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.
Day 16 here. After 15 years it’s been tough for sure. 2 weeks after quitting I feel so much better and I can even go all day without even thinking of dipping. Just when I think I’m out of the clear I’ll get a crazy urge out of nowhere. Even after you think you’ve made it, it’s still lurking in the back of your mind.
Day 29 Monday will be my 1 month. Using alternatives and its getting better but don’t want to be too confident. I do know this. “i will not dip today”
It was very assuring to see you guys and your battle with this shit, unlike those of you who fell and had the courage and dignity to admit it here,,, unlike myself who just a couple weeks ago was here doing my quit,,, and fell, I can’t seem to put it down,, when I see you guys and gals fall and get back up and keep going gives me hope but too damnd ashamed to do another promise here,, I respect you all too much!!! This shit is more addicting then heroin, I believe that
The quit is a choice. Don’t give the power to the dip. Own your choice whether it’s to quit or use. You can quit if you choose to. But you gotta commit to it.
LuckyD, I tell you this respectfully, Quit before you have to. That’s all.
For what is is worth, this is my story, I posted it somewhere else, but here it goes:
Yes, I made it to 100 days, was ready to post my speech, and all hells broke lose. So i failed and 10 months later I am getting back on my feet. I wish I could say because of a great altruistic and superhero commitment like most of the folks here, but rather because of a more frightful episode in which I thought I had gotten CANCER. I had to go see the Doctor and get myself checked out. Fortunately it was a false alarm, but I took that as a sign, that it was definitely the time to quit. No more playing around, no more romanticizing memories of tobacco, that stuff is for real and can take your life. For those of you who are here counting the days like I was, I can give you advise, Don’t worry about days gone by, worry about the now, when the craving hits, say NO! put it out of your mind, I don’t care how you do it, once the moment passes you will be ok until the next one comes. I realized that by controlling the cravings (The Mind) it is more important than the amount of time you are off of it.
Believe me you can be dragged down at anytime, no matter how much time you are away from it.
They say that by smoking one cigarette depletes your life span by up to 11 minutes, I wonder how many minutes it depletes from Men when we finish a whole can of snuff?
Source: http://www.tobaccofactfile.org/how-long-do-i-have.html
Well, here is what I found out.
“The amount of nicotine in one dip or chew can deliver up to 5x’s amount found in one cigarette.”
Here are some more devastating facts:
“1 can snuff=as much nicotine as 4 packs of cigarettes (Mayo Clinic)
Thirty-minutes of chew gives same nicotine as 3 cigarettes
A two-can/week dipper gets same nicotine as 1.5 pack-a-day cigarettes
8-10 dips per day is same amount of nicotine as 30-40 cigarettes.”
Source: http://www.lassencoe.org/tfree/4-6/SPIT%20TOBACCO%20KILLS.pdf
So if we do the math. 11 minutes x 5 (amount of nic on snuff) = 55 Minutes.
Almost a full hour that we subtract from our existence on this world and I suspect that it is the quality of health that would suffer, in other words we may still be alive, but in really bad shape folks.
I read a story of a nurse that saw first hand the last days of a dipper, incredible amounts of pain the man showed he said, that the most powerful anti-pain medicines could barely give him rest. That was the time the nurse stopped dipping.
For me, it took a good health scare, What is it going to take for you to quit?
I read on this site also a 15 year old kid boasting, ” I love dipping, I ain’t never gonna quit” I hope that he was only cruelly joking, but if he wasn’t I left him a note as well as other folks that read his note. Mine said “You will quit, one way or another, mark those words”.
….. Well i messed up today. I had a seizure last night while i was sleeping. When i woke up i couldnt remember anything. I was looking around the house for my grandmother who has been dead for a year and a half. Then looking around my room for a can. In a few hours my brain started recovering but i still felt weird. I still dont feel right like im on some kind of drug but i screwed up and went and got a can. I had 11 days. I only took 2 dips. The odd thing is i felt nothing. No head rush or relaxing feeling. I just emptied dumped out the can. My seizures have nothing to do with nicotine, i have them every month. I am pissed i threw away 11 days. I guess its ok of i learned something. What i learned is i didnt feel anything from it at all? I hope that will help me with the rest of my recovery. Atleast i tossed the can but i thought i should be honest. I fucked up = (
i messed up today too man, my anxiety got to me really badly and i went and got a can, i failed too. All we can do is recover and try again tomorrow. Be strong brother!!!
