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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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Dr. Petes' Words of Wisdom

alcohol abuse

Man up! Just say something!!!

Posted by: drbutkins in family recovery, denial, codependency, alcohol and drug abuse, addiction recovery on Aug 23, 2009

In 1908 marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local drugstores. (No, I don't remember this. I am quoting from 50+, the lIfestyle magazine for the 'savvy 50+ in age.) Back then, pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives bouyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach abd bowels, and is, in fact, a "perfect guardian of health.'" (50+. Lifestyle survival Guise, Fall 2008).

This type of denial still exists in a dufferent form. Now we have accurate information but the rewards of "using", i.e., power, control, money, sex and praise are too prevalent to overcome the damage done. We are no longer ignorant of the consequences but we still ignore it.

Stand up! Just say something. Fear is a convenient excuse to be silent. Use others to share the "weight." See intervention information for how.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Oh yeah. No drugs or alcohol today. OK?

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Ask God...

Posted by: drbutkins in prayer, humility, alcohol and drug abuse on Apr 27, 2009

A friend of mine received a 47 year medallion on Saturday. His message was that he had never seen anyone drink on the day that they prayed not to drink and said 'thanks' at night.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Are you or aren't you?

Posted by: drbutkins in denial, alcohol recovery, alcohol and drug abuse on Apr 26, 2009

Ambivalence is a "step up.' It follows pre-treatment and denial. Try to be open-minded about your problem drinking or drug abuse. If you have this problem, you'll want to know. You won't believe what happens next.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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To control or not to control...

Posted by: drbutkins in stepwork, sobriety, alcohol and drug abuse, addiction recovery on Apr 26, 2009

That is the question. Does willpower work? I think not. If it did we could stop.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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To control or not to control...

Posted by: drbutkins in stepwork, sobriety, alcohol and drug abuse, addiction recovery on Apr 26, 2009

That is the question. Does willpower work? I think not. If it did we could stop.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Parents: do not switch enablers.

Posted by: drbutkins in teenage drug addiction, teenage alcoholism, parenting a teen drug addict, parenting a teen drug abuser, parenting a teen alcoholic, parenting a teen alcohol abuser, drug addiction treatment, codependency, alcohol and drug abuse, alcohol addiction on Nov 05, 2008

Enabling means that someone is allowing the situation/drug and/or alcohol use to continue by not setting boundaries and enforcing consequences to occur. Sometimes it involves not allowing natural c0onsequences to occur. For example, when a young adult or adult gets a DUI and the parents "cover up" the stressful situation that he or she needs in order to 'wake up' and stop using, the teen knows that s/he is going to be sheltered and protected from the harm done by the using. This harm, pain and loss, is necessary in order to 'wake up' and feel the consequences of the use.

When you pay a lawyer to take away the problem, you are preventing recovery from occurring. The pain is removed and motivation erased. The teen always knows that you or someone you pay will take away the problems and then they can use again.

Be aware that treatment places can take away all stress except internal stress and, therafore, protect the person from the consequences. This will allow the problem to continue.

When all enablers stop enabling, the addict/alcoholic cannot use.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Early Recovery from alcohol and/or drugs

Posted by: drbutkins in treatment for drug addiction, treatment for alcoholism, recovery, alcohol and drug abuse on Aug 17, 2008

There is much to do early in recovery. Try not to analyze and follow the guidance of those who have been there.

The worst position to take is overconfidence. Watch how you act around the opposite sex and try to get dumber as time goes on. We know very little...

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Our Gift

Posted by: drbutkins in self actualization, recovery, myblog, alcohol and drug abuse on Aug 15, 2008

Be mindful of the fact that our greatest gift is our freedom from addiction. Cherish and nurture this as your greatest possession because it is. It allows us to have all other things except those that kill us. We get to abstain from toxic drugs and alcohol,

Stay motivated to keep attending meetings and helping others by attending meetings and helping others.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Leaving the nest and addiction

Posted by: drbutkins in self actualization, recovery, myblog, living with an alcoholic, alcohol and drug abuse on Aug 02, 2008

Drugs and alcohol come with rules. We have to adhere to rigid and inhibiting rules that stifle and prohibit growth and creativity.

It's hard enough to individuate (leave home and develop your own 'way') without the curse of addiction in the family telling you not to talk, feel or trust. When we have become educated on addiction, we can see the truth: We are all children of God who deserve peace and success. We learn how to be useful and then people stop criticizing us.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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