Rational Recovery (RR), is a fee-based program for addiction recovery. It is arguably the predecessor of Smart Recovery (smartrecovery.org). In its early years Rational Recovery’s philosophy on how to treat addiction remission aligned with those of Smart Recovery. Smart Recovery has progressed since that time into a not-for-profit addiction remission program, while Rational Recovery is pretty much in limbo. Why is that?
Jack Trimpey (founder of Rational Recovery) developed the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT). Rational Recovery (the Program) and AVRT (the Technique) are both trademarked. RR and AVRT utilize Cognitive Therapy techniques to assist individuals with addiction remission. But, and this is a BIG but, Rational Recovery suspended group meetings back in 90’s. Trimpey doesn’t believe that group meetings are necessary for addiction remission.
Here is a quote from alcoholproblemsandsolutions.org – “Meetings are unnecessary. That’s because Rational Recovery teaches people how to overcome their desire for alcohol or drugs independently. They do it themselves and on their own. People learn how to use Addictive Voice Recognition Technique or AVRT.”
Gary Burlingame, PhD, a professor of psychology at Brigham Young University would disagree with Jack Trimpey on this point. He refers to the results of more than 50 clinical trials that have compared patients who were randomly assigned to individual or group treatment. Burlingame notes, group therapy exceeds APA Div. 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology) standards for efficacy for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, substance use disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and general personality disorder (apa.org).
I’m not knocking Trimpey’s program and approach entirely. My first attempt at addiction remission came after reading his book, “The Small Book. A Revolutionary Alternative for Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Dependence.” I would recommend reading this book now. Its a little outdated, but it still offers an effective approach to addiction remission.
My conclusion is that, in its time, Rational Recovery moved the Substance Abuse Remission movement in the right direction. It fell short by not including the the Group Therapy approach, which, studies have shown work with a substance use disorder.
What do you think? Leave a comment or your opinion. Thanks for reading and, Happy Remission!
Hi Bill, This is well-written, as are all of your posts. I disagree with Jack Trimpey. He doesn’t believe that group meetings are necessary to recover. His method would never have worked for me. I wouldn’t have anyone but myself to whom I’d be “accountable”,so to speak. Left to my own devices for 63 1/2 years, I was unable to stay sober on my own. (I did remain sober 20 yrs ago for 8 1/2 years in AA but it wasn’t for me). I’m now thriving in Smart Recovery, mainly because I get input and stimulation from up to 15 people in my 1-hpur online Smart Recovery meetings. Every night, I learn so much from these like-minded individuals.Knowing what I know now about Smart Recovery, I wouldn’t have it any other way ! Dawn Bavaro, NH
PS Hi Bill ! I wish we could read others’ comments.
Hi Dawn,
So far, you have made the first comment to this post! Thanks for reading and very thoughtful reply I might add. Keep up the good work with your recovery!
Bill S.