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
Alcohol addiction sometimes is characterized by a ten year period of adaptation wherein the addict is slowly progressing into later stages. During this period few problems are seen as the person develops maladaptive patterns of coping that 'cover up' the behaviors. For example, the addict will blame someone else, divert, excel at work, rationalize or excuse the behaviors... In addition, no one wants this problem in the family and, therefore, these diversions will be welcomed by the enablers. Reality-based people will see the problems but, because the family is dysfunctional and protects the addict, will not go up against this intact system.
No one wants this problem in their family. Therefore, denial forms. Parents need to study their child's behavior objectively. A therapist should be most objective. If there is a problem, parents need to recognize it and follow through with consequences and treatment. Otherwise, the problem progresses and the state or the drug takes over the child.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine has deemed addiction as being biopsychosocialspiritual. It's wonderful to see the medical profession recognize all of the components that contribute to the disease and all of the components necessary to address when getting sober and clean. It lends credibility to the repth of the problem as well as the severity. It takes a lot of work and time to la the foundation of recovery.
Love and Peace,
Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist
If you are interested in additional counseling or coaching
Is this an oxymoron? No! it's a matter of perception. However, a couple of decades ago my definition of alcoholism was much different from Webster's.
The average alcoholic is in his or her forties with a job and family. On-the-job absenteeism is the major consequence of the drinking and this is masked or justified in numerous ways. Alcoholism if the best kept 'secret'.
This is not new. The disease of addiction is 'equal opportunity' and can affect anyone with the addictive genes... Pilots, doctors, lawyers, clerks, bank owners, presidents, chefs... do not want to act in a manner that is harmful. It comes with the territory of addiction. That is why we can 'wake up' the addict/alcoholic if we use our power of love and communication to let them know that we care, are being harmed (be specific) and that we have to take care of ourselves (set boundaries). Make a decision to "Just Say Something". More on my Ipod.
Last night we watched the first half of the off-broadway play, The Story of Bill W. It was a great experience to sit with others who has been rescued from this awful disease. I choked up when Bill and Bob were dramatazing about their awful feelings about their addiction. The actors protrayal of alcoholism was real and true-to-life as I've ever seen. Hats off to our narrator and director, Henry. Not too many hats though. We want to keep him 'right-sized.' hehehehehehe!!!
If you are concerned about the intervention, get help.
However, 'Just Say Something.' Say it after investigating the "ins and outs" of an intervention. Read, rehearse, recite the script.
On the other hand, if you are a very confident person who is well respected and perhaps invited to talk about the drinking or drug abuse, just say something from the heart, with caring and firmly.
If you are overly afraid or angry or feel guilty, see paragraph 1 (above).
Alcoholics and addicts have a different reality. The self-deception as well as other defenses (denial, minimization and justification) allow them to annihilate themselves without acknowledging this reality. When sober, it takes quite a while to recover and come to terms with reality. It takes time and much stepwork.