The Barriers of Addiction Mouth Mechanics with Dr. Tanzania Davis

On this week’s episode, the Mouth Mechanics are joined by ‘gangsta assistant’ Makita Arnold to talk about addiction and overcoming the barriers to pursuing healthcare that it can create. Addiction can hold people back from asking for help, whether because they’re ashamed of their appearance or they’re worried about being called out or reported. Our hosts’ goal today is to reassure anybody dealing with addiction that their dentist’s office is a safe and welcoming place where they can get treatment without worrying about judgment or exposure.
 
They kick things off by discussing how the shame and social stigma linked to addiction can stop people from asking for help, including with their dental health. Denial, fear, and embarrassment are all reasons that someone might avoid seeking help, and the team talks about how healthcare professionals have a responsibility to be welcoming and non-judgmental in order to help patients get over those barriers. Moving on, they discuss how addicts may be afraid of how their loved ones will respond if they find out about their addiction and how openness and honesty are the keys to getting help. The team also talks about how prescription medications can be addictive, the importance of responsible prescribing practices within healthcare, and the presence of addictive substances in our everyday lives and how to be responsible and aware of these. Finally, they wrap up by looking at the importance of empathy and creating a safe environment when treating patients in order to remove as many barriers to treatment as possible. Listen in today to learn about these addiction barriers, and how to climb right over them to get the care you need and so richly deserve.
 
Episode Highlights:
 
-  The signs of smoking and drug abuse
-  The major barriers to addicts asking for help
-  Being non-judgmental and welcoming to all comers
-  The possibility of getting addicted to properly prescribed drugs
-  Interventions and how to talk to family members who suffer from addictions
-  The side-effects of so-called “natural” drugs
-  The responsibility to limit the amount of addictive painkillers prescribed
-  Awareness of addictive substances in everyday life
-  The impact of quarantine on people in abusive environments
-  Demonstrating empathy when dealing with patients
-  Patient confidentiality
 
Quotes:
 
“Even if you spill something on your shirt, you’re just ashamed to walk around with a coffee stain on your shirt, and addiction is so much more grander than just a stain on your shirt.”
 
“You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.”
 
“Is it really so bad that someone finds out? Because when they do, that’s the key that unlocks getting help.”
 
“When we pass the judgment, and we have all of these stigmas, we are literally killing people.”
 
“My philosophy always is, if you don’t get help here, get help somewhere. I just want you treated, I want you to get help.”
 
“You don’t know what people are going through in this season and out of this season. You have to have a heart for people.”
 
“Don’t ever, ever think that when you come to the dentist, that you’re just seeing dental professionals. You’re seeing healthcare professionals, and we are concerned about your entire health. And that includes what you may or may not be addicted to.”
 
Links:
 
Tanzania Davis, DDS,PC  www.tdavisdds.com
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