Alan Mead Experience: Clean and Sober (and Still Learning)

Alan reflects on his 23 years of sobriety, discussing the ongoing challenges of addiction and emotional reactivity. He also shares updates on the podcast, including plans for video content, a possible "hot takes" series, revisiting classic episodes, and recording at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting.

Key Takeaways:

• Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Even after 23 years, Alan emphasizes that he still has work to do in managing his addictive personality and emotional reactions.
• Addiction is not just about drugs and alcohol. It's about how the brain processes emotions and reacts to situations. Alan shares how his addictive tendencies have manifested in other areas of his life, like exercise and baking.
• Emotional reactivity can be a challenge. Alan discusses his struggles with being emotionally reactive and how he's working on managing his reactions through Stoicism, meditation, and exercise.
• The importance of community and support. Alan highlights his Facebook group, Dentists That Don't, as a space for dental professionals to connect and discuss sobriety.
• Podcast updates. Alan announces plans for video content, a "hot takes" series debunking dental myths, re-releasing classic episodes, and recording at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting.

Some links from the show:

• Dentists that Don't Facebook group
• Al's email

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"