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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

denial

Addiction Hurts.

Posted by: drbutkins in denial, codependency, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Jun 13, 2010

Just say something! The fear of being challenged or or coping with an addict's rejection and anger pales in comparison to the joy of healing.

Love and Peace.

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Controlling.

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen drug addict, parenting a teen alcoholic, denial, codependency on May 28, 2010

Notice the ways that you try to control people and situations. Is this helpful to you or others?

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Parenting - Do no harm.

Posted by: drbutkins in family recovery, denial, codependency, alcoholism treatment on Apr 03, 2010

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.

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YOUR bottom!

Posted by: drbutkins in denial, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Aug 31, 2009

When we talk about consequences, there exists a wide range from which to choose. Yours is yours, no matter what it is. Your perception of the pain, whether letting down a son or going to prison or getting a DUI, is what counts. Who knows what hurts certain persons and how much. The important thing to know is that your pain is enough to motivate you to stop the "slow death march".

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Oh, by the way, stay clean and sober today.

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Disguised Arrogance

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of alcoholism, drug addiction recovery, denial, addiction recovery on Aug 25, 2009

Any attempt to argue or defy someone who is trying to help you in sobriety is arrogant.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Intelligence

Posted by: drbutkins in denial, addiction recovery on Aug 24, 2009

Insight into a problem is a sign of intelligence. However, denial of addiction is both a mental impairment and a spiritual one also. Cocaine and alcohol and pot and ... are not rational. Drugs do not negotiate or speak from reason. They are terrorists.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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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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Another Successful Intervention.

Posted by: drbutkins in living with an alcoholic, intervention, denial on Aug 16, 2009

A friend just managed to stop screaming at him and talk with caring and firm kindness. Results were very good as the "victim" unplugged and the abuser has broken denial.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Tension and hopelessness in the family.

Posted by: drbutkins in humility, family recovery, denial, codependency, addiction recovery on Jun 03, 2009

As these feelings rise, communication in the family becomes more and more strained. The efforts of the family to help have failed. It is now necessary to distance oneself from the addiction.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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