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.
Im 20 days nicotine free havent touched a can of snuff never will ever again. Im feeling better more energy. Keep it up guys we can do it
I must have missed that one but what did you do besides mess up and relapse? For that you should be sorry but sorry to yourself and it sounds like you are? I would say you were hurting yourself by relapsing? i dont know the whole story if you were trolling or why other people would be upset at you? Odd though 558 days and i didnt know you needed permission to post or whatever on this website? Best of luck, stick with it this time.
You have got to be kidding me. This is rich, just rich. You come back here after creating multiple accounts, caving multiple times, being banned and you think we’re just going to be Quit with you? Not on your life. There is no accountability in you, and I offered you brotherhood and you threw it in my face.
You are an example of what NOT to do on this site.
Very true do not do what I did and some folks learn the hard way. Thank you for supporting me while you did.
Everyone in March was very upset to hear about what you did Elk. Wish you the best with your quit.
Thanks Justin tell everyone I say hello
day one: so far 5 hours tobacco free
im gone 21 hours without a dip
If they let you in LARRY,great.If they don’t,quit anyway,there are people going it alone.
All you have here is your word, your history at KTC shows plain and simple that you’re word means absolutely nothing. We have no way to know that you’ll tell the truth this time, or ever. It is not my decision in any way to allow you back or not, but my vote is no. I hope you can stay quit on your own, but I personally will never be able to trust a word you say. If I caved, I’d be embarrassed too… embarrassed isn’t even a strong enough word, but I respect my quit brothers and sisters enough to tell you that 1: I will not cave, and 2: if I did, I owe it to them to be honest.
This place works if you buy in, there is a whole lot I don’t agree with, but agree or not, I’m quit, and quit because I bought into this system.
Gas
Day 2. I’ve tried quitting multiple times. This time is for real. I’ve been chewing on sunflower seeds all day.
So is it Facefiller or Elkslayer or what now ? Former brother in quit December 2016. 234 days quit now. Whatever the Administrators say is fine by me.
But I hope they ask Dec 16 and your other month what they think. I for one say nay never !
Day 100! It’s been a tough ride but totaly worth it. Keep on going guys!
Day 414 and everyday is a bit easier but still have to battle the demons daily. But the good news is that I have learned how to battle – I just shut them off. LOL Good luck with everyone and keep your head straight.
Hi all, day 71 over here. I’m 22 years old and approaching big boy status and wanted to get my mind and body right for the real world. Let me tell everyone who’s early in their quit that this will probably be the hardest experience of your entire life. But with each day you make a little progress, you get a little better in some aspect. I’ve finally been starting to see the light at the tunnel in some areas. I still experience some anxiety attacks and minor mood swings but they are not even comparable to earlier in the quit. Keep on fighting every day, this is something you will never regret.
555 days today. Sometimes i think i take it for granted that i was actually able to quit using nicotine. I never have urges to use. I go days sometimes without even remembering it. Sometimes it really hits me though like when i see these people of all ages and classes hanging out outside of these stores or businesses smoking. How tobacco totally rules their lives. I remember the rollercoaster, the constant up and down of using tobacco and having to have those nic breaks every hour to function. How was I of all people able to break free? My life is 100% better/different today but when i used tobacco theres no way i could have really understood what a difference quitting would make. All of you early in your quits keep up the good fight, i promiss it is worth it. Nicotine will not make you feel better.
Well said, Tom. I think your last sentence is so true. Nicotine will not make you feel better. It will make your heart race, your gums sore, your teeth discolored, and your mind captive. It will not make you feel better.
Thank you for the motivation. I’m on day 5 of quitting after 13 years and it is a lot rougher then I thought it would be. All of these messages help keep me motivated. I just want the fog, aniexty, and depressing feelings to pass. Thanks again
Well if i can do it you can make it. You have to want it. Theres no way to get around the rough part. Your brain is hard wired to associate nicotine with pleasure, You spent years creating those connections. Every time you fight off an urge you are destroying one of those connections and healing. Theres no easy way around it but just keep this in mind, it does get easier as you go and at 5 days the nic is out of your system. You dont want to do those first 3 days again. Nicotine wont make you feel better. You might get a short rush or at this point make you sick but within a day that feeling will be gone and youll be right back where you started….not worth it. I remember before i quit all it did was make me feel normal so i could tolerate life in between chews. Now im lifting weights, just started jogging, i enjoy life without it. So much has changed. Spent the weekend sunbathing enjoying what little sun we’ve gotten so far. Its funny when i used to use nic i couldnt stand the heat. Idk if it was the nic in my system or poss because i would drink a soda after every chew anything over 74 degrees i was sweating like a sickly sticky sweat. It made it hell sleeping. Sorry dont mean to rant but so much has changed in the last 1.5 year. Stick with it, i swear it is worth it. Once you start feeling the benefits you will start gaining motivation to do more in life and change things so dont get stressed out about that, it will come. Anyway best of luck. You do not need that sht in your life, it will not help.
