Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction

by Jack Trimpey

Social worker Jack Trimpey’s major breakthrough in recovering from substance addiction is an unprecedented process that is fully explained in Rational Recovery , your first step towards freedom.

For those who are looking to make an extreme change in their lives, Rational Recovery is a proven recovery process and accessible instructional guide for all who are dealing with substance addiction. If you have been discouraged by traditional approaches to addiction recovery, then Rational Recovery will show how you can defeat addiction and remain sober for the rest of your life.

Genres: Addiction, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Health, Audiobook, Mental Health

368 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Trimpey has some valid points regarding logical inconsistencies of the twelve step programs and philosophy but his writing style detracts considerably from the effectiveness of his presentation. I have no issue with the idea that AA and its brethern may not work for everyone but from Trimpey's soapbox point of view one pictures a program that works for no one and in fact causes irreparable harm. Given his emphasis on personal choice and free will, he seems to entirely ignore the fact that participating in a twelve step program and accepting its limitations and philosophy is just as valid a choice as choosing his own program. Its a shame, really, as his thinking prefigures much of the underpinnings of effectivenes of many forms of cogntitive behavioral therapy. If you get past his "ax to grind" presentation there are valuable ideas and information here.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book a while back..and started reading it and wasn't too sure at first ..but I have picked it up again ..and it really is great. I think it is a great alternative to AA or not even an alternative..just a great way to start thinking differently or approaching situations that sometimes have a tendency to influence you to rebel against responsibility. I like the way he writes and how it is about helping yourself and not surrendering yourself to some 12 step program or to the church. This book gets you to think for yourself..well so far it has done that for me. It is helping me to rethink what i really want to do when things that trigger me to want to go out and get wasted and it's not the weekend or just what i really want to do but used to doing. I have started reading it again and I think before I act more than I ever have before..I definately recommend this book to anyone who has a natural tendencty to go against the grain and is sometimes too easliy is persuaded to say "screw it!..I'll do it tommorrow!"

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life!!!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to fulfil the goal "read a book about a current issue" With the opiate epidemic in our hometown (the Youngstown valley) this certainly qualifies as a current issue. While i myself do not have a problem with drugs or alcohol. i do have a problem with being addicted to food. this book was actually mentioned on a binge eating group i belong too. while i would not go so far as this author in his disdain of AA, i do see his point. regardless, there are lots of concepts in this book for anyone struggling with anything anyone is doing that they know that they shouldn't do. The Beast *the pig* (your lower brain) the part that will do anything to survive to do that addiction must be stopped. you (your true self, the higher brain) are in control. just don't do it. it's that simple. (yet, at times so difficult)

[Ryd · Rating 2 out of 5]

the entire book could've been reduced to 20 pages and it'd still be just as informative. that being said the author does bring up some very valid points and the methodology mentioned here also seem solid.

[Bryce Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book would be way cooler if the author was less butthurt about AA

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent manual on self-directed behavior modification and addiction. The book suffers from a somewhat simplistic style, but that may also be part of its appeal. The weakest point of the book is an unnecessarily heavy and repetitious attack on A.A. and other recovery systems. It would suffice to mention it once or twice, refute the system or outline the author's issues with the system, and then move on describing Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT), Trimpey's identified method. If the author reworked that a bit and if some of the rather harsh and archaic language and examples were updated this would be a 4 or 5 star book. As it is I would still recommend it to therapists, counselors, or people seeking a more self-empowered approach to addiction and addictive behavior than the A.A. or 12 step models.

[Lily Heron · Rating 1 out of 5]

The strength with which I'm *reining in* my "ok, boomer" rn...

I will say this: there's truth in the "code" of 1) I never drink, 2) *urge to drink*, 3) refer to 1. In my personal experience, I've found that making an "identity" of oneself as being abstinent, and, if not taking pride in that choice, then at least not being shameful about it, and essentially becoming indifferent ("Yes, I am abstinent. Yes, I am left-handed.") is very stabilising and can lead to long-term recovery from alcoholism and substance dependency. Same more recently with shopping addiction. "I am someone who keeps a strict budget." "I am someone who only buys pre-agreed necessities." For people who have grown up in chaotic households from birth, there's real pride and joy to be found in the peace of creating stability for yourself.

I do believe I have an addictive personality, because if it's not one thing then it's another. I quit dangerous drinking only to become a workaholic and drive myself into chronic illness (aren't I such a productive member of society, doing such a great job at making up for all those times everyone told me I was worthless?). I learn to rest only to transfer that addiction into unpaid roles (it's not work if I'm not paid for it, right?) I ease up, only to start recklessly spending money to punish myself for relaxing (it's so cheap, though, and I *need* it). I get a handle on my spending, only to return to binge eating just like I did when I was small enough to try hiding from my rapists in the food cupboard. (Oh, Dairy Milk chocolate, you're my only friend. At least you never hurt me like people do.)

