From the Stigma of Addiction to the Power of Community: Dr. Brett Kessler's Journey

The journey of addiction and recovery is often fraught with challenges, not least of which is the stigma attached to admitting there’s a problem, especially for professionals in high-stakes careers like dentistry. Sober Life Rocks had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Dr. Brett Kessler, President-Elect of the American Dental Association, on the Sober Life Rocks podcast where he  shared his powerful story of overcoming addiction, the role community played in his recovery, and his mission to support others facing similar battles. Doctor Kessler is past president of the Colorado Dental association and is now, wait for it, the president elect of the American Dental association. He’s known as a catalyst, a seeker, a writer, a leader, a mentor to many, and an adventurer. Doctor Kessler changed his life in 1998 when he decided that the path he was on didn’t agree with his preferred future, prompting him to do his part to make the world a better place for as many people as he could touch. Nine years later, his message was so strong that he was testifying before Congress on the ravages of methamphetamines on oral health. Today, he speaks internationally to various organizations and dental societies with a focus on wellbeing and leadership concepts. Dr. Kessler’s Origin Story: Dr. Kessler recalls his first experience with alcohol at the age of 13. This moment, combined with other risky behaviors, set the stage for a complicated relationship with substances that would follow him into adulthood. Despite excelling academically and athletically, Dr. Kessler found himself increasingly drawn to the temporary escape that alcohol and drugs provided. This pull eventually spiraled into full-blown addiction. As Dr. Kessler navigated through college and dental school, his addiction grew, particularly his use of cocaine. Although he managed to perform well in his studies, the addiction continued to gnaw at him, resurfacing repeatedly despite his best efforts to stop. It wasn’t until his residency, when a lecture on addiction struck a chord, that Dr. Kessler began to truly understand the gravity of his situation. The Turning Point: Despite the realization that his substance use was incompatible with his future goals, Dr. Kessler struggled to break free from the cycle of addiction. The societal stigma surrounding addiction, especially in the medical profession, made it difficult for him to seek help openly. The fear of losing his license and the shame of admitting vulnerability kept him trapped. Stigma is a powerful social force characterized by negative attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors towards individuals with certain conditions, such as addiction. It often leads to discrimination, isolation, and barriers to seeking help. The turning point came when Dr. Kessler, after a particularly harrowing binge, made a call to a wellness program designed to help licensed professionals with addiction. This call, he says, saved his life. The support he received from the program and his subsequent participation in a 12-step recovery program provided him with the tools and community he needed to reclaim his life. “what kept me in recovery was the community. It was being able to look at other people who had similar stories, different lives, but similar stories, and the shared laughter and the shared tears and. And just not feeling so shamed or so unique or like, I have to do this all on my own.” Dr. Brett Kessler – Timestamp 15:25  The Stigma of Addiction in Professional Spaces: One of the most significant barriers to recovery for professionals like Dr. Kessler is the stigma that surrounds addiction. In many fields, particularly healthcare, admitting to an addiction can feel like career suicide. Dr. Kessler highlighted the hypocrisy of this situation, noting that while medical professionals are expected to care for others, they often receive little support when they themselves need help. This stigma is further compounded by the questions posed during licensure renewals, which often ask about past substance abuse or treatment. Dr. Kessler shared his frustration with this process, emphasizing that addiction is a disease, much like diabetes or hypertension, and should be treated as such. He has made it a personal mission to work toward destigmatizing addiction in the healthcare field, advocating for changes in how these questions are framed and how professionals are supported in their recovery journeys. The Power of Community: Throughout his recovery, Dr. Kessler found that the power of community was integral to his success. He shared how finding a group of like-minded individuals who understood his struggles made all the difference. In the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and through specialized meetings for healthcare professionals, Dr. Kessler was able to connect with others who had walked similar paths. This sense of belonging and mutual support was key in helping him stay sober and rebuild his life. Dr. Kessler also spoke about the importance of the International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA) community, which provides a safe space for healthcare professionals to discuss their experiences with addiction without fear of judgment. This community has been a lifeline for Dr. Kessler and his family, offering not only support but also a sense of purpose as they navigate life in recovery together. “When I first got sober, my first sponsor was a physician and he was brought up through IDAA. IDAA stands for international doctors and Alcoholics Anonymous. And the name, it’s a bigger umbrella than just the name reflex. It is basically for all doctorate level healthcare professionals with a license and  their families. There’s an amazing family component to this group.” Dr. Brett Kessler – Timestamp 23:54 Building a Supportive Professional Environment: In addition to sharing his personal journey, Dr. Kessler discussed the need for a more supportive environment within the professional community. He highlighted the role that organizations like Sober Life Rocks can play in providing resources and support for professionals who choose to live a sober life. “As I first got sober, there were specific meetings for healthcare professionals and it was called a Caduceus meeting. And so my sponsor brought me to those meetings where there were doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, and it was one of the meetings I looked forward to most every week.” Dr. Brett Kessler – Timestamp 24:50 Dr. Kessler stressed that addiction thrives in isolation, and breaking down the barriers that keep people from seeking help is crucial. By creating communities where professionals can connect with others who share their experiences, we can begin to chip away at the stigma and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Dr. Brett Kessler’s story is a powerful testament to the challenges of overcoming addiction in a professional setting. His journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a leader in his field is an inspiration of hope for others facing similar struggles. The stigma surrounding addiction, particularly in high-stakes professions, remains a significant barrier to recovery. However, as Dr. Kessler’s experience shows, the power of community and the willingness to seek help can make all the difference. “When I met you and I found out what you were doing, it was just such a gratitude moment because it’s so important, you know, because addiction is about, uh, about isolation, and we can be isolated in a group of a hundred people and. But if I had one person who knew I was sober in that room, I would never feel alone” Dr. Brett Kessler – Timestamp 30:37 At Sober Life Rocks, we are committed to supporting professionals who choose to live a sober life. Whether you are in recovery or simply looking for a community that understands your choices, we are here to help. Together, we can build a world where sobriety is not just accepted but celebrated. Sign up now! Learn more about Dr. Brett Kessler and his work here The post Episode 19: From the Stigma of Addiction to the Power of Community: Dr. Brett Kessler’s Journey first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.