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
The family is the most influential resource the child has. The family must become functional, i.e., reality-based regarding the addiction, in order to intervene effectively. This encompasses a mindset based on accurate information about the problem/disease and a willingness to be coached by an expert.
If the family goes untreated, the chances for the addict/alcoholic tyo become treated lessen. Drugs and alcohol are not the only drugs. We can become addicted to fixing another person, especially a child.
To me, the most difficult part of an intervention is to determine your boundaries and stick to them. For example, you deserve to live without the htreat of an addict. Your boundary may be that there is not going to be an drinking or drug use in your home. Because the addict is used to not having consequences, this can be life-changing for both you and him. In fact, he or she is used tohaving others pay for them. The consequences are so that the addict can feel the repercussions of using and, therefore, feel the losses and become motivated by the consequences. ' What ifs' are the boundaries or consequences you state and enforce in order for you to live successfully.
It is confusing but we can subsidize an addict's use by paying for other things that he or she will not have to pay for. Their money can now be used to buy drugs and alcohol. This is difficult to understand and stop. I think that the only chance we have to stop our behavior is to attend Alanon.
Love and Peace,
Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist
P.S. Do not obsess over another's using unless they ask for help and are willing to attend meetings, abstain and change behavior and attitude and pray.
When you know and can feel the sense that intervention makes you are no longer tied to the addiction. Your actions to free yourself from the addict is a breakthrough from bondage to freedom. This 'selfish' act also provides the addict a chance to recover. You have turned a lose-lose into a win-win. The only sensible direction is to do your duty as a parent, enforce consequences, and stand by your decision. Get approval from God and self and healthy people, not from an addict.