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
Latest studies (NIDA, 2009) cite the impoortance of healthy diet and also the urgance of eating clean and cooked food that has been well stored. Remember that addiction recovery breeds sucess in all areas. "We have a program" with incredible power. There is much hope. Use the steps.
We have to concede that we could not quit. One only quits something once. Quitting means one does not resume the behavior. S/he stops. Period! The behavior is not continued at a later date.
Generally, the thoughts and feelings must change. Specifically, the thoughts must be positive and based on gratitude; the feelings are changed from sad to glad, from guilt to glad, from anger to glad, from remorse to glad, from fear to glad.
Do whatever it takes to change to gratitude and glad.
We are in the process of updating and getting the site ready for a press release. Now, more than ever, we need your support. The site is almost ready to "take off" and we're ready to see that happen. There's been a lot of work, time and effort put into this production. Help us make it the best site out there for addiction. My dream has been to reach the addict/alcoholic and the twenty to five-hundred people s/he affects. This is already happening and will continue to happen on a larger scale. Kudos to my brother for his work and dedication while being busy at two other jobs. Here's to success. Thanks to everyone who has blogged, logged on and read, responded.
Expect to "let up" on your program and lose the motivation to attend meetings and do the steps... The drugs and alcohol have had an effect and you will detox for about a year to two years. Make it, one day at a time, week to week and month to month until your recovery is deep. Remember that your disease has had its way with you for many years. Accept the fact that it has not gone away entirely.
If you work diligently at your recovery, you will see the results. Make daily meeting, talk to those in strong recovery. pray, have quiet time, thank Him at night, spend the day in a quest to be helpful to God, self and our fellow men and women. Pray for direction. You will be contacted. Pray for willingness to keep it up.
I guess the best I've heard is a paraphrase from Vernon Johnson, I'll Quit Tomorrow, when he explains that 'Quality recovery occurs when an addict/alcoholic feels empathy for others'. This has helped me on numerous occasions when I wasn't sure about my attitude, when I was judging my friends. This benchmark concept redirects my thinking.
The second best tool I have is being grateful I do not dring or abuse drugs. This simple concept is another gem in that it teaches me how to think and feel. It eliminates any chance my disease has to infiltrate my mind and soul with the sickness of self-centered fear or resentment that has never served me well.
I have made the decision, through God's mercy and grace, to think in a positive manner. I pray that I be allowed to continue.