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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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12 step program

Teen Recovery. Is father drinking?

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen alcoholic, parenting a teen alcohol abuser, family recovery, addiction recovery, 12 step program on May 20, 2010

When a parent is drinking the family can still recover. The system is very dysfunctional. However, if the members will go to Alanon, they have a chance to detach from the disease with love.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Get it right from the 'get go.'

Posted by: drbutkins in family recovery, drug addiction treatment, drinking, 12 step program on Mar 24, 2010

Go to meetings (AA, NA, Alanon...) and do what the winners do. It's that simple.

Do not drink, drug, or use others as your addiction. Work YOUR program. You'll like it better after you get used to it.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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RELAPSE.

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction treatment, drug addiction help, drinking, 12 step program on Mar 23, 2010

The only 12 step meeting mistake you can make is to stop going to 12 step meetings.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Do not drink or drug today. OK?

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Staying sober and clean...

Posted by: drbutkins in sober, alcohol recovery, 12 step program on Nov 19, 2009

Most of all, stay close to the "Program" and its principles. The literature of the 12 step programs have many, many solutions. Sometimes I think that there are solutions to most of our problems, if not all.

We no longer have to immerse ourselves in the chaos of the world and can have our solace available daily.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Just getting Sober and clean?

Posted by: drbutkins in recovery, humility, 12 step program on Jul 14, 2009

First, realize how fortunate you are to have this chance. You may be the first or second in your family. Next, protect your program/recovery by getting a sponsor and 'working' the steps. Finally, practice your gift by helping other people who want what you have attained. God bless.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Protect your recovery

Posted by: drbutkins in recovery, prayer, 12 step program on Mar 20, 2009

Place your "program" first. Plan your day around your meeting and your prayers. Work on spiritual principles and you won't go wrong.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapsit

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Holiday Relapse

Posted by: drbutkins in twelve steps, treatment for drug addiction, powerless, honesty, alcohol addiction, addiction recovery, 12 step program on Dec 23, 2008

Relapse is relapse! When we get sober, we must "burn in" the idea that we cannot drink or drug, no matter what. We are powerless. This means that we did it for years when it was not in our best interests. We can't do it safely and predictably anymore. This powerlessness can be seen in the unmanageable behaviors we created because we kept drinking and/or drugging after it became a habit that we could not stop. The problems were seen in poor job performance (ask your boss or co-workers), failed relationships, divorces, fights, jail time, poor health or worse. It can also be seen in smaller or lesser instances such as taking out the garbage beer cans or liquor bottles to the trash station or curb with that guilty feeling that disappears after you walk back to the house. It can be seen in lesser examples such as poor sports skills, lessening motor coordination and hand-eye coordination, that tired feeling, morning hangovers, headaches, not looking people in the eyes when we talk to them, becoming the "death of the party". The powerlessness and unmanageability must be seen. Write the problems you have (had) with drinking and/or drugging. Ask for the first step to be covered at a meeting in order to see other's bottoms. Get this one burned in at a deep level. If we could use safely, we probably still would be using.

Next, in order to keep up your recovery, use my thinking. My thinking is that, if I go (and I do) to meetings daily, I work better, I love better, I feel better, I make more money, I like myself, you like me... It is just logical. Whe w e take care of ourselves by going to meeting regularly and helping self and others, getting our messages of recovery and a peaceful spirit on a regular basis, we are insuring against a "slip" and also protecting our recovery. We are practicing what works. We are not thinking about how we can manage things. We are turning the problems of the world over to our New Manager.

Relapse is all about the first step. We must know and care that we are going to fall without our program and fellowship.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Step application

Posted by: drbutkins in higher power, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, 12 step program on Nov 24, 2008

We can apply any life situation to a step; i.e., we can "turn it over', admit the truth or our powerlessness at any time, make amends when we goof up, pray for them or us, talk to someone about the feeling (resentment or fear...), seek a Higher Power, see the unmanageability and detach... We can learn this with constant, consistent contact with our 12 step life. What a contrast from dying of drug and/or alcohol addiction/exposure.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Asking for help

Posted by: drbutkins in myblog, codependency, 12 step program on Nov 21, 2008

Our problem is self. We cannot treat "self" with a selfish mind. We need others. Choose wisely. Those who are trying to help others because they are at the 12th step are good helpers. Those who are helping so that they can stay sober are good candidates. Those who are helping because it is the right thing to do are excellent helpers. Choose wisely.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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