Well today makes 2 weeks 14 days dip free never putting that garbage back in my mouth. Tips i cam give keep your self busy keep a pack of surgar free gum laying around it helps. When tje desire gets to bad i remind myself why im quitting. On the plus side i feel better blood pressure has improved gonna hang in there
i applaud you im a 15 year old baseball player and have been dipping for 2 years now and its super hard to quit.
I’m at 90 days dip free as of today. To this day, I’m still having sleep issues. My doc prescribed me trazodone 3 weeks ago, which has helped out quite a bit, but still no where close to normal yet. Anxiety has also been a bitch the last couple weeks or so. The burning sensation and general minor discomfort I was feeling in mouth has pretty much subsided now, so that’s a definite plus. I have hopes that my normal sleep will eventually return and all the other withdrawal related discomforts will eventually dissipate as well, in time. One thing is for sure, I will NEVER put that nasty crap in my mouth again. Just taking it one day at time.
Bob,
86 days today and still get the occasional nic fit. It’s not a constant like it was the first few weeks, but it’s there. Sleep is getting better without any sleep aides.
86 days ago I would have imagined I’d be completely over any withdrawals, but now and again I’m reminded of how powerful that stuff is.
Stay the course. I quit with all of you today.
30+ year habit. I’m at day 82 of dip free. I’m still only getting only 3-hours of sleep a night. I wake up with the energy like I’ve slept for 8-hours but half way through the day you get tired because of not sleeping more then a few hours a night for the last 3-4 weeks. I still have the nic fits a couple times a day. I am glad I am finished with this crap!
Hey guys day 600 for me today. I dipped Kodiak for over 25 years and thought it was impossible to quit. One day in Aug of 2015 i decided to buy some fake dip and really try to stop. I was rewarded full custody of my kids in a divorce and thought if i die from dipping what a jackass i would be. After i had a few weeks quit i wasn’t willing to give up those days and here i am 600 days later. If i can do it so can you. Its such a huge accomplishment and will give you a sense of pride that you can beat a horrible addiction
I agree, one of the things that keeps me on track is I don’t want to lose the days I have already gone. I am on day 28
Hey Russell, congratulations on hitting the big 600. What a great accomplishment and how proud you must be to be a dad who no longer dips.
You set a great model for your children as well.
My 22 year old daughter quit smoking 6 months into my dip. She knew I would never quit dipping and when she saw the miracle of her dad quitting she decided to quit as well.
I hope your family continues tobacco free and you continue to be a role model to your group members, your family and the greater community.
Do not forget to give yourself and family a treat as a reward for achieving this milestone.
I quit with you today.
Thanks dundippin i appreciate your comments
I’m looking for some advice. I have wanted to quit for a while now but I haven’t had a lot of luck. I go through 1-2 cans a day, and I’m worried that going cold turkey is going to be too much for me. Should I try to cut down before going cold turkey, or just bite the bullet and stop all together?
I was chewing about two cans a day for the past r years, and in total, I chewed for 17 years. 132 days ago, I quit smoking(pack a day), chewing, and caffeine all at once. Anxiety will happen either way. I chew smokey mountain now. Don’t wait, there will always be an excuse. I first 70 through 100 days are hell, but so worth it.
I started to ween off and then I would just get back on to a full can a day. What worked for me was to have a quit date. I set a quit date and then started to ween off. By the second week I was doing one chew a day a week and a half before my quit date. I said f-it because one chew a day sucks and I might as well just quit, so I quit. Been three weeks now and feel good. The craving come and go. First three days are super foggy and kind of like being doped up but then third day to 14 days, not gonna lie, rough but doable with smoky mountain. Good luck man. It took me three times weening off to eventually say f-it and quit.
Day 84. Here’s the best advice: QUIT. I’ve tried gum, patches, patches, and every Jedi mind trick. My quit was very sudden. It took a hard kick to the gut to push me over the edge, but it worked.
Here’s a few things that I believe have helped me. KTC, a book called “the Power if Habit”, exercise, openness with my wife about my quit and what to expect (I needed her to know that quitting would make me extremely pissy and short tempered.). Art of Manliness online magazine and blog, a good woman, a little faith, general stability with work, my 3 boys, feeling good, other quitters on this forum, desire to be a better man, and just plain ol’ being sick of that nasty garbage.
Nussbaumzz,
If you are like me it is all or nothing. If you start cutting down you may be able to ween yourself away. I tried that for 40 years.
