SPOTLIGHT ON NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH
HEAR DIRECTLY FROM A PDA MEMBER WHAT RECOVERY HAS MEANT TO THEM :
My childhood provided an environment for alcoholism to flourish . It consisted of my father ’ s alcoholism , the behavior that accompanied it , and the family ’ s reaction to it . It was a time of very happy moments , and also very sad moments . The inconsistency did little to help my confidence . Rather it prompted me to overachieve in sports , academics , and all other activities ; but still left me with an incomplete feeling .
My high school years , as well as the first two years of college , were alcohol free . It was a time of uncertainty ; a fear of an insurmountable task in making the transition from an adolescent student to a self-sufficient adult . Somewhere along the way , alcohol entered the equation , and thus began an unending cycle . Alcohol removed the fear and anxiety , but never addressed the problems . It disrupted the educational process , a Navy commission , and my physical well-being .
The loving intervention of my mother was the first light of hope in reversing the process . She learned to live her life in the presence of my alcoholism , not allowing her behavior to become an excuse or trigger for my drinking . This permitted me to focus on all that remained ; the sad state of my life . “ Being tired of being sick and tired ” described my attitude at that time . I began an association with Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA ), totally abstaining from alcohol and initiating the restoration of my physical and psychological well-being .
About a year and a half into my recovery , I began to address the unresolved feelings of my childhood , rehashing with my dad the effects of alcoholism on my early years . It was conducted in an atmosphere of love , but fraught with emotion and in the end , I was physically exhausted but emotionally free . This outpouring had a profound effect on my dad , initiating his recovery from alcoholism , one that continued to his death fifteen years later . This time was filled with happy memories , a family back together .
Feeling a strong sense of gratitude , I maintained my association with AA , carrying the message to other suffering alcoholics . Helping persons in my profession represented the ultimate ( and also the most challenging ) in carrying the message . In pursing that goal , I learned a few things along the way :
First , professional people are in a position of authority , and when they have chemical dependency problems , it is often difficult for them to admit they have a problem .
Second , their associates are often equally uninformed about chemical dependency , and find it difficult to accept the existence of a problem , and may even go as far as questioning those who are actually trying to help .
Finally , educating all parties involved is the key to solving this complex problem .
Forty-one years into my recovery , I thank God for the gift of sobriety . Optimistically , I embrace the future , enjoying my family , friends and commitment to my patients .
28 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL