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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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Addicts and Alcoholics and Relapse - How you can help.

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen drug abuser, parenting a teen alcoholic, family recovery, drug addiction treatment, addiction recovery on Feb 07, 2010

There is a behavioral phenomenom that describes many addicts and alcoholics. There is a lack of discipline and inability to focus on Now along with a preoccupation with self and unconcern for others that seems to be inherent and stemming from the disease but also affected by many other variables. These include, DNA, family of origin problems, gender, lifestyle... These are difficult to identify in the individual and difficult to measure. However, when an addict and/or alcoholic becomes desparate, honest and clear-minded enough to become aware of the problem and the depth of it, he or she can become motivated to recover and take certain actions that lead to recovery.

However, the addicted person usually forgets that he or she has these characteristics after being sober and clean for a while. Therefore, there is a need of consistent reminders of the importance of recovery and the accompanying behaviors such as prayer, meetings, constant contact with recovering people and a grateful approach to life that makes 'giving back' a pleasure.

When enablers pay the alcoholic/addict "way," the door becomes open for the person to return to the old thinking and old behavior. If you want him or her to recover, go to Al-Anon and find out how others do this successfully. Enlist their support.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Perservere

Posted by: drbutkins in alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Feb 06, 2010

There's a lot to be said about being undisciplined. Our program says that we are undisciplined. Are you going to take that? Show them they're wrong. Be disciplined.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Controlling what?

Posted by: drbutkins in gratitude, drug addiction treatment, drug addiction recovery, alcohol on Jan 23, 2010

Many times, in recovery, we try to control things that make little difference to us. We think that we need to take care of many things that either do not matter or that we cannot control. We can usually control only parts of self. My belief is that any control I have is because a Creator has given me life. This belief is what begins our sober and clean journey from drugs and alcohol.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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What's most important to you?

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment, alcohol on Jan 22, 2010

If you said recovery and spirituality and self as one important whole, then you are in good recovery. If you argue with thi thinking you are not.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. No drugs or alcohol for you today!!!

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Relapse

Posted by: drbutkins in sober, drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment on Jan 19, 2010

The most important area of our lives can be affected by stress. Reduce stress by 'turning toward the problem.' Perservere not procrastinate. Commit not ignore. Sober and clean, not drunk and high.

Love and peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Today's sobriety.

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction treatment, alcohol, addiction recovery on Jan 18, 2010

Have a daily ritual that is done morning, noon, and night. Your program can't survive on yesterday's prayers, good thoughts, warm friendships or actions.

Love and peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. No drugs or alcohol for you today, ok?

Comment (1)

Maintain sobriety.

Posted by: drbutkins in sobriety, drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Jan 10, 2010

Protect your sobriety at any cost. Maintain your daily regimen as though it were ' life-saving' because it is.

Love and peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Simplicity.

Posted by: drbutkins in treatment for drug addiction, treatment for alcoholism, drugs, alcohol on Jan 09, 2010

It's humbling to know that a drug and/or alcohol affected mind and body is not capable of stable and logical thinking. Yet it is necessary to have this humility in order to get sober and clean.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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New Year's Resolutions.

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment, alcohol on Jan 01, 2010

No alcohol or drugs for today. That's a lot.

Love and peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Successful Interventions.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, drugs, drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment, alcohol on Dec 31, 2009

I received phone calls from two friends who called me after doing interventions this holiday. Both asked how to mend the damage done. When an intervention is done without being planned, it can be disastrous. The 'user' can resist the intervention for many reasons, mainly because it is done 'off the cuff.'

An effective intervention needs to be planned with commitment and follow through. There must be a script that is written, rehearsed, and modified to fit the situation. Timing and attitude must be right and there has to be a leader. Those who cannot yet be logical need to be trained or asked to sit out.

All in all, an intervention has to be structured. I have developed the rules and a method that can be learned with some study. This educational tool can be found on my Ipod which is available on this site. Buy the MP3 or MP4 for just $99.00 It may save a life.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. No drugs or alcohol over the holiday (meaning today).

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