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
Do not make changes to your program the first year (and probably never). Talk with someone else about your thought. Use your sponsor. Watch your thinking.
For addicts/alcoholics, these "downers" are highly addictive. Not every addict will have a sedative habit. The drug of choice is different for most addicts/alcoholics. However, when addicts/alcoholics use any drug, there is a danger of becoming addicted. Pot does not "settle" a person down for long. It can be "laced" with hallucinogens, flour, PCP, baking soda or whatever the distributor has on hand. Alcohol and tranquilizers strongly affect the central nervous system and most organs in a deleterious manner. This is accurate information. 'Street thought' is based on cravings and obsessive thoughts of using. The addictive mind becomes the enemy, turning on the person with a 'life of its own', telling the person anything to get him or her high. Get accurate information.
I believe that the number one relapse trigger for a teen is old friends and old "using" places. True acceptance is going where recovering people go. Acceptance is the opposite of denial.
Need for control is a relapse sign. The real alcoholic/addict is a 'control freak' and will "know" what will happen tomorrow, what he will do and what you should do.
The addict/alcoholic "in recovery" won't know very much and won't need to know very much.
I think that 'cosigning' any drug is giving permission to use it. I never wasnt to be a a part of someone's using. I don't want to give my permission to anyone to use. I think marijuana destroys the immune system and lungs and appetite for life. It is not a good thing. I have a strong opinion on it and want to let others know it.
Marijuana may help soften the pain of cataract, glaucama, cancer and other sufferers of depression and/or learning disorders. However, we have other drugs that work much better.
Sometimes, due to tragedy, illness or great opportunity, we have much difficulty putting in the time we did the first year or two or three. During these times, we use the telephone, pray, take verbal action to help others, read our readings, meditate... After all, when one thinks about it, we really do not need much time to "work recovery". Of course, the more the better (some habits die hard). It is when we are angry at someone, do not think we need meetings or are abusing meds that we are on an annihiliation course. Look for overconfidence and 'bigshotism'. And get back to your routine asap.