Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 368 pages
• Published by: Pocket November 1, 1996
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0671528580
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0671528584
• Book Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Weighs: 9.6 ounces

From Library Journal
Former social worker Trimpey, who drank heavily for twenty years, was not favorably impressed with the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings he attended because of their group orientation and what he took to be the religious precepts in AA's Big Book. Several years later Trimpey quit drinking completely, not by admitting that he was "powerless over alcohol," as per AA, but by taking responsibility for his actions and control of his behavior. He then wrote The Small Book (Delacorte, 1992). His technique requires participants to give up what he terms AA's dependent thinking, relinquish the idea that they have an incurable disease, and seize control. Addictive behavior is not limited to alcohol, so drug dependence is included, as well as a separate chapter on gambling. Trimpey's program may work well for readers ready to assume full personal responsibility for their recovery. The practical instructions outlined can be used independently of group meetings or with Rational Recovery groups that now meet throughout the United States. A desirable purchase for public libraries, this is an essential purchase for specialized health and recovery collections.?Catherine T. Charvat, John Marshall Lib., Alexandria, Va.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Outlining the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique, a self-recovery program for alcoholism and drug addiction, this helpful guide presents an alternative to traditional substance abuse approaches and profiles the addiction ""Beast."" Tour.

Reader Reviews
I am a fan of Jack Trimpey's. However, even I was a little put off by his anti-AA comments initially. I turned around, though, when I learned more. Those anti-AA comments are necessary for those of us in the public who haven't learned the truth about AA yet. And, it's impossible to learn the truth because schools, courts, television, articles, and "experts", seem to all spew the same party line. . . that AA is the "only way" and that AA is successful. In fact, AA is not the only way to be successful, and all of the studies that has been done over the years have proven that alcoholism is NOT a disease and that AA and 12 step treatment is absolutely NOT successful. In fact, there have been studies that prove those that quit drinking using AA are LESS successful than those that quit without AA. So, to the reviewer who passes on the erroneous information that AA has a proven track record, the truth is that AA does NOT have a proven track record. Or, to be more concise, their proven track record is that it doesn't work for 95% or MORE of the people that try it. Some evidence has shown that it's actually DETRIMENTAL to those trying to quit drinking. And, evidence has shown MORE people are successful on their own. Furthermore, those that try and "recover" with AA-- who have been indoctrinated with the AA philosophy (pure folkwisdom) have a MORE difficult time moderating or abstaining than those who haven't been brainwashed into believing they ar powerless and have no control over their addictions. For a more comprehensive look at this, look at The Truth About Addiction and Recovery, by Stanton Peele. Peele doesn't share his opinions only, he shares his opinions based on the results of many many studies done over the past decades. . . even the studies that AA quotes as proof for the disease model. Peele gives the entire story and sources it thoroughly. Go do a search with the words "aa cult" and read what you come up with. AA is indocrination, pure and simple. It's not a quit drinking program. And, unfortunately, those schools that introduce 12step programs, court officials, television shows, articles, and "experts" either don't know the truth or have a hidden agenda (like the massive money poured into treatment centers that have been scientifically proven not to be successful). My point is, somebody has to speak the truth and I completely respect Trimpey for doing so. AVRT works and it's SIMPLE. Trimpey's correct. Make the decision to quit, do it, and go work on your life if you need to. If you have anger problems while you're drinking, you might have anger problems when you quit. But, at least your mind will be clear from the alcohol and you will be actually able to WORK on those anger problems. Or, end up in neverending "recovery"-- only socializing with other addicts and self-professed sick people. WHich makes more sense? Surrounding yourself with others that profess to be sick and need the comfort of other sick people for daily meetings for decades? Or, does it make more sense to take charge of your life and live in a healthy balanced way while surrounding yourself with others that live balanced and healthy lives? The absolute only fault I have with this book is that, despite the fact Trimpey does not accept the disease-model of alcoholism as a disease, he firmly believes one can never drink again. In fact, studies have proven that many have successfully moderately drank again although they once struggled with addiction. Once the addiction is conquered, it's conquered. In theory, then, one could moderately drink sometime in the future. As a matter of fact, it has been also shown that those who DO drink moderately in the future are, in fact, more well-adjusted than those that permanently abstain or drink too much. This is really a small issue, though. Conquer the addiction and improve your life.