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READ THESE PERSONAL TESTIMONIES FROM DR. BUTKINS' CLIENTS

"Dr. Butkins played an integral part in my recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. He provided me with knowledge about the disease of addiction and taught me how to overcome the triggers that would lead me to go out and use or drink. Dr. Butkins is a very knowledgeable, respectable, and professional counselor. He truly cares for his clients and you can tell from the minute you first meet him that he is a man who has genuine concern for the addict and is willing to do what it takes to help you. I am forever grateful to Dr. Butkins for teaching and giving me the tools necessary to maintain my recovery from alcohol and substance abuse." John - Orlando, FL January 2009

“I met Dr. Butkins when I went to a counseling session with my alcoholic husband about 2.5 years ago. He is a highly skilled professional and is very knowledgeable on the disease of alcoholism and its affect upon the families of alcoholics. When we met, I was sick with worry and fear, angry, and unhappy. Living each day in fear of what awful thing would happen next, both my mental and physical health were beginning to suffer. When my husband went off to a rehabilitation center, I continued to see Dr. Butkins. As he challenged my thinking and attitudes and encouraged me to recognize and deal with my feelings, my mind began to open and allow me to look at life situations and the disease of alcoholism in ways that would never have occurred to me on my own. He sent me to Al-Anon where I found other people affected by a loved one’s alcoholism that were working the 12 Steps and willing to help me in my recovery. Today, there is less worry and fear in my life and more serenity. I know that Dr. Butkins’ skill, wisdom, and compassion guided me to this better way of living. I will be forever grateful.” Karen, Lake Mary, Florida

"Dr. Pete probably saved my life 7 months ago when I came to him in October, 2005. He has a great talent in evaluating problems and making you aware of them. He has helped me turn my life around and helped me see things about myself that I have been able to work on; he also helped me help others. It is the best money I have spent in many years. Thank you for being there for me." Richard A. March, 2006

"Dr. Butkins has been treating me since I was in middle school; later on at 19, (he helped me again) I had to see someone I felt comfortable with. He talks to me like a friend, not a doctor. I choose him over any other (counselor) because I look forward to seeing him; he’s just like one of my own friends. He’s very real, but not in your face;he doesn’t sugarcoat, but he’s very understanding and kind. He will help you make progress through anything and leave you feeling better than when you came in."
Jerry K. April 2006

"Dr. Butkins is the best thing that ever happened to me. I would have been dead a long time ago if it were not for him. I drank way too much and wanted to die. He has brought me through a lot; because of him I can handle anything and I love myself today." Janie D. April, 2006

"Dr. Peter Butkins has provided much needed support and direction during emotional turmoil in my life."
Ken H. - Longwood, FL April, 2006

"Dr. Butkins is an amazing guy. He has helped me so very much. When I first came to him I was ready to give up on life. With his help and guidance I pulled myself up. I’m now accepting a full paid scholarship to Stetson. Dr. Butkins saved my life. Thanks for everything." Ann A. - Orlando, FL April, 2006

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Addiction & Family

The Healthy Recovering Family

Written by bob Butkins
Monday, 29 September 2008 12:06
A friend knowledgeable about the disease of addiction once told me that, if one person in an addicted family goes to treatment and gets “well,’ the others in the family will be positively affected. I have witnessed this for several years and believe it to be true. I have studied dysfunctional families with and without substance abuse for four decades. I know what not to do. There is a great need for information on what to do. Based on family therapy as well as addiction theory, I have designed a website (AllAboutAddiction.net) to address the family that is “in recovery.” The assumption will be made that we are not arguing about the disease concept and whether to abstain from all mood-altering drugs including alcohol. This is a “given” in my opinion. Also, it is well known and believed that most substance abusers/alcoholics/addicts do well in AA if he or she surrenders the pride and “ego” and can be in a “learning” frame of mind and not be guarded or protected most of the time. The co-alcoholics or those living with the alcoholic also need treatment. This is reality. One cannot live with this disease for an hour or two without being affected. To live for months or years with it promotes much stress and disease. The lies, deceptions, betrayal and “dark” influences of the disease on the afflicted person affect everyone in his or her path, fooling and confusing them to the point that they rescue or condemn, sometimes at the same time. The damage it does to the marriage and family is immense. One can see the violence or detachment from people and feelings in the family. In addition, there is untold damage done to self-esteem and hopes for a good life, sometimes leaving the damaged person to live life in a quiet but discouraged and depressed manner. Dreams are cast aside for jobs that are a means to survival lacking any chance of prosperity or even times of happiness. Topics to be covered briefly in this book include tasks of the substance abuser/alcoholic/addict in recovery and tasks of the spouse or significant other, amends, family trust, family roles and tasks. Parenthood, equal treatment for the children, esteem building, feelings, empowerment, development stages for the kids and recovering adults, spirituality, and education of the disease have also been addressed. Divorcing or divorced, separated and blended (parents have been married before and may have children from other marriages/relationships) families have problems in addition to substance abuse recovery. Watch AllAboutAddiction.net for updates on these important families. In addition, go to the forum at AllAboutAddiction.net or blog to ask questions and get responses from myself or family members whom have “been there.”
Last Updated ( Monday, 29 September 2008 12:10 )