In this week’s episode of Practice Growth HQ, we went somewhere different. We lifted the lid on something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough in healthcare. Mental health, addiction, and the pressure to perform.
Joining me was Dr Alan Mead, a Michigan-based dentist and host of The Very Dental Podcast (formerly Dental Hacks), which has clocked over 4 million downloads. But today we didn’t talk clinical. We talked personal.
When Success on the Outside Hides Struggle on the Inside
Alan shares his 20+ year journey through alcohol and opiate addiction. It started innocently enough. Drinking with mates during dental school. But stress, perfectionism, and a lack of coping strategies turned a few drinks into a full-blown dependency.
He paints a picture that’s all too familiar for many practice owners. You’re seen as successful. You’re doing “well.” But inside, it’s a different story. And because you’re the leader, you keep it to yourself.
The Turning Point
For Alan, it took an unexpected moment during a routine surgery to set things in motion. A colleague spotted the signs. His family stepped in. An intervention happened. And just like that, Alan went into treatment. No drama. No denial. Just a quiet, honest “yes.”
He spent four and a half months in treatment. He hasn’t relapsed since.
The Simplicity and the Struggle
One of the most powerful things Alan said during our chat was this:
“The solution is simple. But it’s not easy.”
Addiction is a mental and physical beast. And while the way out is clear, walking that path is anything but. Alan reminds us that you can’t force someone to change. They have to be ready. And that readiness comes from within.
Practical Advice for Anyone Feeling the Pressure
Alan offers a practical challenge. If you’re worried you might be drinking too much or leaning too heavily on something to cope, try going 30 days without it. Just 30 days. It sounds simple, but for someone struggling, it can feel impossible. That’s your sign.
He also speaks to the power of talking. Not necessarily in public, but with someone. Anyone. A trusted friend. A therapist. A support group. Talking helps. Silence doesn’t.
For Those Watching From the Sidelines
If you have someone in your life who you know is struggling, Alan’s advice is clear. You can support them, but you can’t fix them. They have to want to change. You can love them. You can care. But sometimes you may need to love them from a distance.
Why This Matters for Practice Owners
Let’s be honest. Running a practice is stressful. You’re juggling patients, team, finances, and your own expectations. The risk of burnout and unhealthy coping mechanisms is real. And yet, we rarely talk about it.
This episode isn’t just for dentists. It’s for anyone in healthcare who feels the pressure. It’s for the high achievers. The perfectionists. The quiet strugglers.
If that’s you or someone you know, take 45 minutes to listen. It might just be the most important episode you hear this year.