News + Issues

Alcohol and networking: mix with caution

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One of my husband’s fine products

I moved to Wisconsin for residency last summer. As a native Midwesterner, I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with the culture, values and cheese curds of Middle America. License plates may label this state as America’s Dairyland, but it seems to me a different indulgence is its most famous export. Beer.

Don’t take my word for it. Our Pulitzer Prize winning local newspaper covered this in-depth in “Wasted in Wisconsin” and the local public radio station just ran “On the Rocks: A Look at Alcohol Culture in Wisconsin.” My own apartment is basically an award-winning brewery, thanks to my better half.

Wisconsin isn’t the only drinking danger zone! Today’s dental students face alcohol-fueled culture at mainstream professional events. Social receptions tend to come well stocked with spirits. You’re probably familiar with basic strategies for cocktail parties. Don’t drink too fast. Don’t drink too much. Water, water, water.

I see four significant alcohol-centered threats staring you down as an ambitious young dentist working hard to expand your network.

Hangovers

The physical pain and emotional exhaustion of hangovers are simply awful. If you’ve ever experienced this at a professional meeting, then you know it’s a regrettable waste of the day. All of your financial, logistical and psychological preparation for this important event is ruined if you’re not able to engage fully. It’s not worth the headache! Literally.

Reputational Risks

You may find comfort in your lowered inhibitions while drinking at a reception, but consider what the world around you sees. Chattiness. Close talking. Bad dancing. Remember that not only are your colleagues observing your altered state. There may also be paid event photographers around to record your true appearance ad infinitum. Ask me how I know this.

Stranger Danger

Dental students travel around the country to attend conferences and enrich their networks. This may put you in unfamiliar cities with a limited number of well-known contacts. Avoid the danger of being lost or uncomfortably separated from trusted friends while under the influence. Make sure your phone is fully charged and always let more than one person know where you’re planning to socialize.

Alcoholism

It’s a really uncomfortable word, isn’t it? Alcoholism. In high school, my friends and I each had a signature 5-syllable word that would end our haikus. Oh, you didn’t? Mine was Alcoholism. A basic Punnett square from middle school biology class suggests I should be concerned about my overall risk for this nasty condition. Chances are you love someone with a serious substance abuse issue. If this person is a direct relative of yours and you choose to drink, be honest with yourself about the scientific probability that you, too, could develop a problem.

A friend of mine once said, “I don’t have a drinking problem, I have a stop drinking problem.” He meant that it was becoming impossible for him to limit his intake once he started. Maybe this rings true to you. If that struggle is real to you personally, I urge you to explore your recovery options. It could save your life.

Back when I taught high school, I shared three words with my students every Friday afternoon, and I leave you with them here: make good choices!

Do you agree that alcohol poses risks while networking? What are your strategies for minimizing these dangers?

-Dr. Colleen Greene, MPH, 2012-2013 ASDA President

Colleen Greene

Dr. Colleen Greene MPH is a board-certified pediatric dentist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and full-time faculty in their pediatric dentistry residency program. She currently serves on the ADA New Dentist Committee as well as the Legislative Advocacy committee of the Wisconsin Dental Association. In 2012-2013 she was president of ASDA.

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5 Comments

  1. Great and relivant article! I’ve made connections with people through our common interest in a beverage we’re drinking and I’ve also been in those awkward situations where you’re the only person with a drink. Moderation is key in my mind, however, there’s a fine line that is often difficult to discern. I say, throw back a glass of water between drinks to balance you out.

    1. Colleen Greene says:

      Thanks for reading, Mike! I appreciate your kind words and reflection. There are definitely awkward moments at all types of social events, and alcohol seems to either make it less awkward or just make us less away of how awkward we all really are. 🙂 Cheers to mature decision making!

  2. Colleen Greene says:

    Many thanks to those of you who have sent me your thoughts on this topic/post in a private message or other social media. I know how sensitive alcohol-related matters can be when you’re reflecting on personal experiences and I sincerely appreciate hearing about them! I often wish that conversations about the tougher aspects of drinking problems in our lives weren’t quite so taboo – it would make it easier for everyone to seek help sooner and heal faster.

  3. Wow, that was a really good article. It can be tricky to know when you have developed a drinking problem. It can be even trickier to tell someone you love that they have a drinking problem.

    1. Colleen Greene says:

      Thanks for reading, Allie! I couldn’t agree more. I’ve find it’s best to communicate as much love as possible with minimum judgment. Easier said than done!

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