The connection between emotional pain and addiction

The prescription drug epidemic, specifically opioid abuse, has been all over the headlines and likely on the minds of dentists and dental students across the country. Addiction treatment expert Austin Eubanks, who is also chief operating officer of The Foundry Treatment Center and a featured member of Speakers for Change, spoke at this year’s National Leadership Conference (NLC), held Nov. 17–19 in Chicago. A survivor of the Columbine High School shooting, Eubanks shared his story of how the injuries and emotional trauma he sustained drastically affected his life, leading to years of substance abuse and, ultimately, a recovery that prompted his efforts in patient advocacy. His biggest message was this: We need to transform the way we think about prescribing pain medication, specifically for patients who may be experiencing emotional pain.