Dentistry Has a Drinking Problem

Fortunately, There Is a Solution

For years, you were the life of the party, but that changed a long time ago.

Even though you’re a big producer, your days are numbered. You’re the one we all talk about on our walk back to our rooms. “Man, he was trashed. I can’t believe he said that to that guy. And I really hope that wasn’t his only pair of shoes he brought.”

Now you’re a liability.

I’m really concerned about you.

That’s not true.

“Concerned” is too antiseptic of a term.

I’m worried. About your health. About your job. About your family. About the person in the car next to you when you say, “I’m fine to drive. I’ve only had a couple.”

And it’s not just me that’s worried. Your drinking is a problem. And it’s not just for you. It’s for everyone in your orbit: your colleagues, your family, your friends, your clients, your patients.

Nearly every person that comes into contact with you.

Recently, I had a conversation with a dentist friend that expressed shock about how much alcohol our colleagues consume at conferences. She said, “I think some of these people have a real problem with alcohol.”

She told me about a recent conference she’d attended. “The sales reps were trashed, and a lot of the dentists were acting like it was a frat party. It was gross. Embarrassing.”

Some estimate that 15% of dentists suffer from alcoholism.

Apologies on the exhibit floor the next day. The dread of not remembering exactly what was said. Lost phones, hangovers, lies to spouses, and questionable categorization on expense reports.

Sometimes the level of debauchery at these conferences makes it feel like I’m in Vegas even if we’re actually in Chicago or Cheyenne. Strip away the showgirls and watch colleagues wager their careers and play regret roulette in real time—all fueled by alcohol. But unlike Vegas, what happens there goes home with you. It goes back to the office with you. It travels along with you to the next meeting.

I’m not looking down on you from my sober high horse. During my drinking heydays, alcohol fueled most of my misdeeds. Crashed cars and failed marriages, misappropriated funds and weighted vests of shame.

I wasn’t going to publish this here. It isn’t related to sleep medicine. I mean, yes, it’s inarguable true that alcohol is disruptive to sleep. I’ll use that as my justification. The truth is that I recently celebrated 19 years of sobriety, and I wrote a short essay about hitting bottom and the first step toward the life I live now. Several people reached out to say the article was helpful for them or someone in their respective circles.

Over the years, I’ve also talked with several people in my professional circle that know they have a problem with alcohol. They want to change their lives, but they’re not ready yet. Maybe this can help them. You don’t have to wait until your life is in flames. That’s dramatic and makes for a great story, but it isn’t necessary to burn it all down.

If you want help, it’s out there. 12 Step programs save lives. If you need to chat about it, I’m here. Better yet, you can find a meeting here.

You won’t find judgment or disparagement. You will find hope and a path to a life that exceeds your wildest dreams. That’s a promise.