KillTheCan.org – Quit Dipping Today!
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!!!
When you’ve made the decision to quit dipping you need support. You’ll get it right here at KillTheCan! This site is dedicated to helping people QUIT dip, smokeless & chewing tobacco! It will be a long & difficult road, but we are confident that you too can be successful and quit dip!
All articles on KillTheCan.org are written by members of our forums. These are people who understand what it means to quit. They write these articles from the perspective of a quitter. Don’t believe the “experts” that you find out there on the web – believe someone that has successfully QUIT DIP.
I need to quit. I want to quit. It’s so hard. Hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. I grew up in sports and was a very successful athlete. Went to college, played professionally in Europe. I picked up chewing in high school but never went hard at it until my sophomore year of college because I lived with baseball players and I enjoyed the buzz it gave. It started to take over my brain. My brain needed it after workouts instead of a gatorade or a bunch of water or food right after. Fast forward almost ten years later and I am fully addicted. It definitely hindered the potential of my athletic career and I truly wish I could take it all back. It makes me so depressed and my brain feels exactly like the “going to die in the addiction” comment you made. It controls my life. Working out isn’t an option at the moment because I’m having a hernia surgery in a week. I work from home that makes it even more difficult. Sometimes I can’t even get out of bed until the sun goes down. It all seems hopeless. I tried quitting in April and made it four days but since then, I haven’t made it longer than 48 hours. It all seems hopeless. I look at things in life now with little emotion. Everything doesn’t make sense anymore. It’s not who I use to be and nobody in my life can help me because I’ve chosen to not let anyone know about the severity of my addiction. I need to quit chew first and foremost but I’ve never had my mind controlled like it is now. Every minute I’m awake I am thinking about chewing. If anybody out there has been at the lowest level and made it, any words of encouragement would be appreciated.
Hopeless my ass. You can do this. Get pissed. You said it all. It controls your life. It does mine too. Imagine anything else dictating you around. No way you would stand for it. But we will take it from a brainless can of chemicals? Imagine if it were heroin or something illegal. That is what I have in my head. I love dipping and I think about it all the time. But it pisses me off my weakness to it. You can do it my friend. It’s only a window – not eternity. Relief shows up. That is a fact.
I’ve been there man. I can tell you for 2 weeks it’s terrible. The first week being the worst. But I can tell you, 190 days dip free, it’s worth it. I was dipping 1.5 cans a day before and I can tell you on the average day it doesn’t even cross my mind. You just need to take it 1 day at a time, and NEVER give in, not even once.
Yes after a few hours my mind becomes foggy, I can’t think, I start to get irritated, I start thinking irrationally (even though chewing in the first place is irrational). I remember in April when I attempted to quit for the first time and at times I found myself to have extreme wave of emotions splash over me. I would cry for at least thirty minutes straight literally about nothing and I couldn’t control it. Has anyone ever experienced this? Of course, I would end up buying a can at the first chance I get. It’s really discouraging because I’m known as a strong man but this stuff has brought me to my knees.
Definitely not hopeless!!! As a professional athlete (I was too), you are no stranger to discipline and sacrifice, apply it here!!! Quitting this crap has damn near laid me out physically, mentally, and emotionally…have never been hit so hard. But as SIMP said…that frustration and anger furthers my resolve to stay the hell away from it! You can absolutely do it!!!
Your not alone. It’s been 1,268 days since I quit. It was January 23, 2012 at 8:30 in the morning. I had stopped and bought a,can of red seal fine cut winter green before leaving for work that morning. I put the last dip from my old can in and threw the new can on the dash. You mention your hopeless feeling and how you’ve tried to quit and it just doesn’t work! It’s to hard! It ain’t worth it! Let me tell you a secret, we’ve all been where you are-right now. The hopeless feeling, the excuse that well you just don’t understand my situation or I’m gonna quit but I’ve got to much going on in my life right now! We’ve all been there man. For me it started 4 years before my quit date. Until then the thought never crossed my mind to quit. Four years earlier my youngest daughter was born. That was going to be my quit date. I was thirty years old and had been dipping since I was 18. I was dipping 2 cans a day and that’s red seal-1 1/2 oz. cans not the 1 oz. cans. I once told someone if I wouldn’t eating,drinking or conceiving, ” I was dipping”. Now I had lost at least half dozen teeth and was told by my dentist that I had periodontal disease. For those who don’t know what that it’s “gum disease” that warning that is sometimes found on the side of your can of dip. None of this mattered or phased me. I quit for my wife and then start back. I quit for my children and started back. I quit for the money savings and then started back. Finally 4 years after my quit date on January 23, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning with a dip in and a new can that had not yet been opened I QUIT. I wrote the date and the cost on the can and placed it on the console. Now I’ve said I’ve quit 1,000 Times, just like I’m sure you have. But you want to know the secret behind making your quit a success. This was the only thing that worked for me!!! Now remember I eat breath and slept dipping. It was like trying to survive without oxygen, impossible right-WRONG. Here’s the secret my future quit brother. You and you alone have to make the conscious decision to quit!! I know it sounds self centered, but you can’t quit for anything or anyone else. That morning I made that decision and haven’t dipped since. Looking back I’m glad just as my family is that I quit, but it never would have been possible had I not made a personal decision that I was quiting for me!!! Make a decision today that YOU are going to quit. Stay strong and begin each day reminding yourself of your conscious decision to quit and before you know it you can look back and say I DID IT!! Good luck my friend-and remember YOU CAN DO THIS, just as all us prior dippers have done before you.
