Review by ButterscotchCherrie -- Ripcord Recovery
22 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "Ripcord Recovery" by T.T. Sawyer.]
[rbc=4]id274447-125[/rbc]
I admire the author for producing this book to get the information out there. As he says in the introduction, it will be worth it if the book helps even one person; his warmth and generosity come across. I enjoyed his references to Star Trek. Like Captain Kirk, he doesn’t believe in no-win scenarios and realizes his situation was a conundrum. I appreciated learning from this book that a conundrum has a solution that is just not immediately obvious.
It is apparent that the author has participated extensively in 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). He used phrasing and concepts derived from that program and its so-called “Big Book”. That was somewhat irritating for me personally as I used to be involved in a 12-step program for friends and family members of alcoholics and I’m not a big fan.
Sawyer mentions that some in AA consider his recovery a relapse because the wondrous remedy for his addiction turned out to be medical marijuana. In that connection, it was odd that he did not mention that the psychoactive component is removed from such marijuana so that one wouldn’t get high. He does also note, however, that the US Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved medical marijuana, and that it isn't legal in all states.
In connection with the effects of the medical marijuana, Sawyer starts by saying that it removed his cravings for alcohol and other intoxicants. Later, however, he says that it removes his resentments and fears. This switch is confusing and too close to the tenets of AA for my liking.
Fundamentally, however, it is laudable that this book could make all the difference to someone and maybe even save lives. It is a quick and empowering read with only a handful of typos. Appealing cartoon illustrations feature throughout. Although short, the book includes comprehensive information for anyone who might want to try Sawyer's approach, including caveats. As it is so informative and encouraging and communicates such a worthwhile message, and as none of its shortcomings is severe, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
Ripcord Recovery comes highly recommended to addicts, especially those plagued by relapses who are running out of things to try. Perhaps someone in the scientific community might be inspired by a promising avenue for research. This wouldn’t appeal to anyone with no interest in reading about addiction. Those who find the tone and content of the AA program and “Big Book” irritating might not appreciate the language that reeks of those. That is only present in some passages, however.
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Ripcord Recovery
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I admire the author for producing this book to get the information out there. As he says in the introduction, it will be worth it if the book helps even one person; his warmth and generosity come across. I enjoyed his references to Star Trek. Like Captain Kirk, he doesn’t believe in no-win scenarios and realizes his situation was a conundrum. I appreciated learning from this book that a conundrum has a solution that is just not immediately obvious.
It is apparent that the author has participated extensively in 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). He used phrasing and concepts derived from that program and its so-called “Big Book”. That was somewhat irritating for me personally as I used to be involved in a 12-step program for friends and family members of alcoholics and I’m not a big fan.
Sawyer mentions that some in AA consider his recovery a relapse because the wondrous remedy for his addiction turned out to be medical marijuana. In that connection, it was odd that he did not mention that the psychoactive component is removed from such marijuana so that one wouldn’t get high. He does also note, however, that the US Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved medical marijuana, and that it isn't legal in all states.
In connection with the effects of the medical marijuana, Sawyer starts by saying that it removed his cravings for alcohol and other intoxicants. Later, however, he says that it removes his resentments and fears. This switch is confusing and too close to the tenets of AA for my liking.
Fundamentally, however, it is laudable that this book could make all the difference to someone and maybe even save lives. It is a quick and empowering read with only a handful of typos. Appealing cartoon illustrations feature throughout. Although short, the book includes comprehensive information for anyone who might want to try Sawyer's approach, including caveats. As it is so informative and encouraging and communicates such a worthwhile message, and as none of its shortcomings is severe, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
Ripcord Recovery comes highly recommended to addicts, especially those plagued by relapses who are running out of things to try. Perhaps someone in the scientific community might be inspired by a promising avenue for research. This wouldn’t appeal to anyone with no interest in reading about addiction. Those who find the tone and content of the AA program and “Big Book” irritating might not appreciate the language that reeks of those. That is only present in some passages, however.
******
Ripcord Recovery
View: on Bookshelves |
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