Thanks bro. Glad i only took 2 dips and tossed the rest. I think that kept me from going and getting more last night. My head feels better today. thinking clearer and not getting strong cravings for nicotine so im guessing i didnt use enough to go through the fucked withdrawls like i did the 1st three days.
Sorry to hear you slipped up, but glad your back at it tom. Been keeping up with your posts. Dig deep. Day 3 for me.
Chewie I was able to get in. Thanks
Am I missing a place on here to reset my password? Someone kindly point me in the right direction? thanks
whats with the stupid “waiting for moderation”? If i could post my thoughts and have others comment on them now without waiting for moderation I might not be on my way to the store right now to buy a nice fat juicy dip….fuck this site….
You’ve just proven why we moderate comments.
Thank you.
That said… If you’re a legit quitter we’re here for you. But let’s be honest… Is the fact that your comment took 4 minutes to be approved REALLY a reason to cave? I think not.
Never a good reason to cave.Day 25 for me today and i can commit to not having a dip today. Too much to live for.
Hey man. Are you talking about resetting your forum password?
Yes Cheque. Forum password please.
Chewie Dangole spell check
Have you registered for the forum? It’s separate from the site: http://forum.killthecan.org/register/
If you need to recover your forum password, you can use this link: http://forum.killthecan.org/login/lostpw/
If that doesn’t work, just let me know what your forum username is and I can reset it for you.
Chewie – I cannot get into the forum either. I am 74 days quit and just look at these comments and I post a little. The blogs and forums so not recognize me. I’m sure I’m mucking it up or something.
Your username on the forums are completely separate from the blog / site. Register here: http://forum.killthecan.org/register/
Cool. Thanks man.
10 days today. I do fine in the day but its at night when i start wanting a chew. The thing that has saved me is if i would have went and got a can of chew last night it would already be gone and so would the buzz. i would just be craving more by now. It wont solve anything to start again. Ive saved $30 not to mention the gas from trips back and forth to the store. I decided to reward myself and buy a kabar bk11 to go with my bk10. That has kept me from messing up also. The guilt i would feel. I swore if i rewarded myself and wasted the money on something then turned around and started wasting $3 a day on chew. By the end of this month i will have saved enough money to make up for what i spent on my new knife. Next month will save $93 for not chewing and possibly reward myself with something else? To hell with cancer or lost teeth, i just dont want to live the rest of my life as an addict. Ive been trying to quit for about a year, usually making it 2-3 days. Somehow this time i made it? I dont know what pulled me through that hasnt worked before? I guess my advice is dont give up. Anyway unless im having a really bad time craving i am going to take a break from posting.
i’m on day 11 as you can see from my post below…today has been the worst day for me so far…i came to work today and found cans all around my office (my co-workers way of saying dip and stop being a dick)…..i’m having crazy dreams…but f everybody else…i’m not going to dip again unless somebody shoves it in my mouth….that last post helped me…and this one will too…strange huh…posting here realy helps….
I read your post above about website lag/moderation. I hope you didnt screw up and start again. So at 11 days you arent feeling better? Physically i have been feeling alot better(except one day when i think it was a cold or). ive felt like ive had more energy, my dog has loved all the extra walks. There are times like you said i am craving but keep in mind it wont last. Like i said if i had given in last night and went and got some chew it would be gone by now and i would want more now anyway but i would throw away all the days ive fought off urges succesfully. I dont want to do that. I know i said i was going to break from posting but if i can help. You seemed pissed in your post above. just dont throw away 11 days.
