Rational Recovery ® is one of many better-known self-help groups that are not based on the 12- Step program. Some of the others are Women for Sobriety, Men for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, and S.M.A.R.T. ® (Self Management and Recovery Training) Recovery. For the most part these groups view the problem in a different light than 12-step programs, which view the addiction as a life long "disease".

Jack Trimpey as an alternative to AA founded one of the first Non-12 step programs in 1986. This program called" *Rational Recovery®" is based on the Rational Emotive Therapy of Albert Ellis. The basis for the program is contained in a book written by Trimpey titled, "The Small Book: A Revolutionary Alternative for Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Dependency," in which 15 "central beliefs about alcoholism" that are referred to as irrational, are restructured according to a rational idea. One example, the "irrational" belief of the alcoholic's powerlessness over alcoholic cravings and the consequent lack of responsibility for what is ingested is refrained.

Most non -12-step recovery meetings are free; they are usually conducted or led by a coordinator who maintains contact with a mental health professional familiar with the chosen recovery program. In some of this Non-12 step based programs normally meetings last about one and a half hours; and cognitive strategies are emphasized to achieve and maintain abstinence. The compulsive and irrational thoughts that have led to drinking are conceptualized and participants develop and use a "Sobriety work book or sheet" to combat the addiction. In contrast to AA, most have no sponsors, and members are discouraged from attending for more than one year in an effort to prevent dependency on the meetings, which could be viewed as switching addictions and never developing proper life skills as far as social and environmental aspects are concerned.

Disclaimer: * Rational Recovery®, Smart®, and others mentioned above are registered trademarks of the respected companies, we at AODA do not indorse or oppose their Recovery Methods and are simply supplying information about such groups as learned and perceived through other written sources or personal experience. We are in no way affiliated with any of the above mentioned treatment programs, philosophies, methods, etc. and make no claim to be.

For free treament center referral - CLICK HERE