No More Worrying by Carr, Allen (2010) Paperback

by Allen Carr

The little gem of a book reveals all the mental strategies you need for taking control, achieving inner peace and turning even the worst-case scenarios into win-win situations.A simple honest approach without psychobabble or false promises.An effective long term strategy for getting your life back.You have not got a "problem" - the approach is aimed at occasional intermitent and persistent worriers.Stress reduction techniques that actually work in today's hectic world.No More Worrying is proof that power is a state of mind.

Genres: Self Help

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2010

About the author

Allen Carr was a British author and the founder of the global Allen Carr’s Easyway method, renowned for helping millions overcome smoking and other addictions. Born in Putney, London in 1934, Carr began smoking at 18 during National Service and struggled with the habit for over three decades. A qualified accountant, he finally quit in 1983 following a revelatory visit to a hypnotherapist. The experience didn’t directly cause him to quit, but it led to two key insights: that smoking was simply a form of nicotine addiction, and that withdrawal symptoms were minor and psychological in nature. These revelations inspired Carr to develop a revolutionary approach to quitting, one that did not rely on willpower, scare tactics, or substitution therapies.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only time will tell with this one. Allen Carr helped me quit smoking years ago and I won't say I never touched a cigarette again, but I did escape the bondage of addiction. Much like the stop smoking book, I read this one deceptively quickly and I'm unsure what will stick. Only time will tell. Sadly, I learned Mr Carr passed away. I'm sure I, like many people, owe him a few extra years of life for his lessons about tobacco and assisting me in unraveling that dysfunctional relationship once and for all. If he can make a chronic worrier reform, then lightning can in fact strike twice. If not, then I thank him for his time and go about my day.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

I genuinely cannot believe this book has been published. I rarely write negative reviews and I think I’ve only ever given 1 star once before. This book has no substance at all and the basic gist of it is ‘if you have no money, and you’re about to lose your house, don’t worry about it!’, ‘if you have a child who is poorly and you’re worried they’re going to die, don’t worry about it!’
‘If you have a ‘physically handicapped’ child and you’re worried that you’ll die first and leave them all alone, there’s no point in worrying over this!’
The amount of times he uses the words ‘stupid’ or ‘brainwashed’ is just one too many. Or better still .. ‘USE YOUR BRAIN’ which is in capitals in one chapter.
Incredibly patronising and really not helpful at all. Luckily it didn’t take up too much of my life as it is a short book and only took me around 30 mins to read so .. no need to worry I suppose!

[MARTIN JOHN CORFE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic the book has some mild uses of CBT and a bit of Socratic thought but is not an answer with any depth.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 30-minute read. It reads like a PowerPoint, with a headline and a quick paragraph on each page. It feels like this book could have been put together in a week. Some of the points are interesting, and the 16 golden-rules could be helpful if printed and posted somewhere visible. Some of the points can come off as crude and condescending, since they are just short snippets of ideas. I have a feeling this book would resonate with readers more if there was more meat to it, instead of just points to speed read through. I gave it 3 stars because it does make some great points, but I don’t think it’s life changing like some people have found his earlier works.

[Zubaa Abdulkhaliq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very brief and not convincing maybe because I have already a worry-free life!😊