You need to just quit and stop screwing around….I know it seems hard to quit now, but when you think of the health risks…you wont even think twice…do it now for you and your family….you can do it….it seems tough but you just need to focus and do it today…you’ll be glad you did
It’s been 10 day since I quit…. This shit sucks…. I’ve lasted a month on two other occasions now I’m just trying to beat my quit record at the very least…
My name is Justin and I have been chewing for years. I have tried to quit many times, but never have given it a full go. My mother recently died of lung cancer, presumably related to smoking (even though she had quit, and still it is not enough for me to put down the can.I was a drug addict and alcoholic nearly all my life, until I got sober nearly 4 1/2 years ago. Without a doubt, chew has proved to be a formidable opponent than drugs and alcohol. I need some help, some support, anything that can get me through the early stages of quitting. My family is constantly concerned that they will have to pick up the pieces when I get cancer, just as we did my mom. I know it is not a matter of if, but rather when I get cancer if I continue to chew. Just like the drug addict I used to be, I am now lying about chewing and consistently getting caught and damaging my relationship with my wife. Need to stop…please help
–Justin
@justin ive only got 10 days so idk if i should be giving advice but i would say do your homework. Theres alot even just on this site to give you a good head start. Make a list of why you want to quit. Why you should quit. Sounds like you have alot of support with your family, use it. It would have been alot easier on me if i had someone to talk to. Even ranting on here helps. Dont sabbatage your quit by talking yourself into screwing up. One thing that messed me up alot was always that well i will quit tomarrow, ill make tonight my last night if i can just go get more to make it through tonight. I would suggest like i did. Before you go to bed, dump out whatever you have left, clean all the empty cans and spit bottles out of your room. Also dont go to or drive by stores you know sell chew. Dont tempt yourself. When you wake up you will already have 8 hours. Keep in mind in 3 days the nicotine will be gone from your system, then its all just mental.
You are here and this is a great place for support. I quit drinking and dipping on the same day. Although I would drink every day, I haven’t really struggled with craving alcohol. But dip has been a total bitch. At 51 days, I’m not craving a dip so much as I’m wanting to feel “normal” again and be able to do my normal routine. Right now I’m lucky to get through a day without taking a nap and that’s after getting 7-8 hrs of sleep at night.
Quitting nicotine is very difficult, but it is doable! Look through this site and you will see all the people that quit every day and support everyone that quits with them. And that’s all this is. QUIT FOR JUST ONE DAY. Can’t change yesterday. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Just quit for today.
Well on day 8 now. Slept alot better last night, dog didnt wake me up at 4am. Feel good today. im thinking yesterday when i felt like shit it had nothing to do with chew but my mind automatically goes to what has made me feel better before? Crazy ive made it 8 days, saved $24, there is no excuse to start again now. The nicotine is completely out of my body, its just mental now.
Its only day 2 of me cutting back… i’ve gone from a can every day, to 1 can of pouches every 2 days, to now 2 pouches a day. I’ve failed at quitting before and i’m starting to feel hopeless right now. bleh!
I keep pushing back when I would have my first pouch and last pouch.
(ex. Day 1- wake up 6am, first pouch 11;30am, second/final pouch 6:00pm bed 11pm
Day 2- wake up 6am, FP noon S/Final Pouch 8pm.)
its been stressful as hell.
Frank–just quit. Cutting back a little is okay, but you are actually making it harder on yourself at this point. You are basically stuck in the worst part of the physical withdrawals, you pull yourself up with a pinch then drop yourself back in to them. This is a path for failure. Toss that shit and get on with the quit.
alright thanks man… i’ll quit the shit today. Fuck it i’m doing it.
Good for you bro. Just let it go. On day 37 and a lot better because I quit. We’re here for ya.
BAM! You CAN do this.
……7th day. Didnt sleep worth sht last night. Not getting irresistable urges for a dip but not feeling very good today? Had a fucked headache when i woke up, just feel out of energy for the 1st time since qutting? Almost went and got some chew this morning. A few things have stopped me. 1 if i had went and got some this morning not only would it probably be gone by now and would probably feel worse. 2 all the money i have saved in the last week and will save if i dont start again.
Just tell yourself it’s no longer an option. It seems to work for me because I’ve tried to quit before and given in because I rationalized it back into my life. Every day you pull further away from it the better you are. One day I won’t have the cravings anymore either and I will look back on when I stuffed that shit in my lip and shake my head wondering why I ever did it, and for so long. I cut back for a few weeks then had my last one on 9/11. It was a surprise that I got a bad buzz and felt lousy. I know that’s what’s waiting for me should I try again; not the pleasant feeling I had for decades. That and inevitable mouth cancer. If you’ve made it one week, you can do two.
