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
I don't think therapists can do much about an adolescent who is addicted. The parents are the 'first teachers' and the home is the 'first classroom'. We must work with the family to influence the child. This is the most powerful choice.
When you have set limits for your child who is 'using', he or she will usually test you out to see if you will follow through with your rules. 'Stay the course' and your intervention will influence him or her and there will be a chance for recovery, either now or later. Remember, you are their most influential source.
Kids get sober by working with their parents when the parents show caring, empathy and firmness/confidence. The domineering approach does not work for most unless there is much love shown. Kids are looking for a fight and will not respond well to lack of respect.
Look for "the doc pete" on You Tube under 'Search' and you will find 17 videos, mostly on parenting a child who is drug-affected. There are seven videos outlining my seven step model.
While there are many pitfalls to avoid, the number one concern is the relationship. When communicating try to stay balenced. Don't nag, scold or lecture. Don't "blow off steam" on him or her. Don't be passive. Be confident, sure of your facts and present your concerns based on facts and observations that are specific. Be firm yet caring.
What probably seems so foreign to you and what probably seems so backwards to you is what works in recovery. The paradox is that 'what works best for your addicted 'loved one' is you getting better. Try AL-Alon.
Trying to put down the alcohol and/or drugs is a good start but our problem has always been self-sufficiency. We want to do this by using our power. If we could do this we would have. It is necessary for real addicts to seek the help of others who are experts in this area. These people can teach the effective way to get sober and clean.
A study reported in the journal of the American Medical Association reported 13,000 babies born addicted to painkillers in 2009.Babies had a low birth weight, trouble breathing and irritability problems.
Prescribed, not dispensed, use of any opiate for pain is usually safe. If a drug is used as prescribed, it is usually not harmful. The danger comes when addicts or abusers crush the drug and take it in a dose that it is not meant for, e.g., if it is time-released and is crushed it and used orally, this brings a higher dosage into the body and thus the person overdoses. Opiates are still one of the most used drugs and also one of the most dangerous. If your child or another loved-one is using this drug to get high, please intervene.