Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction (Paperback)

by Jack Trimpey (Author) "Since AVRT wastes no time in getting to the point, I will demonstrate AVRT by presenting a transcript drawn from a conversation with a woman..." (more)
Key Phrases: recovery group movement, addiction treatment industry, planned abstinence, Big Plan, Addictive Voice, Alcoholics Anonymous (more...)

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 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671528580
• ISBN-13: 978-0671528584
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,136 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 122 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

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 59 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars rational recovery speaks volumes, May 17, 1999

By	[e-mail] "swee36pea" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

I am a problem drinker.I am not an alcoholic.I have never believed in the disease model of addiction. I was on my way to an AA meeting and found Rational Recovery's website instead. Thank god! The book helped me understand that I like the high I get from drinking, but it is'nt good for me so I must stop. I was reassured that the alcohol was the major cause of my depression and that I was'nt drinking to self medicate. I was in a cycle of depression(shame, self loathing,embarrasment)that was caused by drinking. I learned to hear my addictive voice, the voice I hear in my head that says I deserve a drink for being good,bad,happy,sad, abused,ignored, harrassed etc. I learned to recognise the excuses I used to drink and I thought I was smart!

I have'nt had a drink since.I am not a dry drunk. I dont need to "share". I would have given the book 5 stars, but I thought the author went on a bit too much about AA. I happen to agree with much of what he says, AA people often sound like robots, but some of my best friends are robots, so I try not to be too judgemental and Jack gets me all riled up! I recommend highly for pro-active people who dont have time to waste and want to get on with a great(sober) life!!!! This book is not a come on for Rational Recovery treatment centers.Most people can "get it" just from the book. Just like an AA meeting is good enough for some people,some others need more. I dont remember Betty Ford, Hazeltine or any of the others being free!! So why would Rational Recovery's? I also recommend Rational Recovery's book Taming The Feast Beast.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.