Josh Hamilton remarked that he thought he had his disease beat.  This may indicate why he relapsed.  His thinking may have been skewed in the sense that he thought he had to overcome the problem as many people believe.  Accurate information is found at twelve-step meetings where we learn that we don't beat the disease.  We can't beat the game.  We surrender to God and He beats the game, i.e., takes away the cravings and helps us to become humble enough to stop trying to win and surrender to a Power that helps us abstain.  We can play God all that we want but we can't beat addiction by fighting it.  We need ongoing help.  This is reality.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete

www.facebook.com/peteralanbutkins

www.youtube.com/thedocpete

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Ask God for something for someone else and then get out of the way.  Watch closley.  Try this.   It's a 'low-risk' proposition.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete

www.facebook.com/peteralanbutkins

www.youtube.com/thedocpete

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I believe that recovery from substances takes a spiritual experience.  Whenever anyone supports a Higher Power, I'm all for them.  God knows we've got enough negativity and 'Millions of people can't all be wrong' (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1939).  I believe this unashamed allegience 'opens the door' for many who are entering recovery and have doubts about God.  It is refreshing to see and hear another person praise God and give the credit to Him (and his team mates).  It makes it easier to beieve that a Higher Power is there and may help get you sober and clean.  We need more of this.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete

www.facebook.com/peteralanbutkins

www.youtube.com/thedocpete

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Early on in my recovery I learned to avoid stressful 'outside issues'.  Therefore, I stayed away from drama when possible and controversial people, places and things when possible.  The way I would remind myself was to say that I only read the funny pages and sports section of the newspaper.  Well, after a few years of reading about steroid use and duis and domestic violence charges against atheletes, I quit reading the sports section as often.  Now, I read it mpore often because I love sports and there are a few good men and women atheletes who are concerned about our future generation and have character to support values andprinciples instead of themselves.

 This is especially true when Tebow beats the Jet 17-13 with all of the naysayers lined up to criticize and gives credit to God and his team.  Our AA book says something like 'don't be afraid to express your faith'.  Tebow is doing it on a grand level without being grand.  Very cool!!!

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

You Tube: thedocpete

Facebook: Peter Alan Butkins

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I believe this is necessary.  This has been my personal experience and my treatment experience. I have seen this hundreds of times.  It is not a coincidence.  It stopped being a coincidence after I saw it happen the first one thousand times.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you want additional counseling

via internet or telephone or in
person go to :

www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

facebook:  allabout addictions

You Tube (for Doc's videos) - the doc pete

drbutkins@gmail.com      (407) 786-1913

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The mind can only have one thought at a time.  Train it to think of God instead of negative things.  Talk about the pain to dispel it but compartmentalize the time you spend doing this.  Then defocus and pray.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you want additional counseling

via internet or telephone or in
person go to

www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

facebook:  the doc pete (for Doc's videos)

drbutkins@gmail.com      (407) 786-1913

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I bow my head when I pass any church.  I am happy to know that people have a Higher Power.  Addicts and alcoholics will not find God if it is forced on them in any way. 

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you are interested in additional counseling by email or telephone

log onto http://www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com/

Free 30 minute consultation during April.

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Not much is written about men and women in their twenties getting clean.  There are many articles and books about adolescent or adult recovery.  We need to focus on the young adults who are barely out of their teens and do not have a clear-headed experience in the adult world or a long time in the workforce or academic setting.  This means that they have not developed the skills that older people have.  On the other hand, they may have a shorter time ruining their lives.  At any rate, recovery is obtained from a learning experience as learned from those who have 'been there.'   

Family may still be available and health intact.  These 'assets' are either pros or con.  The humility needed for recovery has to be tempered with the awareness that these assets are gifts, unearned and freely given by a Higher Entity.  Humility is necessary and attained with an honest look at one's situation - The TRUTH.  And the truth is that we do not get clean because we are sharp or gifted.  We get clean because we get a gift. 

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you are interested in additional counseling by email or telephone

log onto www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

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We don't have to go back to the old ways.  We have a new Power that far surpasses the old toxic power.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

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Peace and sound judgment are available when the pressure is on if you have developed the habit of prayer and quiet time.  The chaos and poor decision-making can be overcome if you practice being still.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. check out www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

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