This issue is especially important to people in recovery. Many doctors make it clear by their statements and attitudes that they know little or nothing about addiction.

I was once sent by my dentist (25 years sober) to an oral surgeon for some tricky extractions. We had a long conversation about my recovery, addiction, and the fact that I was unwilling to take mood-altering medications. He agreed that was a good idea. He then went on into my treatment planning, and his first two ideas were Valium to calm me before the surgery, and Vicodin to deal with any subsequent pain.

I didn’t even bother to argue. I paid the bill for the consult, told the DMD that I would consult with my primary dentist and get back to him, and that was that. I told my friend the recovering dentist about it, and he has not referred a patient to that doctor since.

The fact is, the government gives doctors a license to kill addicts without requiring them to know the first thing about addiction. Don’t ever forget that.

Know when it’s time to fire your doctor – CNN.com

Here are five ways to know when it’s time to think about leaving your doctor, and the best way to do it.