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
Abstinence, for addicts and alcoholics, is the nonuse of mood-altering drugs to include alcohol. The term also includes nonuse or participation in activities or behaviors that lead to or involve other "soft" complusions or addictions. The latter include, gambling, spending, lust, eating disorders...
Abstinence-based Recovery is the resolution of alcohol- and other drug-related problems through the strategy of
complete and enduring cessation of the non-medical use of alcohol and other drugs. The
achievement of this strategy remains the most common definition of recovery, but the
necessity to include it in this glossary signals new conceptualizations of recovery that are
pushing the boundaries of this definition (see partial recovery, moderated recovery,
serial recovery).
Abuse is a term to describe excessive drinking or using for relief from a problem in one or more areas of his or her life. An abuser quits when the substance creates problems such as hangovers, "bad nights" or behavior concerns.
Acts of Responsibility constitute one of the four daily rituals of recovery that span the various pathways of recovery (White, 1996). Acts of self-care, which involve efforts to reverse the damage of
addiction and establish new health-oriented habits, can also be thought of as acts of selfrepair. Care of the “self” in recovery transcends the self-centeredness that is the cumulative essence of addiction. Acts of self-care might more aptly be described as acts
of responsibility–responsibility not just to self, but to family and community. Acts of self-care constitute a paradox of recovery: taking care on oneself serves as a way to help others (by example), just as helping others is a way of helping oneself.
Acts of Self-Care constitute one of the four daily rituals of recovery that span the various pathways of recovery (White, 1996). Acts of self-care, which involve efforts to reverse the damage of addiction and establish new health-oriented habits, can also be thought of as acts of selfrepair.Care of the “self” in recovery transcends the self-centeredness that is the cumulative essence of addiction. Acts of self-care might more aptly be described as acts of responsibility–responsibility not just to self, but to family and community. Acts of self-care constitute a paradox of recovery: taking care on oneself serves as a way to help others (by example), just as helping others is a way of helping oneself.
Acts of Service are activities that aid other individuals (particularly others wounded by addiction) or the
community. They constitute one of the four core activities within the culture of recovery. Acts of service fulfill at least three functions: they constitute generic acts of restitution for the addiction-related harm to others, they promote self-healing, and, by piercing the narcissistic encapsulization of the recovery neophyte, they open up opportunities for authentic connection with others. Acts of service come in many forms: such acts are
done for their intrinsic value and not for profit or hope of acknowledgment.
Acultural Style is a style of recovery in which individuals initiate and sustain recovery from addiction without significant involvement with other people in recovery. The term acultural refers specifically to a lack of identification with a larger recovery community, e.g.,
involvement in a culture of recovery (White, 1996).
Acute alcohol poisoning signifies a potentially fatal overdose (OD) of alcohol. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It is a result a result of binge drinking or regular alcoholic drinking on any given day or night.
Acute toxicity signifies the physical or psychological harm a drug might present to the user immediately or soon after the drug is ingested into the body.
Addiction is the repeated use of a substance after one has experienced problems. As opposed to abuse, the addict continues to ingest his or her drug after there are consequences. There is little relief. Addiction is also characterized by Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance.
Addiction Ministry refers to the outreach, treatment and recovery support services offered through the auspices of local churches as part of their ministry to their community. The rise in addiction ministries, particularly within African American communities, constitutes one of the most significant developments in the modern history of recovery support
structures.
Affiliated Recovery is a style of recovery in which the initiation and maintenance of recovery is achieved
through relationships with other individuals in recovery. Affiliated recovery also reflects incorporating the status of addiction and recovery into one’s personal identity and story
style.
Physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use will bring on withdrawal symptoms. The term may also be used to refer to ingrained drinking habits that cause health or social problems. Treatment requires first ending the physical dependence, then making lifestyle changes that help the individual avoid relapse. In some cases, medication or hospitalization are needed. Alcohol dependence can have many serious effects on the brain, liver, and other organs of the body.