Little over 60 days dip free. I had “Quit” numerous times made it maybe 24 hrs to a week. Then broke down and bought “just one” can. Never committed until this May. Finally got tired of dip controlling part of my life. First couple of weeks were tough. Physical cravings are over. Mental/emotional stress are triggers to break the commitment. Stay committed. I didn’t go into a gas station for two weeks. I call my wife and also a buddy of mine who quit when I think about breaking down and buying a can. I also pray. Support is important. Ultimately staying the course is your decision. The nicotine demon is tough but you can kick its ass.
The thing that works for me best is to somehow make it disgusting. You have to convince yourself that everytime you put it in your mouth that you want to throw up. This is what I did for smoking and dip. The cravings dont last more than about a week or 2 after. A lot of people that quit smoking still have cravings years after but I cant stand to even be around it.
Hopeless, I understand what you mean when you said it controls your mind. I havent dipped in 3 days and its tough. I quit once before for a month but im determined to go the distance now. You can do it because if you dont, the chances of you getting cancer are good.
I quit two weeks ago after having 1/can per day for the past 5 years. I work from home so chewing throughout the day (all day) was the norm for many years. The first week wasn’t too bad but this past week has been incredibly tough with more cravings and less motivation. I’m normally a very motivated/driven person and I just can’t seem to find my stride without chewing. Does the motivation come back at the same level? How long does the lack of motivation normally last? I can ill afford to be this unmotivated at work for much longer. Thanks
I dipped 1 can/day, all day doing graphic design for a decade at least. I was in your boat three years ago.
Honestly, it lasts a while, but it does come back. Annoying as hell, isn’t it? Expect a good solid month to six weeks of the foginess, inability to concentrate and lack of motivation and focus. You have to grind through it. Drink lots of coffee. You (and I) were pumping our bodies and minds full of a stimulant all day, everyday.
This will be a memory. Stick with it.
I have been tobacco free for 179 days. The first 50 sucked for everyone, but it gets much better as time goes on.
It does come back Dan in fact your energy level will actually increase hang tough bro
I am not a dipper but I love someone who is. To be honest I didn’t even know that dip exsisted until I met him. He is the man of my dreams and we truly are perfect for each other. Him dipping is perhaps his only flaw. I am in the medical career and have learned so much about diseases and cancer. It is truly a blessing to be born healthy and yet as humans we consciously make choices that will eventually take our health away. We should not take health for granted. I always ask him to quit, although I know I cannot force him, do it for him, or pretend to be the reason for him quitting. He must do it for himself. I just want him to be a healthy dad to our future children that we both crave for. I want to grow old and healthy together. No dependencies, no addictions, and no daily burdens.
Please DO NOT put yourself at more risk for cancer. Cancer is already claiming so many lives, do not let it claim yours off of something you could have avoided.
Just as I share my intimate thoughts and feelings with everyone reading I am sure that there is someone who loves you that is begging you to stop. Please think about your families and friends that you love and that love you when you feel like having ‘just one last dip.’
You all can do this and you will never regret the choice of quitting and living an addition free life!
Best wishes to everyone!
Well I am finally back on the quit train again after going on a 2 month fuck up after a year quit I am happy to say I am on day six I will not go back again I want to be around to watch my 3 beautiful kids grow thanks to ktc post I never lost sight of my true goals
I just quit for the first time on July 10th. 1 tin Copenhagen per day for 20 years or so. Thisnisnthe toughest thing I have ever done. I am 42 and I feel like a fucking little emotional girl. I’m done with this shit. Great website also.
Just started my 39th day dip-free and nicotine patch-free. Probably one of the hardest things I’ve attempted. Quit cigarettes many years ago but I don’t remember the mental nagging going on this long.