Day 5 here. BITCH….. I WILL NOT DIP TODAY…. (other than the can of nic free Mint Stuff I just bought)
Hey all. Been trying to quit for awhile. Never really thought that I had an addiction but here I am. Only 23. Been chewing since I was 16. Really wanting to quit NOW!! Tomorrow I begin. Wish me luck
Good for you. The hardest call is saying no to a dip that first time. But, you just have to say no one urge at a time. And when you quit, sign in to roll call. It’s a great way to start the day and make the choice to quit for THAT day.
Ok on my 6th day. This is the longest ive gone without chew in years.still getting cravings but getting easier to ignore them and get my mind off of it. This morning was the 1st morning where i didnt wake up thinking about it. Actually just been thinking of the weird ass dream i had last night about april oneil and the middle aged mutant ninja turtles. Anyway hang in there it gets easier.
You’ve got a brother in me, in the sense that this is also my sixth day without a dip in 13 years or so. I have been doing it for roughly 25 years. I’m moving forward towards a long healthier life without it by following this: It’s no longer a choice. I must remain nicotine free forever, or face the consequence of mouth cancer. Already I’m stronger in the gym, more alert and aware, and happier. When a craving hits, I suck on an atomic fireball. Good luck Tom.
Hmm, i thought it was just me? Alot of people talk about feeling miserable after quitting but i have steadily felt better. I feel like i have more energy, i am enjoying things more instead of feeling like i need to a dip to enjoy anything or constantly jonesing for one, i am actually feeling more patient and not in a bad mood at all. We got this brother. Dont give in, we got this.
Well, I was a 35 year user, using a can a day and at times using 1 1/2 cans a day. I finally made the decision to quit on 09/13/2015. Not that I recommend my method to all, but everyone has their own process. For me, It was to simply decide…enough was enough and stop. I did not plan out a quit date, I had an epiphany and knew this was something I needed to do. After all, how can I speak to my children and grandchildren about the evils of tobacco. I can no longer be that hypocrite.
I am burning through the Gum though. I would like to see more gum companies get on board with helping quitters. I understand nicotine replacement, but many of us would choose to go a route without nicotine.
I am so inspired by the stories on here and knowing that I’m part of a larger movement. Keep up the fight everyone. We’ll make it…We will be better for it…our families will be better for it.
Been quit since 5/6/2015, been in a fog ever since, more anxiety of fearing I quit too late. Finally made the dreaded Dental Appointment for this afternoon, time to face the music, pray that all goes well.
Hey Marc, We’re all pulling for you and we’ve all been down this road and are quitting with you everyday. Stay strong and it will all work out.
You’ll be fine. We all go through this. Hang in there.
Tomorrow I start my new life dip free. I have said I was going to quit before but just never did it. I have cut back all week from a can a day to just 2-3 dips per day. I’ve only dipped for 4 years but it’s time to quit. Any pointers on day one and how to stay strong?
Hey Danny – would definitely suggest you join our forums at http://forum.killthecan.org where we have nearly 25,000 members. It’s the best place out there to get support and questions answered from people who “get it”
Chewie on day 21 and made previous posts about this site and jakes mint as a help for my quit. Haven’t really had bad cravings even though i am a 30 year dipper, My concern is I use jakes 5 to 7 times a day and starting to wonder should i be concerned about that. Always went to the dentist and tried to keep up on oral hygiene. Should that be my only concern when using an alternative?
That’s a good question. I’ve been chewing actual mint leaves some, but I don’t do it all the time like I did when I dipped. No matter what, it’s less destructive than the tobacco, but it would be a great question for your dentist. If you get a chance to ask your dentist, I’d be interested to hear the response.
I have an appointment on the 25th. Look for my post around that time. I will ask,
I used chewing gum. At target they sell 180 packs of mint trident… No joke, I went through about 3 packs in the first week… Today I’m 78 days free, no slip-ups. Obviously I still crave/think about it hence why I’m on here today remembering why I quit.
Be careful not to sabotage your quit. Ive said ill quit toamrrow so many times but its easy to say with a can in hand. Idk if im one to be giving advice, im only on my 5th day but i can say it gets easier. If you can find some local support, family friends if you have them. Stay away from stores. Theres alot of info on this site that can help. Alot to read if you need some ideas for getting through.
