Amber Thornton Miller 1 of 2

Flash Memoir

Incisors, K9s, premolars and molars, in total thirty two teeth in the human mouth, at least
for the average healthy adult. Fillings, root canals, crowns, implants, dentures and extractions,
procedures that I assist on daily. The human mouth is my forte, the more grotesque the better in
my opinion. Most of the patients I see every day are either abusing or abused a controlled
substance. It’s very well known how methamphetamine affects the human body, especially the
teeth. I see the results of this horrendous drug every day in my profession and it still astonishes
me to see the devastation it causes to these once normal people.

“Meth represents roughly twenty eight percent of all substance abuse treatment program
admissions.” (UDH). There are countless article on drug abuse in Utah and the rise of such
trends. I see this addictions first hand working for the state health department. A patient of mine,
no older than four years of age, came in with her father. The look on his face has become all to
familiar to me. Glazed over eyes, a few drops of sweat on his forehead and the look of overall
exhaustion as he struggled to hold his eyes open. My heart ached for the young child sitting in
my chair as her father’s head kept bobbing up and down as he sat off to the side. Her otherwise
brave expression began to change as I raised the chair up and back. Eyes wide open and throat
squeezed so tight all the ligaments and muscles showed clearly. She began screaming, “Too high!
Too high!” at which point her father shot straight up in his chair and replied, “No I’m not!”
Stunned and confused I sat there in my chair. He thought somebody was yelling at him that he
was too high. My instincts kicked in at this point and I tried to comfort this little girl. “It’s okay”
I said in my best calm voice and grabbing her hand. “I’m right here for you.” I can still see the
look in her eye’s as she looked at me, terrified and feeling alone. I looked over to her father who
once again had his head hanging down in the chair most likely unconscious. After a few minutes
my patient relaxed and we began our exam still holding onto her small hand.

Often when we think of addiction and drug abuse, we think of the effects and tolls it takes
on the abuser not considering the effects on the family. Small children feeling alone with absent
parents. Spouses struggling to hold on to the love they once had for the addict. Drug abuse
effects everyone, directly or indirectly.
Amber Thornton Miller 2 of 2

References

/health.utah.gov/meth/Pages/AboutMeth.html (June 11th, 2018)

www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/utah-opioid-summary (Feb,
2018).

www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/utah-opioid-summary (Feb,
2018).