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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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Parenting: the most difficult task

Dr. Petes' Words of Wisdom

Parenting: the most difficult task

Posted by: drbutkins in parenting a teen drug addict, parenting a teen drug abuser, parenting a teen alcoholic, parenting a teen alcohol abuser, drug addiction, drug abuse, alcohol dependency, alcohol abuse on Nov 03, 2008

The most difficult task for your child and you is to convince him or her to give up the old friends. My idea is to influence not control them. Controlling someone, or attempting to control them, will lead to rebellion. This is especially true with rebellious teens (teenage years now extend into the 20's). Instead talk to them. Tell them, "I'm your parent and I love you. My job is to raise you successfully so that you will be successful. I know that your frineds are your friends and I don't judge them. However, I have opinions and my opinion is that they are using and have poor judgement and this affects their actions. I want you to be a winner. Therefore, I do not want you to see them. I can't make you do this and I know that, if you want, you can probably see them without my knowing it. I hope you work with me on this because I'm very strong on this point. So, what are you going to do?"

Be very adamant and keep your position. Once you decide to take this position, get support and do not look back. Yoiu may enter a "power struggle" with your child. Try to avoid this but, if you do begin, you must win. There are other ways to handle this situation. This is one of the ways (see below) that is sometimes necessary. Be in unity with your spouse or other form(s) of support. Best of luck!!!

Think about purchasing my Ipod. It has about three hours on parenting teens who use alcohol and/or drugs. This includes power statements and what not to say...

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

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