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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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teenage drug abuse

Parent direction

Posted by: drbutkins in teenage drug abuse, parenting a teen drug abuser, parenting a teen alcohol abuser on Dec 17, 2008

Whether your child is "using" drugs and/or alcohol or not, try to react from a logical point of view. What we see as manipulative is usually an attempt to get a need met. Children have needs for power, belonging, love and nurturing. See their behavior as meeting one of these needs. You will react more logically. Look at your role as a challenge to "reframe" their behavior from bad to discouraged or meeting some need or want. This way there is no bad child nor bad parent.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (5)

New sites

Posted by: drbutkins in teenage drug abuse, marijuana, cocaine addiction, addiction recovery on Aug 13, 2008

Log onto www.alcohol-abuse.org. There is a wealth of information there. I have written guides to recovery that all alcoholics/addicts should read. There is also information re: parenting a child who is "using." Link onto seven other sites we have written for more great info on addiction. We have sites on drugs, drug abuse, intervention, teen use... Whether your drug is alcohol or cocaine or meth , speed or pot, there is something for you on these sites.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (2)

Parenting a drug/alcohol teen to recovery

Posted by: drbutkins in twelve steps, twelve step program, treatment for drug addiction, treatment for alcoholism, teens and drugs, teens and drug use, teens and drug abuse, teenagers and drug abuse, teenage drug addiction, teenage drug abuse, teenage alcoholism, teen drug addiction, recovery, myblog, intervention, drug addiction treatment, drug addiction recovery, codependency, alcoholism treatment, alcoholics anonymous, alcohol, addiction recovery, addiction, 12 step program on Jun 25, 2008

Sticking your head in the sand will only make the problem worse as you'll convey the message that you really are not going to do anything to upset the applecart. Your teen will only use more. You'll be making it easier for him/her to use.

The solution is to parent from a united and confident marriage or team. It is difficult for anyone to overcome the teaching coming from a solid base. I don't know many children who have that much power in a family. If one does, it is easily regained if two parents form a strong union and agree on the course of action. This is the heart of the solution.

Next, efforts must be made to get the help from those who have "been there". This is the twelve step path. At this point, the mature direction is to let your child heal and healing yourself by your twelve step involvement. Do what they do and you'll be successful. An addictions therapist can be invaluable as an educator and coach.

Love and peace,

Docpete

Comment (2)