Be prepared & know what to expect. Knowledge & commitment are your 2 greatest weapons. Something that always gave me solace was that the physical misery is only 3 days long, the nicotine is out of your system at that point. No crave can last longer than 3 minutes, enjoy the pain and realize it will soon pass. Find a story of inspiration where someone survived something so much more daunting, without help or support and then compare your misery to his or hers. It will humble & motivate
Day 31. Had a good 8 hours of feeling normal yesterday but was thrown back into the fog, anxiety, and lightheadedness this morning at 9am.
Checked my pulse while I was going through one of my panic attacks and everything stayed normal/consistent. Glad I’m not having heart problems at least (I hope). This sucks!
Hope I get out of this soon!
Damn 31 days? at 9:30 pm ill have 4. One thing keeping me from going to get more is how i would feel throwing those 4 days i suffered away. Especially considering the 1st 24 hours were hell with the constant cravings every 2-3 min so dont throw away 31 days and have to start all over.
Have they gotten any easier over those four days?
Yes. That first night was hell. Fighting that urge to g2 the store and get just one can, then ill quit tomarrow. Ive been doing that routine for along time. Its all out of my system now and im not getting physical withdrawls anymore, just mental. Im hoping its like quitting drinking. That was easy when i just got sick of the hangovers. Ive just been trying to keep busy, my dogs been loving all the extra walks.
Exercise certainly helps with it. Today is day one for me and Im so excited for the agony to come. The worst part is when you think “I’m going to have a dip” and then you remember you quit. lol. Talk about getting angry
How long did you chew before quitting?
Hooked on nicotine for about 10 years. I was up to 1 can a day (maybe 1.5 cans/day) for about 3 years before I quit. My dips were also in for an extended amount of time which is making this process every more terrible.
Ive been quit since april of 2012, though you never truely ditch the cravings, i promise you it will get better!
John,
Hang in there and stick with it. Today was day #478 for my quit and it was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. As I tell my wife of 25 years with a slight grin that I enjoyed it more than making love. Not completely true, but damn close. I am so glad I stuck with it even when I felt the same way you do right now. I don’t ever say never to ANYTHING, but I will say that after going through the 1st six months of withdrawals that I will NEVER put another dip in this mouth! The freedom I feel today is something I want to experience for the rest of my life! Don’t give in!!!!!!
Day 35 and I almost caved.. Stay strong brothers it gets so easy after 30 days that you think you can buy just one can and be ok. Bullshit cause I have been there twice before . Not one more. Just popped in some cowboy coffee to get me through some late work hours. With you ..
I havnt had a chew in 3.5 days and the only thing i can say is REDRUM!!!
Hang in there Tom – believe it or not you’re right on track!
Thanks. Actually getting alittle easier. The urges arent constant anymore but im finding trying to talk myself into getting a can. I am just trying to remember why i shouldnt. Ive saved $12, if i go get chew i will actually feel worse that why i wanted to quit in the 1st place, on top of the nervous, anxious feeling i imagine a chew right now would make me want to throw up, if i get a chew in 15 minutes after the rush is gone i will feel like shit and have suffered 3.5 days for nothing. Also remembering to stay clear of stores, not sure if ive got enough willpower for that kind of temptation.
Sure you have the willpower. Just stay tough and don’t let the nic get ya!
Hang in there Tom S .. You don’t need it. I have sores in my mouth that the doctor says need to be removed I am afraid to all get out. Please Stay quit!
here I am again….
I used this site back in 2007 to quit for 7 years…..7 years!
the occasional cigar led to the everyday cigar and before I knew it, I was a smoker. Didn’t want to be a smoker so I tried quitting. A co worker had a can of chew and I told myself that it had been 7 years and its not like 1 dip would get me hooked……WRONG! That was over a year ago. So here I sit on day 2 of my quit in the pure hell stage knowing full well this is 100% my fault. I told everyone the first time i quit was the hardest thing I’ve ever don in my life. Well apparently my dumb ass dosent learn very well!
Ouch… that hurts. Throwing away a 7 year quit is brutal. What was your username before?
Use what you’ve learned… make this one stick.
Dont remember my old username. I didnt post much if at all. I still have the same email address if it can be looked up that way….
Damn Sparx, your story is my worst nightmare. I’m 18 months into my quit. How easy it would be to smoke a cigarette or cigar and slip right back into that old place. Thanks for sharing.