Dip is nasty; takes over for loved ones, goals & priorities. Makes you feel like you’re going to die in the addiction.
I started with patches for many weeks to get the nicotine level down, then pulled the pin on both. What a emotional roller coaster those 1st 72hrs provide! Hang on, keep telling yourself to get through the day and it DOES start to let up. It’s worth all the discomfort, crazy dreams, sweats, yelling, fantasizing and sleep loss. Just hang on
EISOR,
Absolutely beautiful post…and you couldn’t be anymore right!
SIMP23,
I would have to agree with you…this is certainly the hardest (and scariest) thing I’ve ever done. Like Brian said…just keep hanging on. To the best of your ability, stay distracted and don’t let the depression keep you from the things you enjoy…just compounds the misery. I’m exactly one month into my quit and my wife suffered a miscarriage over this past weekend. Aside from God’s grace/love, the only thing keeping me from backsliding was getting the hell outta the house (after ensuring my wife was well of course) and on the lake for a serious paddleboard session! This junk is still beating me up and I refuse to give in…HANG TOUGH SIMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not budging man. I am now realizing how much this shit controlled my life. My body is literally going WTF? It decided when I ate, slept, kissed, drank, worked, interacted etc….bad news man. I am a real hardcore – wake up in the morning and get a dip before I even hit the bathroom and I am also the loser that has jacked up pillows from falling asleep with this nasty shit in my mouth. I am actually pissed. I am a quitter. I am done. But I will tell you – for those who are starting; it’s gotta be you man. None of these posts and stories mean shit. You gotta want it. It’s a big step and a huge deal in your life. I find myself being rally proud right now. Only 4 days in. But I am gonna make it. The withdrawals and dip fog suck. But I do not want to lose face not go through that shit again. Horrible.
I quit smoking years ago and I dont remember any symptoms at all, but this dip quit is kicking my ass. What I dont get is im one of those people that never gets sick or gets headaches. Dip must be some super powerful stuff.
A little help please!!!
About 3.5 weeks into my quit (can/week x 8 yrs). Still being assaulted by the fog. Extremely fatigued (very unusual for me). Still experiencing muscle aches/fatigue. Paranoia has led to blood work – all of which returned normal thank the Lord. Has anyone else out there been this beat up 3.5 weeks in???
Starting to get a little worried…
Thanks!
YES! I spent several hundred dollars on doctors and blood work due to paranoia, anxiety (I didn’t realize what it was at the time) and freakin’ OBSESSIVE thoughts about health, finances and ultimately stomach problems, which caused more anxiety, which caused more stomach problems. It was freakin’ awful! Never been through anything like that. It lasted a few weeks… but once I could identify the anxiety, I was able to tell myself I’m freakin’ fine, and life slowly began to return to normal. The fog sucks, and it’s something you have to go through. You’ve been pumping a stimulant in high doses into your body for years. It has to unwind and recalibrate. Your energy, focus and motivation does come back. Give it a bit. You are fine! Convince yourself of it, man.
Over the course of a few days, soon, it will feel like someone is lifting a window blind open and the fog will subside.
(I was a can a day of Grizzly and Skoal for 10-15 years.)
Thank you very much for your response…helped immensely! Glad to know I’m still within the range of “normal/expected”. Cannot wait to get beyond this mess…what a full on cluster!
I am at 37 days today SVD so we are pretty much in the same boat. I am still struggling as well but I know I am getting better because my dentist looked at my mouth this week and said he sees a difference already. I recently had a biopsy taken and fortunately it was benign. But it was a definite warning sign and at my age (50) the odds of cancer increase dramatically. Several things have helped me decide to quit 1) having a clogged sink in my bathroom and removing the trap only to find multiple cans of nasty Copenhagen packed like a brick in the stack – it was so disgusting I though I would vomit 2) the death of Tony Gwynn and cancer of Curt Shilling (both about my age) 3) the insanity of having a scalpel biopsy in my mouth, getting stiches and then immediately slapping a fat dip in the other side of my mouth as soon as I left the surgeon’s office. Plus dipping while I waited 3 days for the biopsy results 4) the thought of all that I would miss should I die prematurely because of this addiction and 5) the realization that I had become a complete slave to the can. It is simply not normal to dip while we shaving nor to wake up in the middle of the night and have a dip so we can fall back to sleep. But for me I rationalized this was normal behavior for way too long. By the grace of God I have 20 years of sobriety from alcohol. And I swear quitting the can is every bit as hard. I am literally taking it one day at a time and sometimes one minute at a time. But I know if will get better with time. Here is to good fortune for us both.