All this to say - fuck anyone who writes about trauma from an uninformed perspective. What right to do you have to vomit out harmful messages and increase stigma on people who are already doing their best just to make it through the day without causing some major catastrophe or ruining a relationship despite trying their best with little to no practical help or assistance? Literally at this point if a book like this isn't written post-2020 it belongs in the fire because at least it can provide some physical warmth.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the criticisms of AA and other 12-step programs were valid - those programs are certainly not for everyone and should not be revered as the gospel truth. However, the author provides very simplified arguements and goes way too far in his criticism of AA. More importantly, I was really dismayed by how the author dismisses and minimizes the role of childhood trauma and abuse in substance addiction. Yes, adults should take responsibilty for their actions no matter what has happened to them in the past, but some people have truly had such severe trauma that they have no idea how else to cope. Telling them to just stop drinking is way too simplistic. Worse, there are several parts of the book in which the author implies that people who claim to have been abused as children are probably just imagining it or making it up. While I suppose that's possible in rare cases, a lot of people really were abused as children, and his dismissive attitude was very disturbing. I also don't know if I believe his claims of the effectiveness of his program - it wasn't backed up with much convincing data. I just didn't find the author very credible at all.

[Lord Barrold Ainsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been a game changer for me in terms of my alcohol addiction. AA wasn’t for me so finding an alternative that makes sense in a rational and logical way via one book (no meetings, subscriptions, etc) makes it one of the most important books I’ve ever picked up. It’s a tough read in parts (it’s written primarily for an American reader and was published in 1996) but if you read through the author’s Anti-AA spiel and just skim or scrap some of the later chapters about the US Addiction Recovery Politics (means nothing to me as a Brit in the UK in 2022) the actual techniques and programme WORKS and has saved my life

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't always like his style of writing but I found him offering a different solution than AA very intriguing. I used some of his techniques on overeating and they work. It's so important to separate your "beast" from your higher self when you deal with urges.

[Robin Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book explaining AVRT and the self disciplined approach to recovery!

Loved this book! I only wish Trimpey would release some updated videos on YouTube and open his website back up.

[Dror Rosenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring. Cognitive therapy really...

[NormaCenva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful, a really good alternative to the AA.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing

[Lee H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book.

Sadly, I think it will leave many with the impression "can it really be this easy? Shouldn't there be a long, complex process of digging up my trauma, self improvement and so on? Aren't I just predetermined to be this way because of a chemical imbalance of faulty wiring in my brain, because bad things happened to me, because my dad and was too", so entrenched is the disease model of addiction in our society, however if that was your impression you just heard the addictive voice at work, or at least society's collective addictive voice.

The disease model is so seductive because it frees us temporarily of guilt for actions. We are victims, not merely silly, stupid humans who made bad choices. But this is a bad exchange. You just sold your self-autonomy, and gave your addictive voice an advantage over you. "you are powerless over me. I have dominion over you. You are not capable of resisting". This is precisely the opposite set of thoughts you need to be truly over an addiction.

For me this approach intersects beautifully with a mindful based recovery. Actually slowing down and listening to the thoughts going on in your head before acting out. Challenging those irrational beliefs and realising that at absolutely any moment you have power to choose or abstain. Identifying those thoughts as not "I" (the prefrontal cortex, the "I" that decided abstinence, the "I" that cares about my future and those around me) but "it" (the animal mid-brain, the part of me that only wants pleasure now and to hell with anything else) and in recognizing this, robbing it of any power.
Just like in mindful practices, this AVRT technique is a way not to get swept up in a thought stream, but rather stand back 10m, and observe those as just appearances in consciousness.

This book set me on a journey of reading more widely about the disease model in mental health at large, and I would highly recommend Thomas Szasz - The Myth of Mental Illness and Cracked:Why Psychiatry is Doing More Harm than good, along with Kirsh - The emperor's new drugs. The disease model has absolution of personal responsibility, plus the "medicalization" of normal human behaviours has superficial appeal, but when analysed it is found hollow and is doing more damage than good, both here in the domain of chemical/behavioural addictions but also more widely in mental health.


I am extremely grateful for authors like Jack who have the courage to swim against the tide. I only hope many more writers will write books like this.

[Merlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me a lot about being in control of my actions. This book dispels the myth of addiction disease and instead teaches people to be in control of their actions. The book's technique is to dissociate yourself from cravings and to insist on not doing the unwanted behavior. One easily lets themselves be persuaded by the mind when he isn't standing his ground.
The information is great but the writing is a little weak. The biggest inconsistency in the book for me is how the book claims alcoholism isn't a real condition. If this is so, why do people need to quit permanently? If there is a way to teach moderation, I'd agree with the author... but the book is blatantly against moderation. The writer says something about some people having a "red light" in them that lets them know to stop drinking but others are "green lighters" and never stop. I guess it depends on how much you enjoy the idea of getting fucked up. If you like drinking to the point of blacking out, you probably just hate yourself. I dunno tho, it was a good book, definitely worth the read if you are looking to break any addiction.

