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
'Beef up' your program from the start by attending many, many, meetings and get a sponsor and work the steps immediately. Your foundation will allow you to achieve sobriety for the 'long haul.' This way the temptations of drinking alcohol and/or using drugs will be offset with sober thinking and sober actions. These two come from learning and practicing the steps. The alcoholic/addictive mind will be under control.
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.
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.
Connect the problems with your drinking and/or drug use. Do you have these problems when you are not indulging? Next, take action to get help. Call your local hotline and find an addiction specialist, preferably one who has "been there".
As the disease progresses, the person's self-esteem decreases and he or she must enter into a temporary release from this pain through drinking. However, as the pain grows, this relief is shorter and harder to find. The ego takes over and the person becomes very self-centered, actring as if they were the 'end all and be all.' This is to overcompensate for feeling of worthlessness. Most of the time, this dynamic is unconscious. Be patient and tolerent. Do not take the addict/alcoholic's barbs abd abuse personally. Just get away from the toxicity.
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).
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".