The Small Book

A Revolutionary Alternative for Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Dependence

By: Jack Trimpey

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

Offering an alternative to twelve-step programs, a supportive guide explains how to identify the impulse to use intoxicants, learn self-control, value sobriety, and replace addiction with self-supportive behaviors.

©1989 Lotus Press, Revised Edition 1992 Jack Trimpey (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Necessary Yet Provocative

This is a must read for anyone in recovery. Notice I didn't say it's a must BELIEVE, just a must READ... Why? Because rational recovery is every bit as valid as faith based recovery, yet the spiritual programs have dominated the recovery field dogmatically as "the one true way" to recover, and that is a huge disservice to humanity.

The reality is, faith based programs have failed more addicts than they have helped, and yet they've helped so many that we clearly need and want them to continue... AND... We as a society also want to have non-faith based recovery options, lest we prefer a larger number of addicts remain addicts in the cities and towns we live in.

The Small Book helps those who are not able to succeed with the 12 steps, to have a way to deal with their problem. In this version of recovery you own your worth BEFORE you stop drinking or using and it's BECAUSE you accept you are worthy that becomes your reason to defeat the addictive voice inside... Something never taught in the anonymous groups.

There are many views inside to agree or disagree with, issue by issue. The one I most disagreed with was the notion that addiction is simply chemical dependency. Addiction research shows otherwise. He's just actually wrong about his narrow definition as the same voice that haunts the substance abuser, also torments the gambler.

Addiction is a spectrum and EVERYONE is on it. That makes this book wildly useful if you're willing to throw out all that doesn't resonate and just go grab the gems it has... Because this is the book that helps an addict take their power back instead of going from one form of dependency to another.

It's provocative in the face of current addiction treatment. It's bound to offend and you may be tempted to throw the whole thing out of it conflicts with a belief you're attached to... But if you listen openly you just might hear some really amazing advice that could prevent a lot of 12 steppers from future relapses.

If you got the guts to dare to read it, you'll have one of the best relapse prevention tools in the world, and can still work a 12 step program as your primary focus.

Too much talk about AA

I think the author had some good points to make on his own ideas of recovery but spent way too much time disparaging another specific method AA for me to find this book worth listening to. Sure, occasional comparisons are okay but it felt way too much for me. I didn’t finish it for that reason.

Who is the Target Audience? Lawyers, Lobbyists?

First 3.5 - 4.5 hours of the book are meant for Lawyers, Lobbyists and Lawmakers to make the following 3 points: (1) 12 Step programs like AA/NA are based upon, and demand, a certain belief in a Monotheistic Divine Being who rules the Universe and requires total submission (2) Government Organizations like the courts mandate US Citizens attend these religious programs in order to treat their addictive behaviors (3) US Citizens should not be forced to accept a religion in order to get medical treatment and are entitled to have non-religious options such as Rational Recovery offered.

The second part is meant for someone who wants to understand what Rational Recovery is, how it works and it's efficacy. However, this explanation is given only as supportive information to Lawyers, Lobbyists and Lawmakers that Rational Recovery is equally, or more, effective than AA/NA in addressing addiction and is not really a "How To" explanation for applying R.R. in one's own life although with extreme patience, one might learn some hints.

If you don't care about learning how AA or NA are religions or hear about government policies and you just want to learn how to apply the principles of Rational Recovery in your own life, there are much better books out there. The title of this book is misleading in that it alludes that it is meant for the same target audience as the Big Red Book (addicts)...such is not the case.

Fascinating and just the help that I needed!

Narration was great, content very well written and massively helpful. Jack Trimpey is just laying the cards on the table.

Now I know not only why the 12 steps didn't work for me I have a powerful alternative.

Wonderful alternative

This book nails the reason why I personally stop going to 12 step meetings. Insult other forms of recovery. I E; SMART $ Recovery Dharma. This book masterfully addresses the problems with the Judeo Christian Abraham guilt shameful God philosophy that is found in 12 step program. It works for some but not for everyone. This is a wonderful eye-opening opportunity for those who don’t know there’s something else out there and a different approach to recovery. I highly recommend if you yourself or anyone you know is struggling with addiction to read this book.