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
In order to combat such a powerful force, we need to stay out of denial and in the war by spending time with others who are in the same position as us. Some will be fresh in the program with new battle scars; we need them as reminders. Others will be veterans, we need them for hope and inspiration and direction. Together we can survive and prosper, making this a better world, without addiction taking over. We can stop it in our generation; in this generation!!!
There is a behavioral phenomenom that describes many addicts and alcoholics. There is a lack of discipline and inability to focus on Now along with a preoccupation with self and unconcern for others that seems to be inherent and stemming from the disease but also affected by many other variables. These include, DNA, family of origin problems, gender, lifestyle... These are difficult to identify in the individual and difficult to measure. However, when an addict and/or alcoholic becomes desparate, honest and clear-minded enough to become aware of the problem and the depth of it, he or she can become motivated to recover and take certain actions that lead to recovery.
However, the addicted person usually forgets that he or she has these characteristics after being sober and clean for a while. Therefore, there is a need of consistent reminders of the importance of recovery and the accompanying behaviors such as prayer, meetings, constant contact with recovering people and a grateful approach to life that makes 'giving back' a pleasure.
When enablers pay the alcoholic/addict "way," the door becomes open for the person to return to the old thinking and old behavior. If you want him or her to recover, go to Al-Anon and find out how others do this successfully. Enlist their support.
Sometimes we have difficulty coping with and resolving our past hurts because the feelings are so intense. It is then that we tend to blame another and 'lock up our intense fear and resentment. Often, a crisis will provide the opportunity to realize the extent of the pain and we can let it seep out little by little, channel the feelings to the source where they were first felt and, thus work toward closure. The operation takes as long as it takes. The pain is nowhere as painful as the alternatives.
Let your kids and spouse know about the disease and the solution. Let them know what happens with just ONE. Let them know about ther CONSEQUENCES/PROBLEMS. Let them know what happens when we get sober and clean and how we are better. Pass it on!