Blog Entries

Relapse.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The first thoughts of defiance, whether they are of not going to a meeting or not praying or not returning another's call are fought. The next time the thoughts come there is a lesser battle. If not "countered" with right action, there is no more fight.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Hard Times.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

We don't have to go back to the old ways. We have a new Power that far surpasses the old toxic power.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Parenting your drug-dependent child.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

First, reach out to those who are experts, those in the 12-step groups and those who are treatment providers.

Secondly, do what they say.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Young adults and recovery.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

No matter what the age, the defenses are the same. Young adults have to detach from their using friends. That is the key. Parents must take a stand with tough love, not rough love or creampuff love. Do what you say you will do after negotiating the boundary with your spouse.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Accurate Information.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

In order to have quality sobriety, sobriety that "sticks", one must have new and engrained information that forms a new belief about the drug. The new belief is that it caused pain and that recovery causes pleasure. This can be attained via listening to those who live this new belief. They can tell you. They can be found at twelve-step meetings, on tapes, cds, internet meetings... Look for a 'Gung-Ho' attitude.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the [...]

Remember - you are saving your life.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Put recovery first. Drop the defiance! No amount of alcohol, cocaine, pain killer or whatever is worth your life.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Seeing Clearly forever.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The bottom is a perception that is personal yet common. It must be kept alive through constant and vigilant attention. It must be specific and it must be easily retrievable.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Rise above.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Keep your friends and family. Have control over self. Rise above the chaos and go where you get your batteries recharged. Set boundaries and be helpful. Do not lose yourself in the chaos. Be friends.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Spirituality accumumlates.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Peace and sound judgment are available when the pressure is on if you have developed the habit of prayer and quiet time. The chaos and poor decision-making can be overcome if you practice being still.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. check out www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

Detaching with love. Easier said than done.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Fr. Joe Martin cautioned therapists about being hasty when suggesting this to parents. His query was to ask the therapist if he or she could kick their child out of the house at 17. Al-anon helps in amny ways but mainly because they have "been there".

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

For more info. about Doc Pete, go to www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

Recovery Plan.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Write a daily plan, go to tons of meetings and stay committed. It takes about a year to detox and begin to change our thinking.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Virus.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

I haven't blogged in a few days due to a virus. Back to normal. Hope all is well with everyone. Will continue blogging.

love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist.

P.S. Visit my new site www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

Surrender.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The addict/alcoholic and the family must give up on the concept that they can fix the problem. The problem is too deep and too dark.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Sponsor.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Look at sponsorship as having a coach, a teacher, a mentor... It is lateral.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Pride.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Above all, watch for false pride. We must practice our principles on a daily basis or we will fall.

Love and peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Practice.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

We're either 'seasoned' or 'unseasoned' in the ways of sobriety.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Action.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

When we become humble, we realize that God wants what is in our best interests and we can also proceed in that directions,

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

awareness.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The first insight in recovery is to admit our inability to cope and control.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Stress.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Turning toward problems reduces stress and, therefore, temptations to drink or drug.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Learning from tapes and Ebooks.

pbutkins@cfl.rr.com — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Check out the Ipod and ebooks on sale. There is an advantage to reading and listening in privacy, especially when the information is accurate and effective.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist