I'm currently reading, "Taming the Feast Beast" by Jack and Lois Trimpey. Jack Trimpey is the founder of Rational Recovery (RR), a self-help alternative for addiction.
Unlike 12-step groups, RR requires you to admit that you are powerful, not powerless over your addiction (or you can be). You will not be asked to rely on a higher power in RR, either. You are to rely on yourself and your cognitive abilities to tame the "beast" in your mind that encourages and tricks you into using your substance of choice when the "real you" wants to quit. The idea of there being a separation between "you" and your "beast" (addiction) is quite useful. It's good to watch him weaken the more I say, "no" to him. I find RR to be an empowering approach to addiction. I learned a lot in the 12-step groups with which I have worked, and I don't discount those experiences, but ultimately the groups were not for me. I didn't enjoy the meetings, and I took issue with some of the 12 steps I was required to follow. I felt as if telling myself that I am powerless was the last thing I needed to do. I also struggled with "turn your will and your power over to your higher power" concept. I don't like to let other people/entities make decisions for me. If something appeals to my inner wisdom, it resonates with me and I act accordingly. Just doing what I'm told without running it by my inner wisdom doesn't work for me. This is my life. However, I encourage people to try 12-step programs if they feel called to do so. Your mileage may vary. RR is more of a solitary journey, but then again so is addiction. I am more comfortable with the concepts of RR. I highly recommend this book if you struggle with addictive tendencies with food.
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March 2020
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