Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction [Paperback]

Jack Trimpey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

When clinical social worker Jack Trimpey introduced the concepts of Rational Recovery in 1986, it marked a major breakthrough in the field of alcohol and drug addiction. More than a philosophy or therapy, and not dependent on spiritual beliefs, Rational Recovery offers an aggressive self-help program to take charge of one's behavior immediately. Now this proven process is made available in this unique, user-friendly instruction guide.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Former social worker Trimpey, who drank heavily for 20 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 Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671528580
• ISBN-13: 978-0671528584
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Recovery > Alcoholism
  • #96 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Recovery > Substance Abuse

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

159 of 163 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When all else fails, pick up this book & make your decision., March 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction (Paperback)

As a tried and true AA retread, I finally got disgusted enough with myself to quit drinking nearly 4.5 years ago. I thought that since I had never been hospitalized, I would go through an out-patient program. I did, but they insisted I attend AA meetings. I wasn't thrilled with this requirement, and I drew the line at having an "attendance sheet" signed, but I did go to the meetings. I think that I was so thoroughly committed to not drinking, it almost didn't matter where I went, or what the philosophy was, but after a couple of years, the AA dogma was wearing thin. I picked up Jack Trimpey's book "Rational Recovery", and it spoke volumes to me. No more of the disease, powerless, meetings till you die propaganda. This is replaced by understanding the Beast will likely always want you to "join the party, and have a drink", while the person who runs the show has made other plans. I am so glad that there is an alternative, proactive, healthy and responsible way of dealing with alcohol dependance. Thank you Jack Trimpey for having the courage to say so.

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yes! Trust in YOURSELF!, August 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction (Paperback)

I have been in and out of AA for over 20 years. I always felt animosity, right from the start, with the program. Although people were friendly, the "old timers" seemed to be almost cultish to me. And the meetings had so many RULES!

For someone with authority issues, (I have found common on people with alcohol problems), this was the last thing I needed.

Then there are the slogans. I felt an AA "Dictionary" should be made available to those of us who didn't know all these, because most people spoke their entire "sharing stories" sprinkled with them.

I admit at first I felt mad at the world so I attributed this to why I felt so angry. I am sure that was part of it.

But as time went on and my drinking became a real problem I got real serious about finding a way to stop.

I am not against AA for everyone but for me it wasn't working, even when I tried all the exercises.

I especially balked at the forth step, where I was supposed to recount all my wrong doings I had done while drinking, and THEN report these to someone else. This to me is like beating a dead horse--most people, I would say ALL who have crossed the line from social to addictive drinking, KNOW full and well what they have done and have beat themselves up over it time and again.

In fact-- that is, why in my opinion, so many return to booze, or whatever took them away from this pain--to forget how bad they messed up. And so the cycle goes on.

I had stopped going to AA when I was critized for bringing up an idea that was not sanctioned by AA--that was not part of the very limtited view of the "Big Book". I was looking for somewhere to turn and found the book, "Why Alcoholics Anonymous Failed Me". While this book at least made me feel vindicated somehow, that I was not alone, it was Jack Trimpey's book that helped me use a method to overcome my addiction. I have used the dialog with myself and "the Beast" many times, and it has worked for me.

Most of all it gives me the satisfaction that I am in control of my life, and my drinking is a choice-- one can choose not to make. Most people with a problem need to know they are in control or can be. I found this to be a simple, easy solution to help me. And I did it during divorce proceedings, a time when in the past I would have turned to drinking and made things worse.

Another book I found extremely helpful to read when I am feeling down about things, is "The Seat of the Soul". I did not read the entire book, but the chapter on Addictions spoke to me. And I keep it around when I need a fix on being empowered, as well as using Trimpey's method.

Yes Virginia there is an alternative from AA. If it works for you I am happy. I am also happy I found this book, because AA did NOT work for me.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope., January 15, 2007

By 

H. Larsen (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction (Paperback)

I never believed that AA would work nor could I subscribe to the philosophy of powerlessness so I never bothered. This left me with no alternatives it seemed.

I finally walked to my favorite bookstore downtown San Francisco one Monday morning after yet another pitiful Sunday of hangover recovery. Tired of feeling unable to control my binge drinking and the irresponsible behavior that fell out from it, I located (with some assistance from a man at the information desk) the section on Addictions. He not only walked me to the section, which was pretty good sized, but also recommended Rational Recovery when I described my need to understand addiction.

Not only does the book describe it in great detail, but also describes what it takes to control it. After reading, I feel hope for a better future without alcohol. I have learned that the trigger will always come on to binge drink with that first drink and so abstinence will be my only option. I have done some mental rehearsing and visualization on how to manage social situations and have already put them into practice once. It felt good to be in a group of drinking people and to realize I had no desire to drink.

I know that there will be challenges ahead but I know "it" and know "it's" voice very well. "It" will never be as strong as I am.

So simply and without much fanfare, I humbly offer my gratitude to Rational Recovery for giving me hope.