Sir – Phil Bloomfield's review of Cleaning Up was somewhat arrogant in tone.

In my experience most recovering addicts, and those suffering depression, face their demons with courage and make huge efforts to get better. To describe someone’s struggles as ‘gory details’ and ‘rather disgusting’ reveals a fear as well as an insensitivity.

Are we to turn the clock back to the ‘pull yourself together’ school of therapy? Why do you find such books interesting, Mr Bloomfield?

Frances Kennett Oxford