Dentistry: risks for addictive disease.
Chemical dependence is chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental contributing factors and neurological characteristics. Dentists may be at an increased risk for addiction because they are in a helping profession, work in a stressful environment in which drugs are readily available, often exhibit perfectionist personality traits, and function in isolation. Treatment can be effective, especially when provided by staff skilled in working with healthcare professionals, using the Twelve-Step approach, involving families, and addressing related dysfunctional behavior patterns and psychological issues.
Walter
Jane
J
Georgia Dental Association Dental Recovery Network, Georgia, USA. jwgda@aol.com
D016739:Behavior, Addictive; D003813:Dentistry; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012953:Societies, Dental; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders