Boots On HOF Speech – Quit, Not Cured

I’m a quitter. In fact, I’m a Hall of Fame quitter. I’ve quit nicotine for 100 days in a row. Make no mistake though, I’m not cured. Not even close. I will never be cured because I’m a nicotine addict. A big one. Before 1/5/16, I used nicotine for 31+ years or roughly 11,440 consecutive days. If I was awake, it was a safe bet I had a dip of Copenhagen in. At home, at work, on vacation, in between, it didn’t matter. If you’re reading this, you’re likely an addict too or are close to someone who is. KTC is the place for addicts like us and “never again for any reason” is the way we beat this. We can never have just one dip or just one smoke again. As an addict, one becomes two, two becomes three and three becomes a way of life.

I know with absolute certainty that I will be quit at the end of today, number 101. How do I know this? I posted roll this morning with my April 2016 Smart Ass-tro Brothers and gave my word that I would not use nicotine in any form. I’ve been a lot of things in my lifetime, most I’m proud of and unfortunately some I’m not. The one thing I’ve always been, however, is a man of my word. I gave my word I would be nic-free today and I will be. I’m not going to worry about tomorrow, or next week or next month. I’m only going to quit today, just like I have the last 100 days. If you’re still reading this, you should ditch that can or dunk those smokes right now and come quit with us too – just for today. It’s what we do here. It’s the only answer that truly kills a craving for nicotine. We’re not using today no matter what.

Us. We. KTC. What a special collection of people, wisdom and history this place is. You’re never alone here. Ever. No one understands what you’re going through better than a brother or sister quitting alongside you or a brother or sister who’s been in your shoes before. That’s who we are and what goes on here. If you’re still reading this, sign in, get on roll and add your story to this community. It will save your life.

Thank you to those who keep KTC running. Thank you Mookie and Rawls, your reaching out with support in the early days of my quit gave me the edge I needed. Thank you Danojeno, Frazzled and so many other vets who have posted with us since day 1, the lessons both painful and fun you taught us will last a lifetime. Last, but certainly not least, thank you Smart Ass-tro’s and Walter White (my text brother), there is no way I would be here without you – if you need anything, I’m a text, pm or email away. Quit!

NOTE: This piece written by KillTheCan.org forum member boots on