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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

intervention

Adolescent addiction.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, humility, family recovery, codependency, addiction recovery on May 07, 2010

The family is the most influential resource the child has. The family must become functional, i.e., reality-based regarding the addiction, in order to intervene effectively. This encompasses a mindset based on accurate information about the problem/disease and a willingness to be coached by an expert.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Family Treatment with Teens.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, humble, hope, addiction recovery on May 06, 2010

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.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Intervene wisely.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment on Apr 24, 2010

This means to do the intervention under expert guidance.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Plan to intervene.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, drug addiction treatment, addiction recovery on Apr 14, 2010

Planning is an essential part of influencing an addict/alcoholic. Ther drugs and alcohol have influenced him or her for a long time. It will take time for you to arrange a scenario that will turn this around.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Intervention - An Act of Love.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention on Apr 13, 2010

Intervention is all about talking and influencing a person who does not think they have a problem, does not want help and thinks you are 'off the wall.' It takes a lot of preparation and caring to perofrm.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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"What if."

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, codependency, alcoholism treatment on Apr 12, 2010

To me, the most difficult part of an intervention is to determine your boundaries and stick to them. For example, you deserve to live without the htreat of an addict. Your boundary may be that there is not going to be an drinking or drug use in your home. Because the addict is used to not having consequences, this can be life-changing for both you and him. In fact, he or she is used tohaving others pay for them. The consequences are so that the addict can feel the repercussions of using and, therefore, feel the losses and become motivated by the consequences. ' What ifs' are the boundaries or consequences you state and enforce in order for you to live successfully.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Intervention or Interfering?

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, alcoholism treatment on Apr 11, 2010

When an intervention is done under an experienced and trained clinician, it is usually very effective.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Intervention is the start.

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen alcoholic, intervention, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Apr 08, 2010

The start means the start of detachment from the disease of addiction. There comes a point when help is not help. The enablers must agree to enforce consequences so necessary for change. At the least, the enablers must let logical consequences happen without preventing the loss necessary for recovery.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Is intervention worth it?

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Apr 07, 2010

Yes. However, it is effective only when the family and friends who make it happen are committed and follow through with their personal boundaries. They must do what they say they will do.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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When to do an intervention.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, alcoholism treatment on Apr 05, 2010

Do an intervention when the participants are committed. The alcoholic/addict is able to be 'moved' when you are committed to follow the interventionist's guidelines. More to come.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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