Everyone needs to read about the type of addicts we all are. One re-introduction of tobacco will make you the same addict as you were before you quit, no matter how long you have been quit for. There is no such thing as just one. There is an article on this site that explains the science behind it.
The Law Of Addiction: “Administration of a drug to an addict will cause reestablishment of chemical dependence upon the addictive substance.”
https://www.killthecan.org/additional-resources/the-law-of-addiction/
Day 35 of a new life. Thanks for all the support!
Mitch,
Day 35 is no joke. Keep it up , the worst is behind you. Some tough moments ahead for sure, but nothing you can’t handle.
Franco
150
Yep extremely normal. It’s a day by day process and journey but you’re on the right path.
DAY 100. Thanks so much for the support of my September quit group and the entire KTC group! Feels amazing to have reached this point. This place works. Quit now and forever change your future for the better.
Well done Travis – congratulations!!!
Day 20 today. This site and my Jake’s mint chew has made a quit possible and getting easier every day. I never thought it was possible and now i am doing it. I will not dip today and I am determined to NEVER dip again. I have too much to live for.
Day 29. One can a day for 7 years. Pretty sure I had a dip in basically all day which is the reason I believe my withdrawals are so much worse than others.
Still wanted to ask you guys if, even after 29 days, depression, being extremely light headed, a bit moody, and foggy is still normal? I’ve been to the ER after my 2nd day with a panic attack and all blood work came back normal. HELP!
Yes it’s normal John. Everybody’s quit is different. I dipped a can a day for 36 years. If I wasn’t sleeping, eating, exercising or having sex, I was dipping. Constant nicotine in my body from the moment I woke up until I went too bed. Sometimes I fell asleep with a dip in my mouth. I quit 18 months ago and I still have daily struggles although they are now mild and easily controllable. So I know you think your nicotine habit is worse than everyone else’s – it’s not. I was as bad as you or even worse since I dipped 30+ years. So just know that this too shall pass. Your time to pass will be much longer than other people who were not as addicted as you and I. Stay strong, post roll daily and know that every day you win this battle, you are one day closer to freedom. And freedom from cancer and more money in your pocket is a great reward and worth every ounce of effort you can muster.
well said AIRBUSPILOT. Like John, quitting cold turkey has really kicked my ass. At 41 days I’m just starting to feel kind of normal. I’ve been sleeping more at night followed by needing a nap in the afternoon and then still going to bed for 8+ hrs for over a month. I thought something was really wrong. I am going in for a sleep apnea check, but as I’m coming out of the most overwhelming lethargy I’m beginning to think it really was just how bad the nicotine withdrawals can be. Read through this site and you start to realize there are a bunch of us that have had it bad–much worse than we’d ever imagine it could be.
Hey AIRBUSPILOT, Just wanted to give you a shoutout to say thank you for your help when I started my quit. I reached the HOF. I am now on day 107 and still going strong. Thanks and take care of yourself.
Thanks EOD. I was thinking about you the other day. Congratulations on your victory and hopefully your nicotine-free life will continue for years to come. At 18 months, I can now watch the Cowboys play and drink beer and watch someone take a dip and I can say ” naw, fuck that. I don’t need it. I don’t want. Not today”. One day at a time is what works for me. Stay in touch!
Yup, very normal John. I’m at 134 days after 30 + years of cope all day every day, just like you and Airbuspilot, and today I REALLY wanted a chew SO bad, I’m still chewing boiled black tea leaves with a pinch of pepper to maker it burn a bit. I’m NEVER going back even if I have to chew tea for the rest of my life. Life is much better now, hang in there!
Hey guys i have failed you all. I was 21 days off dip and then septwmber 1st hit. I thought one pinch while hunting wouldnt send me back down to my habit but it did. I am starting over after learning my mistake. DAY 1
That sucks. Most of us have been there. Trying again so soon is twice as hard mentally. You are going to have to focus and committ. I recommend roll call for sure.
Congratulations are in order. I look forward to my one year anniversary. Way to set an example that we can all make it!
Fellas,
I’m trying quit this thing, but it’s so hard!!!! Can anyone give me some advice!!! Driving, drink a beer are the hardest times!!!!