The sooner you stop using altogether, the sooner you know you made the decision.
to quit. When I quit, I needed to be off work. I was catatonic for the first few days. All I did was sleep in bed and just got up to eat, drink some OJ and pee.
So, doing it on tax day when taxes are due would not be smart. But, if your work and home schedule is at a place where you can be 70% or 80%, then get started.
There is no time like the present to improve your live.
Get a couple cans of baccoff and call it quits that’s what I did 103 days ago I used mint skoal for about 16 years
Cutting down slowly worked for me. Started cutting back last September, worked my way down til I was at one pouch a day for a few weeks. Then just cut the cord. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself in the beginning. Don’t get overwhelmed. Take baby steps, while cutting down. Hope this helps
I’m a week in and feel like I’m going crazy over all I feel great just the anxiety did any one else experience a feeling of somethimg stuck in there throat at there tonsils I can’t see any swelling or discoloration it really feels like food stuck, also have a sore neck, a cough, and head aches, are these normal with drawl symptoms?
Punctuation could be your friend.
Day 23 here. Yes, I had the feeling of something stuck in my throat for about a week into quitting. Some of it was from anxiety and nasal drainage from allergies. It finally went away and the anxiety has become less intense. Hang in there it will get better!
Any tips i try to keep myself busy but if i try to watch tv my craving comes back im 9 days dip free
Lifting weights helped me. Wasnt used to it in the beginning and one set would def get my blood flowing usually enough to take my mind off it. Plus once you start seeing results you will not want to throw that away by relapsing. Just be careful dont hurt yourself. Everyone has to find whats right for them though. If TV was a trigger for you chewing id cut that down to a min for awhile. I had a similar problem, playing my ps4 was a big trigger for me, like i couldnt enjoy playing my games without chew or trying to mind f myself thinking how much funner it would be with a chew so i had to just quit playing my ps4 in the beginning. Your brain spent however long you chewed creating connections associating nic with pleasure. As you recover your brain is healing and it will repair those connections naturally so you wont need nic to feel good. I promiss it gets better. 547 days and you couldnt pay me enough to put that disgusting sht in my lip again. The smell of cigarettes makes me want to puke now. I can say with confidence i will never touch nicotine or possibly even alcohol again. I feel high enough on life now. Sounds hokey like an afterschool special but its true. One last thing to keep in mind, most nic fits only last a few minutes so dont give in. You got this.
Thank you for the advice. I’ve chewed for 40 plus years. I’m in East Africa and I purposefully brought a limited supply this time. I have 5 cans left and 3 months before I get back to America so this ain’t going to be easy. But I know I can do it.
Toss them cans and quit now. If you’re going to quit anyway why put it off?
Day 576. Just realizing that I feel like I have the energy I used to have before the quit., I am not sure if this is because my body is finally getting adjusted to being free or due to the dental work I had done two weeks ago.
All I can say is it feels great to have energy again and be substance free.
When did the rest of you feel like you got your energy back?
547 i have been steadily getting mine back since i quit? Like i was just telling Matthew early in my quit when i would get urges i would lift weights. It was rough enough at first to really wind me but once i started seeing results i wanted more. Ive lost about 30 pounds, i quit eating dinner last year because i notice i sleep better on an empty stomach. I also started eating better foods. More fruits and veggies and again i notice that really helped with energy and motivation. 3 months ago i quit drinking sodas cold turkey. Now just water, seltzer water and a few glasses of OJ a day. Im kinda concerned now though. Early last week i started working my cardio finally, i started jogging. Now im getting chest pains days later? Im hoping its just normal but i spent decades abusing my body and im thinking maybe i need to talk to a doctor before i push myself harder?
Hi Dundippin-
I’m past day 445 into my quit and still feel tired as though my energy needs more time to return. It’s all part of the healing process. I’m happy your energy is returning and hopefully mine will return in the near future. Keep posting on your progress!
Jake-
Hi,guys on day 20. Its very hard till this day. Still feeling dizzy,sleepy,headache and get nausea. Feels something is happening in my mouth. Got mouth ulcer on right side. Feels burn on left side where I used dip tobacco while eating food. Gets the feeling of that i will get cancer after something weird happens in mouth. I always thinks of it. Want overcome this feeling. Sometimes feels that something is pinched in my mouth. I get dry lips and white layer on it. Some times mouth get dry.
Day 20 and still this symptoms are happening to me. Is it normal or I need to see the doctor.
Need your support.
Hi Vashal,
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, headache and having nausea is normal. We all feel it for varing lengths of time. We are all a bit different anr med so it ends for some of us sooner than later. For me, I believe I had those symptoms into my 100’s.
