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
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!!!
Do you have a checklist, a list of strengths and weaknesses? You can create one by writing down your daily program and seeing if you have included a recovery contact, morning and evening prayer and meditation, sponsor affiliation, stepwork, trigger avoidance, seeking a Higher Power daily, adapting the steps and traditions to your daily life... Study your program and make sure your 'recovery fit.' After all, you want to stay sober and clean, right?
A friend of mine received a 47 year medallion on Saturday. His message was that he had never seen anyone drink on the day that they prayed not to drink and said 'thanks' at night.
I believe that the "secret" to staying sober over the 'long haul' is consistency in doing the basics. Do the same thing you did early on. Attend many meetings, work the steps, pray, sponsor and practice the principles in all affairs.
This is the same strategy used to be a great ball player or musician or mathematician or other successes.
Sometimes it seems that we are not getting anywhere. Keep trying to develop spiritually. Go back to whatever you were not doing. Pray, help, meditate, apologize, pay the money back, correct the lie... Keep trying to advance. Remember, we have years and years of beating ourselves up, expecting self-centered perfection.
God does not demand perfection. This would put Him out of work.