Walter
Have you joined us on the forums yet Walter? http://forum.killthecan.org has nearly 25,000 members who “get it”. It’s the best place on the web to get support and questions answered from folks who know what you’re going through.
don’t drink a beer until you are clear. Sucks, but alcohol lowers will power and makes bad choices.
Day 28 and feel like i’m finally “out of the woods”. I understand that everyone is different but I felt as if my anxiety attacks were so severe they had to be from something else. I am happy to say that the anxiety attacks have subsided along with my cravings and mood swings.
I occasionally have tingling in my hands and feet. Anyone else experience this?
I feel as if they need to get rid of the whole “2 weeks and your clear” saying. For those who dipped one can a day, it takes at least twice that to start feeling normal!
Day 30 and could not agree more. Fog lifting and life gettting easier. Preparing for the next phase of the fog at day 60 but ready keep going with not one more dip.
Today marks my one-year anniversary. I quit using Smokey Mountain, and I am about 15 pounds heavier, but that number is dropping. I chewed about a can a day for 27 years, and I never quit for more than three months prior to that. This site made a huge difference to me. Reading about others who quit, or were trying to quit, was vital in me making it this far. Keep with it brothers and sisters!
Steve,
Congrats! 1 year is huge. Quitters like you continue to motivate me. Enjoy your day.
Franco
149
That’s great Steve. I have dipped for 30 years mostly a can every 4 or 5 days but never could quit. I am on day 13 and using jakes mint chew. Makes a huge difference.
Congratulations Steve! I just hit 564 Days… little over a year and a half. Very tough to quit! I was also a can a day guy, but for 25 years. I completely agree that this site was a HUGE help and for everyone else that is here… it does work. Choose and alternative you like and keep it going! It’ll get better with time. As of today… I no longer need any alternative, but I keep coming back to support you… my brothers. KEEP THE QUIT GOING FOLKS!
It is going to get better. First 4 weeks were hell for me, but trust me well worth it. Expect some lows and highs in the next few weeks but all you will handle. Lean on us if you need us. We’re here for you brother.
Well, made it through the first week. Hoping subsequent weeks get a little better … because this is for the birds.
Day 38 for me. Been a real roller coaster. Feeling pretty good now, but still run into serious lethargy in the middle of the day. Still sleeping a lot more than usual.
I am on day 57 of my quit (25 year tin a day)I feel like I am back in the fog of the first few days. Anxiety, memory issues etc…i feel retarded or something. Just hazy, lazy and bouts of anxiety. Is this normal?
Very normal. It will eventually stop. Best of luck to you brother.
Today is day 21 of my quit. Things lately have been better, less fog and a little more energy. Today though…a wicked bad sore throat. Using lozenges and ibuprofen, salt gargle….somebody please tell me this is normal!
It happens. Hang in there.
I am nic-fittin like a champ… Today is day 5 of a long week. Sleepless, mood swings, mostly snapping at people. This is rough…stands to reason that someone could invent a teeth whitening healthy option. I will not give in just to because I am so angry how addicted I am.
About to end day #4 of no chew. Today was the hardest day. Mini win was took work people to Cardinals game tonight (with drinks) and never did cave to stop and by a tin on way home. Now I’m back home not wanting another sleepless night – last night sucked.
Hang in there! I know about the sleepless nights. Day 22 and still wake up several times during the night.
Holy crap, Im on day three of quitting. Ive been taking some nicorette gum when i feel the need to chew. 4mg seems to do the trick for 2-4 hours. But every time at work all I want to do is pop a dip in and code. It really doesn’t help when the majority of the people Im working with chew all day long as well. Its freaking torture man! granted I know this is cheating… im still planning on only taking 3 things of gum a day until I can work myself down to one gum a day for at least a week.
Proud of you big dog. Hang in there. We’ve all been there. Get that boat brother.
Yesterday was day 20 in a very tough battle. Was on the road for over 6 hours without dip for the first time in 41 years. Hard day to get through but made it. Have more long drives coming up next week and weeks to come. I am going to beat this thing. Life at home with wife is better. My Skoal money is now going to a new fishing boat fund. Amazing how fast it grows with a can a day habit.
