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
My favorite is waking up one morning on the couch in a strange apartment with two girls who were shooting up heroin on the floor. There were beer can all around me and they proceeded to do an intervention on me for alcoholism. It was so surreal; "Peter, We're very concerned about your drinking..."
I couldn't speak. I just got up and left in semi-shock to try another day.
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.
We hear so much about drug addiction these days. Alcohol has been, is and probably always will be the 'root' of the addictive process. Drug of choice has much to do with increased tolerence, genetics and other variables that it is difficult to discern a connection between drug of choice and the person who chooses the drug. Why some people love to abuse sedatives and others hallucinagins...? There are personality variables as well as environmental and genetic theories but the research about addiction is still, in general, mixed and conflicting.
What is important is the treatment. Twelve step meetings, in my opinion and in the opinion of two to three million people, work the best.
Love and Peace,
Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist
If you are interested in additional counseling by email or telephone
If the family goes untreated, the chances for the addict/alcoholic tyo become treated lessen. Drugs and alcohol are not the only drugs. We can become addicted to fixing another person, especially a child.
'Beef up' your program from the start by attending many, many, meetings and get a sponsor and work the steps immediately. Your foundation will allow you to achieve sobriety for the 'long haul.' This way the temptations of drinking alcohol and/or using drugs will be offset with sober thinking and sober actions. These two come from learning and practicing the steps. The alcoholic/addictive mind will be under control.
The stress and rat-race mentality and behavior that creates high blood pressure, inattention to our families and a tendency to live in the fears of failure that accompany tomorrow are relieved when we relax and live now.
Trust God and do not worry about your security. Work but do not struggle mentally or emotionally. All is good in God's world.
This is our new website. At www.addictionsbookstore.com, you can buy all of my latest (audio as well as ebook format) information on addiction to include how to parent your "using" child, how to intervene, how to get him sober and clean, and many, many more; all on Ipods that come with the purchase. Ebooks are downloadable.
In addition, we have t-shirts (Man-up! Just say something!) and posters on recovery. Don't hesitate to get yours now while prices are still low.