Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse affect between 10% and 15% of dentists, and the damage caused is well documented and understood. In the face of this, recovery rates remain below 20%. The key is in understanding the mind of the alcoholic. There are clear patterns of denial and ineffective coping that accompany the approximately ten to fifteen years over which addiction is established. Successful recovery invariably begins with a crisis that forces a change in mindset. Recovery involves mental vision of a continuous and lifelong growth process that does not involve alcohol.