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
The main obstacle to an adolescent's treatment is the intense fear and frustration that the family feels coupled with an intense need to fix the problem in a controlling manner. This makes it difficult to treat the child.
Healing comes with non-possessive surrender of the child to the Higher Power and then years of Alanon. Otherwise, the parents and other family members can become addicted to fixing the child (fruitlessly I might add) and suffering themselves due to this hopeless task. The key is to seek experts and do what they say.
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.
Even though you are not practicing helping others in your field of counseling or social work, you can do your dream by blogging and sharing your knowledge, skills and abilities with families that are stressed and dysfunctional. During these times, family members need others to clarify, support and just let them know there is hope. THESE PEOPLE LOG ONTO THIS SITE. Some deal with addiction and others with dysfunction in general. When you blog, you will connect with many people. You may even save a life!
Once we get "IN" the program and begin to see that our purpose is to be of service, we can see and feel the joy of God's world. Then we can choose either song. We can now realize that we have been given freedom and opportunity. The world is our oyster.
Once we see the "light", the fact that we don't have to commit slow suicide anymore, we can see the "gift" of sobriety. Once we clear out the resentments, we can feel the joy. We simply have to connect with people in a loving way instead of our old negative way. We can now enjoy life resentment free.
Love and peace,
Docpete, the imperfect therapist
P.S. Hats off to Jean for 37 years os sobriety, not abstinence, sbriety
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.