Rich,
Delighted to hear the biopsy returned negative for malignancy!!! I asked an oral surgeon to give me a once over as well…thankfully all looked okay. Again, always reassuring to know I’m/we aren’t in the trenches alone!
The Lord is great…He put it on my heart hard core one night to quit…and that was it. Now I’m just riding out the storm. He will give us the strength…we just have to keep reaching out and touching the hem of His Son’s robe for healing daily.
We will overcome this!
Awesome post
3,273 Days of freedom.
$16,365 Saved.
These +1’s add up.
Hey everyone, my names Tim, I’m 23 from NJ. I’ve been about a 1/2 to 1 can of grizzly long cut a day for about 2 and 1/2 years. Up until I was about 20, I never touched tobacco in my life. However, I got stuck in an awful habit and really want to quit. Obviously I haven’t been dipping anywhere near as long as some people, but getting a gum disease or cancer scares the complete sh$t out of me. I can’t tell you how bad I want to quit. I don’t want to wean off it or do less, I never want to touch it again. I want to stop ASAP so I can stop worrying about the damage I can do to myself if I’m still doing this 5, 10 or 20 years from now. even though my dentist says my mouth looks great, I know I need to stop this garbage. I have an anxiety issue unrelated to dip and nicotine. While it helps me relax, it still creates anxiety thinking about cancer and losing my teeth.
I need your guys/gals insight and support about not how you quit, but how you stay away from it. I appreciate the support and admire everyone who’s kicked this habit, especially if you’ve been doing it all you’re life. Thanks and God bless.
Smokey mountain non tobacco snuff is helping me straight wintergreen classic I buy at walmart
Hey Tim I don’t think there is anyone in here that can tell u how to quit or how not to go back. I chewed cope snuff for 25 years and I have to convince myself everyday not to go back. sorry I can’t answer your question but will help support you and everyone else gd luck bro stay strong and just quit
I’m 23 I’ve been chewing since I was 12. I started dippin because of baseball and football and still am at the collegiate level. I’ve been trying to quit, but it’s difficult without the proper motivation and also being surrounded every day by other dippers. What do you guys think I should do?
Join our forums. http://forum.killthecan.org We’ve got over 24,000 members that “get it” because we’ve all been right where you are. It’s the best place out there to get support and questions answered from people who know what you’re going through.
Hey yall. I’m new here I have been reading several post and I must say it’s helping. I officially had my last dip last night at 830. It’s 230 the next day I know only a couple of hours. But for me it’s a big deal coming from someone that had one in all day. I have been a heavy user. 2+ cans a day for years over half my life I probably started at age 11 I’m 27. And never tried to quit. It’s hasn’t been to bad so far other then just the habit of putting one in. Don’t get me wrong I want one but I fight through it. I put a chew in earlier and as soon as I put it in I spit it out and said nopeople not doing it I went to my truck and gapped all tobacco and threw it away. I’m quiting for me. But because I want to be around. I want to be here for my wife for years. I’m scared to death of cancer. AND I believe the anxiety is getting the best of me right now. Good work to all the ones that are kicking this terrible product would love to hear from yall. I will need the help. I’m not strong enough to do this alone.
Brady I am kinda like you the anxiety is hard then turns into depression I like you was a heavy chewer I’m one day into this but prior to a month ago I had quit for a year stay strong bro you have about 2 weeks of hell coming then it does start getting better then it’s just day by day hang tough let me know how your doing
I’ve chewed for over 10 years but smoked almost 20 years prior to that. I quit for almost a year but started back up again because I gained a lot of weight and my blood sugar went out of control as I’m a type 2 diabetic. It’s been a year since I started back up again and I know it’s had an impact on my health. My throat feels raw and soar all the time, I feel dizzy and light headed a lot, and lately my feet have been getting tingly and even feels like needles sometimes. I want to quit so bad, it actually makes me nauseous at times but I can’t seem to stay away from it. Anyone have advice?
You’re in the right place Loren – would suggest you join our forums at http://forum.killthecan.org where we’ve got nearly 24,000 members who all “get it” because we’re right there with you. It’s the best place available to get support and questions answered from real quitters!
Loren, JOIN the forum and then join a group. After those two steps look me up. I also have type 2 diabetes. We can discuss easier ways to deal with the oral fixation and weight gain. I have only gained about 8 lbs. Its because of the ideas and support this forum brings to the table. If you truly want to be successful then I would join a group on the forum.
Been thinking about quitting for a while now. I was reading on here the other day to set a day to quit to ease your self off of the dip. I plan on quitting Monday as I have been cutting back threw the week so I don’t crave it has much I hope. But I seen this page and everybody on here thats quiting and that made want to quit even more seeing all you yall quit. Plan on dropping the can Monday no more dip
Zack, It will be the best move you ever made. It’s going to be a rough ride at first, but well worth it. I’m on day 80 today and I can’t believe I can drive my car without a chew and not even think about it. The information on KTC is accurate and very helpful.
