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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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Addictive Family Roles and dynamics.

Dr. Petes' Words of Wisdom

Addictive Family Roles and dynamics.

Posted by: drbutkins in intervention, family recovery, codependency, addiction recovery on Jan 14, 2011

In the addictive family, everyone rallies around a cause. The cause is to help the family stay in denial. The threat of addiction is that it will destroy all that is good. The family, at some level, knows this. If the alcoholic/addict system is 'let out of the bag', all hell will break loose. The addict will get mad, divorce may be inevitable, guilt over who caused it will emerge, and so on. The fear is that the family will dissolve or not dissolve. No one knows for sure which is worse.

The family protects itself by calling addiction something else, like stress or job pressure, or exaggeration... The kids become lost children, masking feelings of inadequacy and fear. One becomes a scapegoat, acting out in a variety of ways, thus taking the focus off of the addict. Another becomes the hero, taking on family responsibility and providing normalcy and even honor to the family, even when he or she is being pressured to solve problems, fix them when only God can fix them. The comedian or mascot lends a light-hearted tone to the problem. The spouse is usually the chief enabler, making excuses and guilt-tripping others into caring for the addict, co-signing his or her aberrant behavior. Finally, the addict/alcoholic is the abuser who has inherited a genetic pre-disposition for addiction and doesn't know what hit him (her) until there's a bottom. Then he or she is responsible to get help.

Family members can do an intervention but the enablers have to learn and change. This family method is "new" and not all of the members will cooperate. However, if one family member can get healthy, out of denial, attend AlAnon or NarAnon or get into treatment, the family system changes. When ONE person in the family knows the "Emperor wears no clothes", the addiction is exposed. This person needs support. To go it alone when faced with addiction can lead to ruination. Frequent contact with those undergoing the same problem is vital to mental health. Fighting this addiction alone leads to crazymaking. The healthiest family members get help.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. If you want online or telephone counseling goto www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com. We now take mastercard, visa, discover and all other cards.

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