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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 addiction recovery

Controlling what?

Posted by: drbutkins in gratitude, drug addiction treatment, drug addiction recovery, alcohol on Jan 23, 2010

Many times, in recovery, we try to control things that make little difference to us. We think that we need to take care of many things that either do not matter or that we cannot control. We can usually control only parts of self. My belief is that any control I have is because a Creator has given me life. This belief is what begins our sober and clean journey from drugs and alcohol.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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New?

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction recovery, alcohol recovery on Sep 15, 2009

Give your 12 step program two weeks and see if you are successful. Make sure you see your M.D. for detox possibilities. You'll be glad you did. Usually, this is a positive experience.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the impetfect therapist

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The disease of addiction

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction treatment, drug addiction recovery, addiction on Sep 04, 2009

If you want to get sober and clean, very little will stand in your way. If you are hesitant when you have the 'window of opportunity' or resist help, you will be torn to shreds by the disease. I believe that it has a life of its own and will get you in many forms.

Some of these traps are disguised in our thought processes. In general, the disease will tell you that you are smarter or wiser or stronger than Joe or Mary or dad or mom or brother Bill or whatever... It takes many, many meetings and listening to 'right thinking' before we have an accurate picture of our problem (step one). Give yourself a chance and get the help you need and deserve before the disease of addiction cuts you to ribbons.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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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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Get God in there somehow!

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, humility, drug addiction recovery, codependency, alcohol recovery on May 15, 2009

Ask for help. We are human and can use some help. Entertain the idea that we may not ne able to do this without His help.

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Control or not?

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, drug addiction recovery, alcoholism signs on Apr 26, 2009

Did you ever decide to have just one and have eight?

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Overconfidence

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction recovery, drug addiction, alcoholism treatment, alcohol on Feb 13, 2009

Watch for sober behavior that is reminiscent of old behavior. For example, beware of taking a stand on a recovery issue in the same manner as you did over a bar issue when you were drinking or drugging. We have to be open-minded and flexible about everything except our drinking and drug use. Stay "right sized".

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

And also, no drugs or alcohol for you today!

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Parent Trap

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen drug addict, intervention, drug addiction recovery, alcohol on Jan 04, 2009

The real Parent Trap involves scapegoating. This is making one of the children or family members or soemone else such a target that the real problem is disguised. For example, in an addictive family, there is usually a volunteer scapegoat, a child or member who uses, steals, talks back, fails in some way or causes attention frequently via negative behavior. This child does not want to see a divorce occur and will sacrifice him or herself in order to preserve the family. Much of this activity/dynamic is subconscious. However, the child is being abused by this sacrifice because he or she will grow to continue to believe that he or she is a problem, a misfit, a black sheep... The parents can stop this by being honest. This means dealing with their tempers, their rage, their fears, their guilt, their pain...

If you want proof of this, stop making the child the scapegoat. Have him or her live with a relative and treat him or her like a normal child who is on vacation. If this dynamic is real, the child will act out at the relative's home (let the relative tell you this) or you will find a new scapegoat. Then you can see this and perhaps start talking about your pain and heal. Then the family heals. This prevents 'relief' drinking and drugging.

Let's stop this in this generation.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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Consistent Recovery

Posted by: drbutkins in treatment for drug addiction, treatment for alcoholism, sobriety, drug addiction recovery, codependency, cocaine addiction, alcohol on Dec 14, 2008

Have a way to keep up with your program. Reading this blog is a great way to stay focused on a recovery/spiritual path. My blogs are aimed at a recovery measage with encouragement and inspiration for the recovering person. Whether you are recovering from alcohol, cocaine, opiate, opium, narcotics, amphetamine, marijuana, hallucinogen dependence or addiction to another person, my blogs are written with you in mind, the recovering person. I know that this is important and I gladly share what I know, all that I know, in the hope that you also stay sober and clean for the day. I welcome your comments and input so that we can further this goal and make this sight the best it can be. I want this site to be effective as a means to bettering your sobriety/clean time.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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The Way to Recovery - Save your Life.

Posted by: drbutkins in drug addiction recovery, drug addiction help, alcohol recovery on Nov 30, 2008

Think, "I have to save my life by following the path that other recovery people that are successful have followed. My concerns about money, work, my partner, my ideas... are all unimportant compared to saving my life. When we save my life and I am in SOLID RECOVERY, I can meet my pbligations for partnership, work, finances... This is recovery thinking that leads to success. Dismiss other thoughts.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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