Franco
Day 100 is complete. After 40 years of chewing Skoal every waking moment, it is finally over. Thank God. I went cold turkey and gutted it out over the first several weeks. After that, it became easier as long as I exercised hard every day.
It was way easier than stopping drinking alcohol, but it was still difficult.
If you’re speaking of the little bumps that line the inside of your front lower lip, then yes, I’ve had that a lot. When I quit, (nearly 900 days ago) some of them got pretty big. Salt makes it worse. They go back to normal size after a few days. Don’t sweat it.
Has anyone ever had a swollen submandibular salivary gland stone due to dipping?
Hi guys been a long time chewer love it but all good things must end right I quit for a year and like an idiot thought I could just have one that was a month and a half ago. I think I’ve thrown away more cans than I’ve chewed it seems tougher to get that first day back. I’m pretty down on myself for going back so could us some support to get back on track helps a lot reading the comments stay strong everyone and there is no such thing as one take it from me and gd luck
I remember doing the same thing before I said enough! quitting has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…staying the course is hardcore. Hang tough man…you can do this!!!
When u went back did u get paranoid ? Ever since I started feels like everything has fallen to shit. So damn hard
When I was going back and forth prior to quitting, yes it was a mind screw. Funny you should describe it like that…
Ever since the day I quit (2.5 weeks ago) it absolutely feels like everything has gone to crap. The fog has been a pain, the fatigue ridiculous, the anxiety/fear extremely disruptive, and the depression upsetting.
I cannot wait to get on the other side of this process…because this fully taxes the body, mind, and spirit.
Stick with it man!!!
Cold turkey after 8 years. NEVER goin’ back. 12 days without a “taste”. Dealing with the Dip Fog, fatigue, and generalized muscle aches/soreness. Anyone have a suggestion as to how to deal with the muscle soreness!?
exercise
DAY 1 OF QUITTING. Been using dip for 3 and a half years. Got introduced to it in the hockey locker room and never looked back. But, I threw my can out the window today. Wish me luck!
Today is my 1 year anniversary of quitting Copenhagen Snuff. After 22 years of dipping, i decided that i didn’t want to fall victim to the same fate as some of my boyhood idols, ie Tony Gwynn and nearly Brett Butler. I wanted something better for my family than to be a middle aged man with cancer. I sat reading these messege boards religiously for weeks on end. I was that frantic guy grasping for something to get me through the tough times as everything i was involved in seemed to be a trigger for my habit. I was rude, angry, irritable, and short tempered for weeks. I am lucky to have people around me that care about me enough to know what I was going through and that kept things together, not me. I have reminders everyday of what i chose to do for 22 years, but i also have the solace knowing that i have beat something i didn’t think i could. I still have cravings, but they are fewer and further between and don’t last nearly as long. They’re now just thoughts and go away as quickly as they came. My decision to quit was a direct reflection of my wife and children. Everytime i think of snuff or having a dip, all i can see are my kids faces and that, my friends, is a sobering thing.
My prayers are with all of you today on here looking for something to help you get through what i was feeling a year ago. Keep running the race! This helps me still:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize! Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore i do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No i strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after i have preached to others, i myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Well done Matt. You will be an inspiration for someone here. Thanks for sharing your success and your story. We all benefit from your story. I’m 1 year 4 months removed from a 35 year (lifetime) habit myself. God is god brother!
Thank you! Congrats to you as well! Everybody that has won that battle is an inspiration. God is most certainly good!
Ive dipped for 17 years. I’ll be 31 this year and figure I better quit before I do some serious damage to my mouth. I dipped a can every 2 days of grizzly wintergreen for a good while. Over the past 2 years it’s been skoal or kayak fine cut wintergreen. Today is day 2 for me. I had what this site calls ” the fog” all day yesterday. Feel a little better today. Woke up in angry fits last night and think I might have kicked the dog in my sleep. Gotta keep a strong head. Sunflower seeds, wintergreen life savers, and this site will get me through this. Good luck everyone.
I have quite today! Finally after 30 years of Copenhagen a can per day, I found out I had type 2 diebities about 5 years ago, I had a heart attack 2 years ago and still convinced myself it was ok to dip snuff, but what finally did it was my 15 year old son looked at me and said “Dad why do you do that nasty stuff” all that matters to me is being here for him and my wife as long as I can, so for them and my health I have quite cold turkey today.
I will definitely need the support of KTC, so I will thank all of you now, Thank you!
