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

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23038 in Books
• Published on: 1996-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

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.

Customer Reviews

Rational Recovery
A good book for people committed to the premise. Definitely requires commitment and the right mind set.

RR saves
If you are one of the almost 5 percent of alcoholics who can be saved by AA, you do not need to read Jack Trimpey's Rational Recovery. It is not for you. Rational Recovery (RR) or "generic recovery" is a way of quitting drinking or drugging that has been around as long as alcohol, and drugs--you just make the rational decision to quit for good and star behaving like it. It works for 65 percent of all people who give it a try. Over half of all who learn RR recover. Of course, making this rational decision is never simple, especially if we then have to act rationally, and that is what the book is about. First you have to recognize the part of yourself that loves to use. If you have trouble hearing this addictive voice, Jack tells us to say out loud "I quit, forever." If we have a drinking problem, we will immediately start an argument with the part that wants to continue to drink or drug. Jack shows us how to win this argument, again and again. The bottom line is that the part of our brain that wants to drink or drug has no access to our fingers or mouth, unless is hijacks the rest of our brain, reason, and self-control.

Being a licensed counselor, I know a little how Jack must feel suggesting an alternative approach to AA. AA people do not like RR people. As I write this review. I prepare to be burnt at stake, suggesting Jack is in his right mind questioning why none of the 12 steps mention anything about quitting, dismissing the belief one is powerless, or urging those who wish to recover to never admit they are "alcoholics" or "addicts." He challenges us to forget about "one day at a time" or "never say never" and embrace "I will never drink or drug again." Jack Trimpey goes on to show that Rational Recovery is a cure for chemical dependency by changing what we think and do. No meetings, no bottoming out, no moral inventories, no higher power, just quitting straight up. He shows us how to shatter illusions and thinking errors and act rationally sober. I have people raging at me for suggesting RR and patients complain about the copy I leave out in my waiting room. But it is not a matter of AA versus RR, but a matter of getting sober. This rational approach can sober up many of those who cannot benefit from AA. With over 80 million Americans drinking or drugging today, rationally it is a matter of AA or RR, please. Now. Rational Recovery saves lives. Read it and recommend it.

It really works.
I'll make it simple:
I was sick for a long time.
I bought the book, and read it.
I'm not sick anymore, and my life is since better.

I might add: This book is for people who AA just doesn't work for (in other words, MOST rational people.)