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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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symptoms of drug addiction

Josh Hamilton's relapse cost a few million - Drug/Alcohol Treatment.

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, celebrity recovery, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Feb 12, 2012

According to Mac Engal, (Fort Worth Star - Telegram, 2-10-12) Hamilton's relapse was probably very costly, as in millions of dollars. Like Whitney Houston's relapses, the cost is grave. It was reported (MSN.com, 2-12-12) that her problems with addiction caused grave problems for her singing voice. Like Amy winehouse's death due to addiction, the cost is tremendous. What we need to look at is not only the tragedy of these tremendously God-given talents, but the tragedy they leave behind with the children, the distraught parents, the loved ones and the inevitable role-modeling of a self-consumed lifestyle. Al,l of these people went to rehab but did not remain sober and/or clean. We can learn from them what not to do only is we find out what they did not do. The point is that, while millions of dollars and a singing voice were affected, what about the next generation that cannot learn from their tragedys.

Our kids need to know that these people are not bad people or fun-loving people like Charlie Sheen but brain-affected people who have used and been deeply affected by drugs and/or alcohol. They have the misfortune of having a death sentence that is both biological and self-imposed but also reversible, very treatable, if help is sought.

If we report the tragedy accurately, our future generations can learn how unfortunate these people are and, perhaps, how to avoid this ego-driven disease. These deaths, like the similar tragic deaths we see in recovery communitys, can be used to teach us what not to do. Father Martin (1982), one of our pioneers in the field of addiction, remarked that no alcoholic need die in vain. He was suggesting that these tragic deaths can teach us. They can be valuable if we learn from them. Let's stop covering up the tragedy and expose the truth. It will indeed 'set us free', free to learn from the truth, no matter how sad and tragic it may be.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete

www.facebook.com/peteralanbutkins

www.youtube.com/thedocpete

Comment (0)

This drug/alcohol problem is worsening.

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, symptoms of alcoholism, marijuana, drug addiction, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Sep 12, 2011

Newest results from a national survey suggest that amphetamine use is down but marijuana use is up. This 'use' has been changing product lines for decades but the drug/alcohol abuse is still pandemic. What's the difference if the drug is pot and bad judgements are made on a global level and cancerous lungs and esphoghial problems are found or if people are killing self and others because of amphetamine abuse? It still destruction. Isn't it time we lived in a little more reality-based joy of living? Isn't this more Godly?

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you want additional counseling

via internet or telephone or in
person go to :

www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com

facebook: the doc pete (for Doc's videos)

drbutkins@gmail.com (407) 786-1913

Comment (0)

Protect your Program! Don't be a "dry drunk".

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, symptoms of alcoholism, self actualization, alcoholism treatment, alcoholism signs, addiction recovery, 12 step program on Jun 27, 2011

Dry drunk synedrome is when you blame another instantaneously before examining the situation. This defense preceeds thinking logically or just thinking at all. Next comes negative thinking and overconfidence. Resentments are not processed and stresses are not managed well.

The solution is an honest appraisal of one's state of mind and spirit, followed by right action to remedy the problem. Sometimes this involves making amends or seeing your part in the problem. Other times, it involves return to prayer. If you have a spiritual advisor and a program, this dilemma is not very difficult to arrest.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. If you are interested in additional counseling by email or
telephone log onto www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com.

Comment (2)

Untreated addiction and resentments.

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, symptoms of alcoholism, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery, 12 step program on May 16, 2011

We have enough trouble being honest when we treat out addiction. Without a "Program" we return to blaming others.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you are interested in additional counseling by email or telephone

log onto http://www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com/

Comment (0)

Unmanageable?

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, symptoms of alcoholism, honesty, denial on May 04, 2009

Unmanageable can mean three or four small (?) problems that add up to one major problem. Not fixing the car and being late for work and spending too much and beinf ashamed for being self-indulgent can equal one DUI or a divorce or a job loss.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (1)

Marijuana and judgement.

Posted by: drbutkins in teen drug addiction, symptoms of drug addiction, parenting a teen drug abuser, myblog, marijuana on Feb 12, 2009

Who knows what damage is done by the effects of THC being dispersed in the synapses of the brain? We do know that it does interfere with the messages sent from neurotransmitter to neurotransmitter. Thinking is definitely affected. Combine this with the inability to process feelings and we get an emoter who is numb much of the time and gets number to become anesthetized from the feelings that have built. There is really no accurate way to measure feelings. Therefore, we cannot account for the emotional state of a pot addict accurately.

However, I do know that the apathy and lack of clarity as well as the inability to process anger, hurt, guilt and fear explains a state whereas work is not valued and the contribution to society is not an issue. This may explain the person who thinks that the world owes him a living and feels no guilt and also righteously defends his position to the max with no concern for others or society. A person in this state with power is dangerous.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

No drugs or alcohol today. OK?

Comment (4)

OD - Suicide or mistake/accident?

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, myblog, honesty on Jan 09, 2009

Sometimes an overdose is the result of not knowing the effects of a drug or medication, especially with today's pain meds such as oxycodone and morphine and so forth. Sometimes it is the result of someone not knowing when they've taken what and when. If a person has plans for the future or little intent or no history of prior suicide attempts, it is difficult to say that this was other than an accident.

Be careful when soemone overdoses. Pray for them and be there for the family.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (3)

Help the Needy

Posted by: drbutkins in symptoms of drug addiction, symptoms of alcoholism, sobriety, self actualization, recovery on Dec 25, 2008

This is the Pope's Christmas message. Help those who are barely surviving. He mentioned Zimbabwe where the economic crisis hits hardest. He cautioned against greed taking a 'front seat' in our world and how only God's grace could turn us from evil to good. What a powerful message! I think this is what Bill and Bob were doing also. And we that follow, we must do our part. We have a major role in this "correction".

God bless you with a safe and joyful Christmas.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (5)