Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Open Access

Susan Katherine Kaiser MSN

Publications

• Research Article
  The Importance of Oral Health in Treatment Outcomes for the Chemically Dependent Population
  Author(s): Susan Katherine Kaiser MSNSusan Katherine Kaiser MSN
  
  Chemical dependency induces bone demineralization often resulting in (but not limited to) degraded oral health status. The omission of dental status assessment in chemical dependency, when initially evaluating the patient for needed treatment referrals, constitutes disregard of one of the many possible reasons for relapse [3]. Also, chemical dependency results in increased sensitivity to pain. Pain, frequently associated with dental infection can lead to medication-seeking behaviors and abuse of opioid medication (and medication classes). Advanced dental disease, and poor general health outcomes results in poor social outcomes. Poor social outcomes include: 1) return to substance abuse due to persistent anhedonia 2) negative outcomes of job-seeking as a result of cultural values and prejudice toward obvious lack of dental care in the form of missing, broke.. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2329-6488.1000204

  Abstract PDF

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