth of knowledge. It covers alcohol use, alcohol problems, what the reader can do to help his- or her-self and others, including areas on spirituality... offering a holistic approach. Moreover, there is an exceptionally good section on alcohol and mental health, and stress. What were the highlights? This reviewer has not been able to find any negatives about this useful book, which is unusual in any book. It is also recommended for the more experienced specialist in the field as this reviewer found it just refreshes the grey cells in a helpful way, often we forget this basic but essential knowledge in daily life while dealing with other specialist areas of care. The book is hoped to have an audiobook version available in the coming weeks. Strengths & weaknesses: Understandable for general population and nurses: Clear and precise: Well structured and follows on chapter to chapter really well: Depth of information is good for the readership, any deeper the reader new to this topic could get lost in information: No statistic just clear facts, more details would come from follow up reading. Weaknesses: Should have included men as a lot of information is also relevant to men. This could be lost in the title. Who should read it?Would be a valuable read to all: students, general readers, clinical nurse specialists, ward managers, women.=================================================================================Book Contents- Why women drink and how alcohol affects women differently from men; Symptoms of alcohol dependence and how alcohol problems can impact women and their families; Overview of alcohol rehabilitation and what to expect when a person stops drinking; Practical advice and steps you can take immediately to regain control of your alcohol intake; How to better understand other people with alcohol problems including how to talk about alcohol and reduce the stress experienced by families; Dedicated chapters on how to support children living with a problem drinker, how to improve your emotional well-being and the links between alcohol and spirituality. Fiona has compiled this book after working with people using substances for over 20 years and teaching other practitioners for the last 5. Having completed a professional degree in Social Work, Fiona went on to obtain a Distinction in her Masters Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Fiona brings a unique perspective to the genre of alcohol self help books. Through combining her professional, academic and personal experiences this book is packed full of all the information you need to know about alcohol for you to make informed choices and improve the enjoyment of your life. Fiona's unique, non-judgmental approach makes this a refreshing read and your one stop shop for learning everything you need to know about alcohol.