[S K G Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. It takes a subject that can be complicated and messy and makes it comprehensible, approachable and reasonably simple.
Trimpey does perhaps spend a little too much time denigrating AA/12-step recovery, nevertheless as a British reader, it was both fascinating and shocking to learn of the legislative uptake of AA in the states. In the same breath, if your main takeaways from this book are its views on AA, I suggest it might be worth rereading the material.
Both those with addictions and those without should read this book; it is a societal toolbox waiting to be opened. I've had the pleasure of observing the transformative powers this text has on people, and also felt their strength myself.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

The politics of recovery groups can be overwhelming — even for those in the “helping professions.” (It would be great 👍🏻 if there was a spreadsheet illustrating where each group believes the problems come from and how to manage them.) Clearly the RR camp has a beef with the 12-step camp, and the book is helpful in seeing the 13-step philosophy with fresh eyes. I found that to be the only really useful part of the book.

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was...something. It was helpful in some ways, but this dude SERIOUSLY hates 12 Step Recovery Groups. 12 stepping wasn't for me, but I am not about to say that it doesn't help some people, because it undoubtedly DOES. I'm not an alcoholic, but was listening to this more for my eating disorder recovery and while the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique seems like it could be helpful, this guy was very dismissive of people having past trauma that affects addictive choices.

[LaLorelei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely applaud the way this book highlights the failings, and even dangers, of AA programs.. yet, at the same time, this method feels a bit "Protestant Work Ethic: The Treatment Plan" and I can't fully accept it.

[Liz Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful!

[Lauri Lumby · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't care for this book. I was looking for a healing rooted approach to recovery but instead I found an "anti-recovery" book. Disappointing.

[Maria]

DNF

[Daffar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me understand quitting addiction. Try it and you will be left with a better understanding of what's going on

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a powerful reading experience. Highly recommended, not just to addicts.

[Emily Diehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad, interesting mind set, I disagree with some of what He writes, as he bases his ideas on what he 'did not learn in therapy' and ultimately calls therapy a waste, which it could be, however, he had to experience this in order to get to where he is at,
also, he sort of slams the 12-step program when it has worked for people in the past, present and probably will in the future,

obviously he just offers a different route, however, as an author, recovered person, I would hope he could AT LEAST respect other ways of recovery, I feel as though that is the entire point of recovery
So yes, his idea that you can quit at any time, master your mind, would work! He does have background on therapy though so, I feel like he alone cannot claim to have this method figured out without that background, I mean, he can, but then he would be dismissing parts of his life, and you cannot really do that (saying certain things dont shape you, when everything shapes you, perspective Mr. Trimpey)

the only other thing I disagree on, really just is because of my faith, so just stating that, you'd probalby know what I would say in regards to this book. He dismisses religion but not God nor spirituality, so all the points I would put here, wouldnt really be a discussion but more of an argument

but I'll enlighten you, (maybe so I can come back and read this in case someone was wondering my perspective) but honestly, if you're not a believer, dont even bother reading this, you may get frustrated and upset and I dont want that! Like I said, we've already disagreed at this point, so instead of jumping onward to duke it out on the football field from my end zone to yours, lets just keep it outside the stadium! :) only because I will crush you for every single yard....ahahah joke!:)

most of the book stands and argues for 'what is truth', truth is the basis of the bible and all of everything in this book can be backed by the Bible, so it's hard to say where the author finds his truth in life, not sure where anyone finds it!

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

God knows there needs to be some alternative to the 12-step monopoly when it comes to treating addiction, and this book is a refreshing alternative to the image of the hopeless, eternal "alcoholic" who has to confess his sins to some imaginary "higher power." A lot of the advice given is somewhat simplistic and based in common sense, but I don't think that detracts too much from the work. We get a little too much of the author's political viewpoints (many of which I happen to agree with), which are neither interesting nor relevant. I have some issue with his attempted bifurcation of the addict's personality between a proverbial "beast" who wants you to drink and/or use, and the "real" you. Like so many addiction therapies, it falls apart if you put it under too much logical scrutiny. All that being said, it is certainly worth a read if you are struggling with addiction but have no desire to hold hands with a bunch of strangers and recite the Lord's Prayer.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I admit I'm not reading this because I am an alcoholic, but I have friends who have been in the past and have recommended it. I think it's a really great read for any sort of addiction or habits you are unhappy with. Just replace the word drinking or alcohol with your vice of choice. I have not finished it admittedly or implemented every strategy. While I completely agree with the recommendations, I think you do need to be in a place where you are entirely ready to let go of whatever coping mechanism you use. But it has been good to slowly read while working up the strength to try baby steps at a time.

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't love this one quite as much as I like THE SMALL BOOK, but it's still a badly-needed breath of air in the stifling field of substance abuse treatment. Really simple principles. Trusts the reader to make the change when he or she is ready, and stick to it because it's the right thing for them. Refreshing and empowering.