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.
Most addicts/alcoholics try many things before trying treatment from someone else. The addict is driven to control his own destiny. If this worked, we wouldn't need treatment professionals and Twelve-Step programs. They work and attempts to treat oneself by oneself usually lead to death.
Relapse thoughts are not as 'fixed' as relapse beliefs. The thoughts such as, 'I can probably handle it now', or 'Maybe I could get away with it' are much different than deep-seated beliefs such as 'I'm not like those other people', or I'm young and I can handle anything'. The latter thoughts are more difficult to refute as they are more founded. They are belief 'systems' that form the person's view of self. The former are thoughts that are more easily refuted and, therefore, the relapse can be averted with minimal difficulty. This is especially true if this thinking has been explored in treatment or at meetings prior to the temptation. The brain is then forewarned about the thought and is ready with a reality-based thought that replaces the lie.
This means that you are aware that, if you take care of your 'program' first and take the actions, think realistic thoughts, you will be able to have the things that you need and many that you want.
Love and Peace,
Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist
P.S. Do not drink alcohol or take drugs today. Good idea?
Initially and immediately, once you are out of denial, write the problems that resulted from using. Get help with this. Take the project on as seriously as a heart attack.
The problem is staying off drugs and/or alcohol. The solution is the steps of a twelve step program. Living with integrity and honestly without cheating and conning our way through life is the 'test'. We cannot wish to do this. We need a structure and a deep desire in order to do this. The twelve step programs provide this.
We practice good recovery in our daily lives. Practice means to try without hesitation. Helping others without concern for getting something back is one example. Being the best you can at your job and making a workplace productive and able to produce/fit to help others is another way to apply one's program. It doesn't matter what you do. Whether you assist at open heart surgery or sell time shares, you have a great opportunity to be helpful. These are great, great opportunities. Don't miss them. Look for them. Be mindful of them. These can change lives. This attitude can save lives.
Every grateful person in AA or NA or other twelve step programs knows what true freedom is. Freedom to and Freedom not to. The world is our "oyster" as long as we don't pick up a drug or drink today. Such a gift for we previously hopeless is truly from Heaven.
Enjot this day of freedom and say a prayer for our troops who make it happen for us.