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
After we have seen the hell of "using," we can see the joy of sobriety. We no longer yearn for the insanity. We are more than glad to be away from the madness of drugs and alcohol. We yearn for treatment.
Is this an oxymoron? No! it's a matter of perception. However, a couple of decades ago my definition of alcoholism was much different from Webster's.
The average alcoholic is in his or her forties with a job and family. On-the-job absenteeism is the major consequence of the drinking and this is masked or justified in numerous ways. Alcoholism if the best kept 'secret'.
I'm excited! The first newsletter I've designed will be out soon. It will cover topics and information on drug addiction, alcoholism as well as people problems and solutions to people issues. Let me know if you want a copy by sending me your email.
ADDICTION IS A PRIMARY DISEASE. WE DON'T GET SOBER UNTIL WE STOP DRINKING. GgETTING OUR STOMACHS CUT OUT AND BLAMING OUR DRINKING EPISODES ON BAD LUCK AND STILL DRINKING IS NOT A WAY TO GET SOBER. IF ONE IS TO GET SOBER HE OR SHE MUST NOT DRINK AND LEARN TO BE HONEST, AMEND OUR FAULTY BEHAVIOR AND HELP OTHERS WITHOUT TELLING EVERYONE.
Where you have compulsive behavior, whether shopping (spending), gambling, overeating, lust, anger..., look for alcoholism/addiction. The 'drug' of choice may be disguised but the disease is the same. This is helpful because, when drinking becomes desirable, one can be forewarned.
Thanks to Mike and Mary and the other Mary and Todd and Jeff for calling in last night. As usual, Jerry and I had a ball, fielding calls and talking about recovery. Our aim is to build a community of recovering people who can blog on this site anonymously as well as check out the show. Whether your concern is drugs and alcohol, codependency, other compulsions or whatever, we want to help you to be more successful. Come on board, the water's great!
We just added a forum and newsfeed on Medical News related to addiction and alcoholism. Volunteers would be very much appreciated to add content and to help us create the most complete web site related to addiction and alcoholism. Email Dr. Pete or the webmaster if you can help us out with this huge undertaking....
Plan your day around a meeting, even when you are taking on too much at work or have family obligations. Plan tyour day around recovery. Plan your day around a meeting.
Be mindful to stick with people who are serious as a heart attack about their recovery. Have two or three friends that you can rely on and be their friend also. Be loyal and truthful with them. Have their numbers in your cell phone and call often. Remember, the animals stay in herds or the predators get them. Our nemisis is alcohol and drugs. Be a winner. Stick with the winners.