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
My new Ebook is available on Amazon Kindle in PDF or Word and is downloadable. Tried and True Methods for getting Sober and Clean is a three year project that is well worth buying at $9.99 as it will strengthen your Program. If you use just one of the many techniques and tools offered, you will save the price of the book many times over. You won't be sorry.
Coaches are not 12 step sponsors. Coaches are trained to set goals, hold people accountable, listen and help direct people to become successful. The skills are taught and 'finely tuned' in order to foster consistency and ethical behavior.
Without meetings and steps and sponsoring, I would not be able to stay honest. Under great perceived or real stress, my ability to be honest is poor. When I pray or sit in a meeting for five minutes, I get honest through a Higher Power and can see my part in the problem.
Remember that you did nor choose this disease and that relapse is a characteristic of the disease. Learn from the relapse and realize that most all addicts/alcoholics relapse at least once. However, make this the last one. First, let go of the debilitating guilt and learn what you need to do better.
Alcohol addiction sometimes is characterized by a ten year period of adaptation wherein the addict is slowly progressing into later stages. During this period few problems are seen as the person develops maladaptive patterns of coping that 'cover up' the behaviors. For example, the addict will blame someone else, divert, excel at work, rationalize or excuse the behaviors... In addition, no one wants this problem in the family and, therefore, these diversions will be welcomed by the enablers. Reality-based people will see the problems but, because the family is dysfunctional and protects the addict, will not go up against this intact system.
No one wants this problem in their family. Therefore, denial forms. Parents need to study their child's behavior objectively. A therapist should be most objective. If there is a problem, parents need to recognize it and follow through with consequences and treatment. Otherwise, the problem progresses and the state or the drug takes over the child.
It's important for us to think of recovery and not fighting some war. The war on drugs isn't really focused on drugs; it's a war on the drug user, the sick person. Instead of fighting, let's focus on recovery and treating this problem. When we all are educated about the problem, we can get treatment. Treatment includes treatment for the families also. We have to stop fighting the drug user and treat the drug user who is treatable.
Has the drug czar ever been a person who knows about drugs and recovery?