My story

I have struggled with addiction for my entire adult life. My dental practice was successful, but my life was not. My addiction led to a voluntary cessation of practice followed by the board’s decision to recommend revocation. That was just seven months ago, and I frankly didn’t care if I died. I had lost my livelihood and, I believed, my identity too. What was the point of following through with a Peer contract? What was the use of moving forward in any aspect of life? However, with the urging of my case manager at Peer Assistance, a supportive family, a great AA sponsor, and the connection with other healthcare professionals in recovery, I began my recovery.

I rightly believed even if the chances for reinstatement of my license were slim, a PAS contract would provide a framework for recovery and accountability. My partner and I knew we had to sell our out-sized house, sell my dental practice of many years and make other significant changes—all of this in the time of COVID. Both the practice and our house sold, and we found a “just right” home we were able to pay cash for. For the first time in my life, I was debt-free and experiencing a peace of mind I had not known for so long. Best of all, my estranged daughters began opening up to me.

During the chaos of moving, the last thing on my mind was the possibility of ever practicing dentistry again. I had to set a heavy box down to answer my phone. It was my attorney calling to say there is a significant chance the board may reinstate my license. He indicated that the positive reports from PAS to the board had been influential.

Peer Assistance Services is just one part of my recovery, but it is an integral part. The team at PAS is compassionate and helpful, and they are part of the solution.

- Peer Health Assistance Program Client