Kevin Welcome to your first day of living in 30 years. I will not kid you…the first few day suck but it gets better. You will soon have more energy and no mood swings. Your sugars will be better too. I know because I am type 2 also. Now I’m on day 15 and loving it. You can do this. Look how many people already have. Its not impossible but it will take a committment and posting roll. My user name is EOD 1. Look me up when you join a group.
EOD1 thank you for the support, it has been extremely hard, I seem to have become very angry at any little thing, is that normal?
I know everyone is different but do you think it’s better to use the gum or fake snuff to help with the stress? I don’t want to become dependent on something else.
Kevin, Yes anger is one symptom but it goes away soon. As far as the gum or fake stuff…It is your choice. which ever works best for you. If you want some support that is out of this world then join our group forum. It is the best thing I ever did. There are people in there just like you and they understand how hard it is. I call it “THE QUITTERS LIFE LINE”. And it really is. Kevin it is so important that you quit and I will quit with you. The dip changes your body chemistry and it effects you blood sugar levels. This quit will be the best thing you ever did for you and your family. Stay strong and join the forum group that way you will have that life line. Stay Quit my friend. Just know I’m here for you anytime. Your reply comes to my phone.
I quit cold turkey 6 months ago today! No looking back and the hardest thing to go through!
You can do it. I dipped for 18 years. I bought my last can going on 6 months ago now, and it does get better. Stay strong, and talk about it. There is support out there.
Fake chew has made my quit possible.40 days free now, after 35 years of fresh cope.
I quit today. Got news of a friend who has been diaginosed with gum disease. Scared me strait I hope.
I have used for 14 years solid. One can per day cope snuff..
I have attempted to quit multiple times over the past years never making it over week. Without the shit .I never have been a serious as I am now. This shit has had control of me long enough. I am glad I found this site I know it will help me threw this battle that I am about to embarke on.
I just lucked up finding this reading the 100 facts made me laugh an shake my head knowing I was guilt of over half or more. Really got me thinking.
Day 1
Day 6 – Still going strong! Cravings are not so bad now. I chew Trident gum to get me through the morning craving and then I’m good the rest of the day. Chewed 1-1/2 cans of Kodiak a day for 34 years. I didn’t plan this quit but I couldn’t let something control me. The only thing I can Beotch about is my sleep habits now but the rest I can deal with. Maybe it’s because I’m so SHALLOW! Well that what the wife says. HAHA. Although, since I quit she has turned into a different woman. YEEHAW. She keeps telling me how proud she is of me. WOW every mans dream. Well Nicotine free feels good and never looking back, just forward to a new and richer life.
Today is my first day with no dip in 15 years I’ve tried 2 other times to quit but today is different I’m going cold turkey and is going to work the patch and gum are just a crutch today I said I’m dip free not I’m quitting and that is why I no I will make it this time after reading a lot of the other comments I say a lot of people fighting the fog that was the biggest thing for me I see now if other people can do it so can I
Keep at it Paul Walker. I’m on a whole week. I’m not out of the woods, but I feel so much better.
DON’T GIVE UP!!!!!
On day 5, cold turkey. Started up in the military and dipped for 25 years. Me and a buddy are quitting it together.
I am having trouble sleeping. Also, my arms and legs are really figity and I fart all the time. When will I be able to sleep again? I get 40 minutes of sleep tops. I am lying in bed as we speak, farting away.
This has been tough.
CURTIS – The sleep thing I had really bad the first few days but then my wife made me some EXTRA SLEEPYTIME TEA. It worked after the second cup. Go to the store and get some of that and try it. Note: AS SOON AS YOU FEEL SLEPPY GO TO BED> DON’T WAIT. I got zero sleep the first few days but now I sleep longer each night. You have to re-program your sleep habits and re-train your brain because you have just disrupted what your body feels as normal. I hope this helps. let me know and STAY STRONG.
I really don’t understand this section it has comments from different months it’s scattered all over the place, there is a comment from jam. Then the next one is apt. Then it’s feb. WTF?
Scott – the comments are nested so you can theoretically have a conversation within the thread. The problem that we have is this particular page has over 1,300 comments currently so the “nesting” becomes difficult to see.
I have to agree 100%. If this site were more user friendly I would participate a whole lot more. As it is, hitting “reply” or “comment” doesn’t take you to the just quoted posting. So you have to scroll for five minutes looking for the post. The logical order of things leaves me befuddled. So I don’t comment much. Maybe Chewie can find a better software platform for hosting this discussion board. Because I think many more people would participate if it were user friendly – which it is not in its present form. That’s my 2 cents.