Day 21. I’m starting to have days where I feel great but then the next day comes and kicks my butt. I was on a run last night and experienced another spell of sever dizziness and a bit of an anxiety attack followed. I am so ready to be done with these weird chemical changes. I go in and out of “the fog” and currently feel as if I’m going to be stuck here forever! Sometimes my brain feels like it is swelling or something… maybe like I’ve had too much to drink… Very annoying/concerning. I thought after week 2 I would be fine but it is obviously going to take me longer to heal. I dipped 1 can a day for 7 years. Guess this is my body paying me back?
Right there with you John. Day 32 for me and still struggling with various withdrawal experiences. Fog, focus and lethargy are real challenges. It is getting better. We’ll keep doing this together.
I left a reply on here yesterday. Any idea where it went? Does posts/replies have to be approved before they are put on here? Thanks
eyehate – your first post/comment needs to be approved. After that you should be good to go as long as you’re using the same credentials to post. It’s been approved. Welcome!
Thank you Chewie!
August 2nd 2015. I quit that day. Haven’t had one since. It was rough on the 4th and 5th days for myself. After that I have been relatively good. Made my first dentist appointment in roughly 12 years which was yesterday the 31st. Got a good cleaning, bled real good. My own fault. It was worth it. Dr. came in and examined me, said I looked good. I thank God for a good report. It can be done folks, it’s up to us. Myself like the rest of you that have quit, we will continue to fight this some for the rest of our lives, others it will be easier. God bless those that it’s the easiest for. I have read many things on here. All have been for the good in helping a person quit. Keep moving forward quitters. Good luck to all.
Phew.. Day 6 … throbbing in the lip has subsided somewhat .. but am going through foggy dizzy sort of spell here… hopefully it will pass soon
Day 2. I have quit for years at a time before. This time has been so difficult for me to quit.
I use it as a crutch to take the edge off at a very stressful job. Having trouble concentrating today. Can’t get anything done. Have insomnia. Lip throbbing for a chew.
Chewing gum is huge, as well as caffeine (for me). I’m going to quit though. And I’m done for good this time. After how hard it has been this round……
Good job on your quit…just got through a solid three days…need to work on flying off the handle, though. Anymore and I’ll be on Springer as the guy with tourettes.
Day 19 for me. First 7-10 days absolutely sucks. Beginning to feel like a new man now! It’s been a while since I have let my body function without nicotine and I can honestly say I missed my normal self. During the 7 years I dipped I was always moody and anxious at social events where I couldn’t have my nicotine fix. Now that I don’t have to worry about it I am the happy and outgoing person I used to be. Positive changes all around. Trying to figure out when you are going to dip next, stressing about only having one more pinch left in the can, worrying about cancer, wasting gas/time just to have one more dip before you get home, and dreading the dentist visits was definitely not worth it. SO HAPPY I QUIT!
I here you man. You realize you don’t need it, and you never needed it.
Day 20 and feeling so much better
I’m on day 18 of my quit. This has been the toughest thing I’ve ever done. My anxiety is ridiculous. Hopefully things will calm down as I plow through the symptoms. I’m still tired all of the time and dealing with a sore throat. Say some prayers for me. I need it!
I quit dip for the third time last Thursday. I’m using the nicotine patch. No withdrawals but still have cravings. I quit for 3 months the first time and for 6 months the 2nd time. Both times I started not caring what happens to me and started again. This time its only been a month since I started again so I really think I can do this for good this time. I started Copenhagen 4 years ago to quit smoking because I was getting emphysema after 15 years of smoking. I dont want to get cancer and I could really use the money I spent on dip for other things. The patch really helps but you still have to be resolute that youre going to do it. I hope my resolve lasts for good this time.
Hang in their ans stop hoping you will quit. Fucking commit to it. You are stronger than tobacco
stopped in the local Albertsons (Fort Worth) and they had fresh organic mint in the fruit and vegetable area. Bought some, stuck a couple of leaves in like a pinch. It’s a bit unusual and bitter, but it seems to help. Give it a shot if you are looking for something to help with the craving for the oral habit.
I’m with you. I dipped for 25 years. I’m only on day 32 but I feel like I just took my life back. You’re gonna make it. We all are.
It’s going to get better trust me. Dizzy spells visit me less frequently each day. Just win the day.
Thanks I needed that encouragement, every time I do something or anywhere I go I’m reaching for that cope that’s not there,,, a little scary but I’m Done.