My brother came for Xmas last year, and I was all looking forward to it. But all he did was crash at my place, smoke a lot of weed, and hang out at the beach. No help decorating, no presents, no nothing. And did I mention he's over 35? It wasn't like he was some kid. Then he left.
Besides all that, he told me he was losing teeth. This seemed really weird, since our family is always super healthy, with no family histories of any sort of illness (true.) he's a good-looking guy, and other than the weed, generally took care of himself.
After he left, Iooked up why people lose teeth. #1 : Diabetes. (Nope, not us.) #2: smoking. Bingo.
My dad was a real heavy smoker, and it really took a toll on his gums, something no amount of hygeine can fix. I realized it wasn't cigarette smoke in Scott's case, it was all the pot smoke. (Any smoke inhibits circulation in the gums, that's the point.)
That dampened my own enthusiasm for smoking (which wasn't all that strong to begin with), but I also looked into any solution I might suggest to my bro.
After surfing around and reading a lot of literature, I found 2 alternate approaches to AA -- these were: "Rational Recovery" and "Radical Recovery." (each has a website) Both had roots in hypnosis, and neither included any long-term group meetings. Now I suggest either of these when friends talk about quitting something harmful, like alcohol or weed.
PS - I have 2 personal friends who have successfully quit cig smoking via regular hypnosis (1 or 2 sessions.) One has quit for over 3 years, the other for about 3 months so far.
just FYI.
Besides all that, he told me he was losing teeth. This seemed really weird, since our family is always super healthy, with no family histories of any sort of illness (true.) he's a good-looking guy, and other than the weed, generally took care of himself.
After he left, Iooked up why people lose teeth. #1 : Diabetes. (Nope, not us.) #2: smoking. Bingo.
My dad was a real heavy smoker, and it really took a toll on his gums, something no amount of hygeine can fix. I realized it wasn't cigarette smoke in Scott's case, it was all the pot smoke. (Any smoke inhibits circulation in the gums, that's the point.)
That dampened my own enthusiasm for smoking (which wasn't all that strong to begin with), but I also looked into any solution I might suggest to my bro.
After surfing around and reading a lot of literature, I found 2 alternate approaches to AA -- these were: "Rational Recovery" and "Radical Recovery." (each has a website) Both had roots in hypnosis, and neither included any long-term group meetings. Now I suggest either of these when friends talk about quitting something harmful, like alcohol or weed.
PS - I have 2 personal friends who have successfully quit cig smoking via regular hypnosis (1 or 2 sessions.) One has quit for over 3 years, the other for about 3 months so far.
just FYI.
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Tue, June 27, 2006 - 5:41 PMWell, this may be sort of obvious, but have you thought about how well he takes care of his teeth? Does he brush them regularly, see the dentist, avoid refined sugars? Those things are more likely to affect his dental hygeine than smoking pot, honestly. -
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Tue, June 27, 2006 - 6:37 PMYes, he is meticulous in his hygiene. He's a bit vain actually, which I guess keeps him in shape otherwise...
Yes, he's a heavy pot smoker, tho he sometimes takes a break when he notices its effects. I have no attachment to people partying, I'm just talking about its effects on gums, etc.
My bro is very well known (among anyone who has smoked with him) for having an unbelievable capacity - he has literally smoked many a pothead under the table, & literally been the last man standing.
I honestly never considered the effects of pot smoke until Scott had trouble with his teeth. It never occurred to me. The studies I read also singled out certain devices, such as hookahs and bongs, for being esp harmful. It was all about the toxic effects of smoke in general, not THC, etc.
Then I remembered the other really heavy pot smokers I knew also had bad teeth. A few dj's in particular. Don't know their hygiene tho.
The point is, basically anything that impinges on your circulation will affect your teeth - that's why diabetes is #1. Dental hygiene was #4 on the list (Interestingly, after plain-old 'being male', #3.)
all strictly FYI, I just thot it was fascinating.
I never did mention it to my bro tho. I don't think he wants to hear it yet.
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Tue, June 27, 2006 - 7:44 PMAs for the alternatives to AA, a friend of mine has a great story about how when his addictions had begun to get the best of him he went to a hypnotherapists for help. He spent about an hour and a half with the therapists and went through all kinds of relaxing and self-affirming exercises. As he went through the process he felt more and more sure that his troubles were a thing of the past and that he'd finally found relief. Just as he was about to totally bliss out, the "hypnotherapists" then told him that none of what she had just done would ever work and that he had no chance without AA. Though it totally burst his bubble at the time, it worked. He ended up giving AA a try and has been sober for over seven years now and is one of the happiest, most loving, and caring people I know. -
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Thu, July 13, 2006 - 12:40 PMThis sounds like the hypnotist set him up, it is highly unusual to 'switch' like that... basically, that hypno put him under, and then implanted going to AA - weird.
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Thu, July 13, 2006 - 12:59 AMHas your brother been to a dentist about this problem? Or to a doctor for a physical? It's so unusual for young people with good dental hygiene to start losing teeth, and it might be worth a thorough physical and long talk with a dentist to make sure there are no other underlying issues. -
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Thu, July 13, 2006 - 12:38 PMThanks,
Yes, he goes to the dentist religiously. Big time into dental hygeine too, floss, special muthwas, everything. He's a bit vain, which might help in this case, since who wants to lose their teeth?! Lots of health insurance, no other health issues... but i appeciate your being thorough and checking to see if these potential influences have been considered. I am always touched when someone else cares even the smallest bit!! :)
I think one of the problems is, those of us who have more or less grown up smoking weed like to think of it as harmless, when in fact any kind of smoke is toxic. I am not against getting high, it has its place, but smoke is just plain bad for you, and its effects can trump any of the good care you may be taking of yourself otherwise.
I'd be happier if he were vaporizing - but I htink the central issues are, he's a bit bored and lonely, creatively in a slump (musician, steady job in sales) - so weed is his psychic masseur & friend... -
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Re: smoking = tooth problems, also non AA methods
Thu, July 13, 2006 - 1:58 PMThere are other causes of premature tooth loss. You may want to do more research but I think Crank and meth both do a real number on your teeth. A friend of mine is 27 and has dentures because of crank. It may not rank on the "leading causes of tooth loss" but it appears to cause tooth loss faster than smoking. Good luck.
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