I am on day 27 of no chew and although I’m not hurting for a dip , I constantly want one, my brain is trying to convince my body that chew wasn’t really that bad I have dipped slowly and wolf and longhorn for 39 years , I was only a moderate dipper , about a third of a can a day, I didn’t have any known signs or symptoms like mouth sores or teeth falling out but I don’t really know of what kind of cancer could be lurking internally from it so I quit. I miss it like crazy but I am able to get thru each day without it
I have been dipping for 39 years, I have quit now for 22 days, I’m going to make it !
Great attitude Scott! Let us know how we can help!
Thanks , some days I’m strong but other days I try to tell myself that the chew really wasn’t hurting me at all and I should start back because I really don’t feel like myself anymore
It’ll take some time to redefine your “normal” without chew. Keep fighting. It’s not easy but I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s 100% worth it.
Been chewing for 10 years in dec. I switched to pouches it helped me get ready to quit I have 2mg. Nicotine gum now slowly weaning off that too. If ya want some motivation look up mouth cancer=) or know it could be the difference between you getting the girl. And the not.
I’ve done a can of Skoal every couple days for 15 years, maybe more. Always hiding it, liked it and hated it. I hated hiding it and spending money on it. Spending too much time in the bathroom, you know how it goes. You hate everything about it. I did it and I know how it is. My little brother recently passed away. He died way too soon but he smoked like a machine, non stop. That was a tough reality check. I quit the chew so that my brother’s death will have one positive result. I haven’t told anyone about it because this chewing shit is a secret so no one knows I did it or I quit. That’s a drag but I know what I did and that’s ok for now.Good luck to you and if someone else quits the chew in honor of my brother Jim then God bless you and may the force be with you.
TOD, you’re right it’s very tough to quit I never did heroin but I hear it’s just as tough. I once stopped for 3 whole years! Yep quit for that long but went right back to the shit! This time I’m quit for 1 month now but you know what I’m done for good this time last time I didn’t have this site and my brothers and last time I didn’t ask God for help…..so I have quite a team on my side this time! You can do it too admit the nic bitch is more powerful than you and use everything you can to beat her, you can win if you want too!
Hi all. I’m a can a day guy for about 10 years now. I’ve been saying I will quit for about three years now. I’ve always been very determined and successful with a Ed work and dedication and discipline. But when it comes to chew, I cave every time. I have been very down lately because I have tried seriously quitting since April. The furthest I got was my first attempt. I made it four days and caved one late night when the craving overtook me. I’ve since only made it to two days once with the rest in between back on it hard. It’s incredibly hard to get off this. The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. My discipline is out the window with chew and its all I think about. I know I can do it, i know it’s not going to be easy. Whenever I’m driving and I’ve been off it for a few hours I get incredible urges to stop at a gas station and buy one. My head playing tricks saying “one more won’t hurt.” Ahh I need to quit, I want to quit, I have to quit but I literally chew after everything I do. I’ve thrown out full tins after having a dip and feeling like shit over it. I know it’s going to just take some balls and just say fuck it and quit. Any kind words would help though. I’ve tried employing the buddy system but it’s kind of a handful for someone to deal with. I need support but have nowhere to turn in the extreme craving sessions. I know the path, my brain knows the path, I want to get on the path but I’ve never had something control me the way this shit does. Anyway, wish me luck as I finish this last tin and try to embark on my first day of chew free tomorrow afternoon. Any words of encouragement or wisdom are greatly appreciated.
I’ve been chewing for 8 years now and want to quit. I’ve been trying hard the past few weeks. I’ll go a day or two and somehow I’ll end up with a can. is the first week the worst?
Had diarrhea last Night is this normal.
Day one and I was ready to rip my hair out of my head this evening after work. Every one of my friends dip and most of the people I work with do as well. I made it through the work day with only a few cravings but the second I got off work it seemed like they would not go away whatsoever. The longest I’ve made it on my own will was 13 days but then cracked. I went 3 months during boot camp (obviously forced to quit.) but hadn’t even got off the base before I had a dip in. I’ve been dipping for about 4 years now.
Only chewed a bit over a year but I want to quit. Horrible habit and sometimes get those small white bumps on my gums and I just feel gross with a chew in. Today is the day I quit.
