The Disease Concept and Alcoholism

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"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

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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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Alcoholism

The Disease Concept

The Disease Concept and Alcoholism

Written by bob Butkins
Thursday, 25 September 2008 12:07
Many people have written about the disease concept of alcoholism. I believe that this applies to any drug. I have learned that about one in ten Americans has the disease of alcoholism and probably addiction in general. When this person drinks alcohol or uses drugs, there is a feeling which is euphoric. This may come at first use or later. When the person uses, the problem can become overwhelming. In early stages, the problem can be arrested somewhat easily. After an adaptation period of several weeks to several years (depending on the individual person) quitting becomes almost impossible. The problem follows a path, has symptoms, and, like most diseases, has a cause which is difficult to find. It is treatable but is very elusive. As the person indulges more and more, the cravings begin to develop and a tolerance builds. Normal drinkers or persons would quit when there is a problem because they have been doing it as a “phase” such as college ”party time days.” The addict cannot easily quit. Many researchers say addicts cannot quit. The point is that they are not drinking or abusing drugs to harm anyone. It comes with the territory. It comes with the addiction. It is not personal, even when the addict takes out his or her pain on another person. Without the substance, most addicts are decent human beings. There is a small percentage who are sociopathic or mentally ill. However, I believe this is a very small percentage. What you need to know is that the disease has a life of its own. The user has to develop a way to think, to rationalize, to deny, to intellectualize to blame others in order to keep using. He or she has to protect the mind from the truth that the problem is harming others and killing self. When you cannot stop and have to have the change in feeling so badly that you will lie and cheat and steal and blame and criticize and let the rage and fears devour you, the problem is massive. No one person causes it. I believe it is mostly a matter of genetics. The disease progressively gets worse. It never gets better. It is not acute. That is, it does not get cured like a broken arm. It is lasting, never going away. It can be arrested with a spiritual conversion, usually found through AA or NA.It also kills the user and greatly harms the people surrounding the user. You can detach by going to AA. There are probably groups in your city or town. The motional damage done to the people surrounding the addict is immense. The amage occurs emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally, to name a few. The addict has to take the pressure off from the disease or denial can be broken. The substance is so seductive and “needed” that anything or anybody who threatens he denial will be attacked. If you feel attacked, this is why. Don’t buy into the lame, judgments, yelling, criticizing. It’s not your fault! Excerpts from Dr. Butkins E-Book " How to Get Sober and Clean" Available here in our Store.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 October 2008 15:48 )