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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

drug abuse

Teenage drug and alcohol abuse.

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen alcohol abuser, family recovery, drug abuse, alcohol abuse on Apr 13, 2010

A teenager can easily fall into a state of denial and minimization of the problems associated with drug and alcohol 'use', especially marijuans use. It is easy to deny the problem unless the family helps with realistic thinking. When the family shuns drug use it becomes unfavorable to the family.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Bottom

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction help, drug abuse, alcohol recovery, addiction recovery on Sep 10, 2009

One of the most important actions you can take early on is to write the problems that you have due to drinking and/or drugging. Trust me!

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Better sober!

Posted by: drbutkins in sobriety, sober, drugs, drug abuse, alcohol on Aug 17, 2009

This is our new reality. Life is better because we are better. Sober and clean is "where it's at."

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. No drugs or alcohol today!

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"Just say something nicely"

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, drug use, drug abuse, drinking, alcohol on May 19, 2009

I think it's ok to say you're concerned 'about your drinking (and/or drug use)" as long as it's with a caring tone. Then let it be. Give the person time to process your comment. Don't avoid him or her afterwards. Be a friend unless he or she tells you to go away. Try not to convince or persuade or push the person to get sober. No one likes to be pressured and most people retreat further into their complusion.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Intervene wisely.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, drug addiction, drug abuse, alcohol addiction on May 14, 2009

If you are concerned about the intervention, get help.

However, 'Just Say Something.' Say it after investigating the "ins and outs" of an intervention. Read, rehearse, recite the script.

On the other hand, if you are a very confident person who is well respected and perhaps invited to talk about the drinking or drug abuse, just say something from the heart, with caring and firmly.

If you are overly afraid or angry or feel guilty, see paragraph 1 (above).

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Why do parents enable? Help!!!

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen drug addict, parenting a teen alcoholic, family recovery, drugs, drug abuse, denial, alcoholism disease on Feb 09, 2009

I do not have a child who uses drugs or alcohol. I do not know why parents enable children who use.

I think it because of lack of information, accurate information, about chemical depoendence. I also believe that parents enbable because of fear of the substance and the disease. Many think that it will 'go away' if they ignore it. Moreover, many parents think that, if they focus on this too much, it will get worse because the child will use more due to a rebellious nature. Or is it because of guilt. Are the parents using or is some other adult in the house using? Or are the parents not in charge of the house anymore? Are the kids holding the parents hostage? Do the parents fear their children's rejection? Do the parents feel bad, guilty, about the divorce or the fighting, or the lack of money. Whatever the reason or excuse, parent strongly. Find out your reason for not setting boundaries or enforcing rules. Join with your partner or former partner and parent as a team. What child can overpower two adults? Go to war and win. But learn the tools of warfare. Find out what others have done. It is not that difficult. Ignoring the problem or avoiding it because your spouse is drinking is not the solution. It is the problem. Go where others are that have arrested this problem. Go to Alanon and meet others who have the solution. Find a meeting that suits you and become a member. You'll thank me down the road. Hang in there. We love you.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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One step forward, two steps ...

Posted by: drbutkins in prayer, honesty, drug abuse, alcohol recovery on Feb 02, 2009

Sometimes it seems that we are not getting anywhere. Keep trying to develop spiritually. Go back to whatever you were not doing. Pray, help, meditate, apologize, pay the money back, correct the lie... Keep trying to advance. Remember, we have years and years of beating ourselves up, expecting self-centered perfection.

God does not demand perfection. This would put Him out of work.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist.

Oh yeah, don't drink or drug today.

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Consequences of marijuan, cocaine, alcohol, speed, PCP, XTC, Rufinol, Xanny bars...

Posted by: drbutkins in marijuana, drug addiction, drug abuse, cocaine addiction, alcohol on Dec 13, 2008

Pain and loss: families, children,. slf respect, cars, soouses, jobs, lives, self esteem, spirit, soul, arms, time, freedom...

GOD

Love and peace,

Docpete,the imperfect therapist

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Geographic Cure

Posted by: drbutkins in drug abuse, denial, codependency, alcohol recovery on Dec 06, 2008

Today, in recovery, we don't have to run from our problems, thinking that the town we live in is the problem or it's the people or the weather. The problem is our misuse of alcohol and/or drugs or our other compulsions. We now can work in the solution which is our creator's love and wisdom, protection and safety.

We can turn toward our problems and pursue our dreams, loves and goals. We can use our energy to pursue our desires. We can choose to reach our goals by working hard and achieving them. We can then play and enjoy life. We do not need to practice workaholism for this is a form of seeking approval/people-pleasing. And today we seek to please God.

We can also use our newfound energy to turn from our pain and the darkside of life. We can make better choices. We an pursue success.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Recognizing Addiction

Posted by: drbutkins in signs of drug addiction, recovery, drug addiction, drug abuse, alcohol, addiction on Nov 28, 2008

Sometimes we only see the addiction after it stops. Then we really see it because we crave it and can perhaps see the damge more clearly. This is true whether the addiction is drugs, alcohol, shopping, thinking, anger, food, gambling, lust, or whatever you do to extreme excess.

Stop it before it gets that far. There is a time when we see it before it devastates us. Ask someone who knows addiction.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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