So I dipped for about 4 years. I know it’s not as much as some people, but it really took a toll on me. I dipped Copenhagen wintergreen since I was 14 and it took over my life. I would skip meals to dip, I lost weight…it became part of me. I always had a can on me at all times. I decided to quit one day because my girlfriend said she wouldn’t date me if I did it. Every time we’d hangout, I’d go for about 8-10 hours of not dipping and it made me a different person. I wouldn’t be there. It was like I was sleepwalking. I’d stare into nothing for minutes and wouldn’t talk and wouldn’t be active. I finally said fuck it and just quit cold turkey one day. For 8 months I didn’t dip. And I was happy, my family was happy, and my friends and girlfriend were happy too. I was proud of myself for overcoming the odds. It was an every day battle to not dip again, and every day I struggled to not go out and buy a can. One day, I did. And I regret it more than anything. I went back to dipping half a can a day and I didn’t think it would get as bad as before, but it did. I didn’t tell anyone I was doing it until yesterday. I was at a wedding reception and I hated my life. It was even worse than the first time I hadn’t dipped in about 5 hours. I stared at nothing, I was an asshole to everyone, didn’t talk, didn’t dance, nothing. My girlfriend and friends were super upset with me when I told them the bad news. I was back where I started and I couldn’t believe it. My girlfriend will barely talk to me now and my friends and family are disappointed with what I did. Tobacco and nicotine have destroyed my life because it turns me into someone I’m not. And now I’ve come to the realization that I can never go back to it. And I never will. From this day forward, I’m done. I will go through hell and back to never dip again because I’m not myself when I’m fiending for nicotine. I’m just some asshole and I never wanna be that man again. I wanna start living again. I wanna be happy with my girlfriend, family, and friends. I will overcome it again. I’m sorry for the long comment, but I had to tell someone. Kind words are appreciated. I’m glad there’s a website built for this. Thank you all, and happy quitting. If I can do it, you can do it!
I quit chewing on May 5th of this year after hearing Joe Pags talking about how his Father died from cancer on that day at 69 years old. He smoked 5 packs a day when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and lived another 5 years or so. The thing is, he quit smoking cold turkey and never had another puff. Joe made a great and logical point by saying quit before you get the cancer diagnosis. I had to agree with him. How could I not. I always told myself I’ll quit sometime soon. But that sometime never came around. Once I heard those words I immediately got up from my chair and emptied 2 full tins into my toilet ( not my garbage) and flushed it away forever. If I ever think about having a chew I go back to that statement. It has made it extremely easy. I will never chew again. I hope this helps at least one person. Cravings have already reduced greatly.
I’ve tried quitting several times- it’s time to throw the cans away and not look back
3 days is the longest I have been without dip for that last 12 years. Last night I started with the headaches, but I am determined to quit. I purchased TeaZa, and it is probably the only way I will make it for the first month. I am excited to get this junk out of my body, and never have to worry about the damage it is doing to me and my family again. This site is probably the only place I can look to for help from people who understand. Thanks for the encouragement.
I am starting today… only had one but I want and need to be done with it! please keep me in your thoughts… I know it is going to be hard. I have no idea how I am going to get through the rage that comes with it. I have tried so many times but I can’t get past the anger. I get so irritable. Any advice??
JP…How long do you plan on chewing the fake dip?
231 days TF with Smokey Mountain mint as my buddy. 25 years of dipping.
Question: Did anyone switch to leaf before quitting? I did this because I thought it would be less convenient because of the wad and the juice (it was). I did this for a few months, then dumped the Red Man. I’m just curious.
P.S.: For those thinking of quitting, just know that if I can go seven months, you can too.
Gearing up to quit…. Haven’t been able to make it past 2 weeks…. Can’t chew the fake dip cuz molasses and diabetes don’t mix so got an appointment w doc to get champex or zyban… Smoked and chewed as a young guy (since 11/12 yrs old)…. Quit chewing at 19, smoked until ’98 then 4 yrs ago started dipping again…. Stupid! Got a dip in as soon as I wake up until I go to bed…
Can someone explain to me if exhaustion at day 54 cold turkey is normal? I compete in powerlifting and it has caused a decrease in energy, endurance, and strength to a very noticeable level. Depressed and lethargic as all Hell but fighting the good fight.
Thanks for battling along with me everyone.
ShawnKB
Hey, day 8 doing fine urges have backed off I’m hamering sunflower seed though!
Day #87 I still have trouble sleeping and still a bit out of it. you guess know how long this will last?
You’re on the downhill slope. It simply fades away on it’s own. Everyone is a bit different… I was mostly over it around 3 months, but had a bout with anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Good work!
I’m on day 53 and feel the same way. I hope this let’s up. Anxious and feel tired and weak and as a competitive powerlifter, it’s been messing badly with my strength and endurance. Keep it up though bud.
I went back to it. God damnit. After almost a year of being off the crap and I went back to it. I’ve gone through four tins in the past two months. Dripped for 8 years. I’m so mad at myself for giving in. And of course, now the paranoia of getting cancer comes along with it…Need help guys….