As to the burning in your mouth and the feeling that you have about your condition, well trust your intuition,.
I recommend finding a dentist as soon as possible and get it checked out. If you already have a dentist, then use him or her. If you don’t, call around and let your prospective dentist know you were a dipper….. See if you can find a dentist that you like but do not wait around.
Better safe then sorry. Just be glad you finally quit so you do not have to worry about that anymore.
I quit with you today. Stay strong.
.
Of course you need to see your dentist or doctor so that you will become free from those feelings.
I am on my day 102 today.
22 years of dipping (mentioning it keeping my head down).
I too experienced the followings until day 50. And later all of those started to disappear (Thank you JESUS ):-
1) Burning effect (where I used to put the dip)
2) Burnings – lower gums
3) pinching effect – chin
4) Found that I was frequently examining my mouth for any changes like mouth sores. . And worrying on it for days .
5) Googling for cancer symptoms
6) Receding gums. It is real. One of my teeth in lower front row is about to pop out. I can see almost it’s root.
1 to 2 … initially I felt any one of these for whole day long.
1 to 3 … will go away
4 to 5 …. we have to stop digging that deep.
6. It doesn’t heal by itself.
As Dundippin recommended see your dentist and specify that you WERE a dipper. Clear your anxieties and be Happy.
Day20, i have similar symptoms to WEST, except 6) and as WEST said, i keep googeling about symptoms of serious oral problems.
so already visited ENT doc and he assures nothing is wrong still have another visit as sore throat was the problem (to me) and it has been more than 2 months.
Google sometimes gives a crap result! it answers ‘CANCER’ when you search sore mouth or throat!! 😉
Day19, suddenly started feeling like the first day of quit, full of fog, cravings are getting weaker though.
First target – today, stay quit
Second target – 30 days
Third – 60 days
Forth – 100
…
Hang in there TKV the cravings and stuff will come and go but you have this. Mine came and went for almost 180 days lasting only a short time frame
I’m at 222 days today. You have got this my friend ?
Indeed, not getting craves, just a sickness – fog. however at the end of day i tap my back ad i stay away from nic.
TKV I am at 21 days, and have noticed some severe cravings the last couple of days too. I have just kept ample gum on hand and just keep thingking that I don’t want to have to start over.
106 days! I am so thankful for this website. I only started 6 years ago a can a day. Now I can say it’s the longest I have been without a dip for 106 days. Truly it has been a blessing, still taking it one day at a time! Have a few triggers here and there but I start to think is it worth it? Thanks for everyone on this website and it’s great to see so many people taking the first step in their quit!
Who is the moderator of this forum?
Hi Mark – that would be me. What can I help you with?
When I first started on this site, it was spectacular! Now, you have KIDS on here pretending to be MEN! They are not respectful of other people’s opinions or comments. (Like it was when I started.) I’m well aware we have Freedom of Speech, and it is not my desire to impinge on that process; however, when I read comments these ‘tough kid’s’ are making or mocking someone else’s progress, that entails for ‘calling’ it out! The fact is some folks are TRULY struggling on here and need help! I do not think that struggle should me made fun of or not taken seriously! I could make my drama go on, but I will stop; my rant is over! Blessings to you and yours…
MARK,I’m one of those old bastards(50 yrs old) in the 300’s still having symptoms.Us older gentlemen recover slower.Just trying to lighten things up little.
Shame on any one on here not here in desperateness to Quit and be a positive influence on those here to save there life or at least make it a better one. I am truly grateful to have found this site and the support it has given me in my quit, to day is 100 days and there are some amazing people on here that care and here for the same reason I am QUIT LIVE.
THANKS KTC and all its members.
Day13, suddenly started feeling dizziness from late evening till i go to bed and nausea. May or may not be withdrawal symptoms. But only thing I know is I won’t go back to Nic.
I’m guessing everyone with symptoms 300,400,500+ days nicotine free are a bunch of old bastards over 40.Just a guess.
+TKV Hard to say? I never experienced withdrawls like that everyone kinda has their own? I noticed after quitting how much more sensitive i became when i got sick. When i chewed i always felt like crap so i was pretty much numb when i caught a cold or something but being clean it seems to hit harder. There is a bright side to this, it seems i also recover quickly. At 13 days you have no excuse to mess up now, the hardest part is over and you dont want to do it again. Just remember nicotine at this point will not make you feel good or better. Stick with it, believe me its worth it.
Day 7, bought to kill someone at work. Taking a break and eating skittles.
DID THAT TODAY…SKITTLES ARE A LIFE SAVER…LOL
Had two teeth extracted yesterday. My dentist says my gums have improved wonderfully. He gave me a care sheet after the extraction that says if you smoke, wait 48 hours or 72 hours before having your first smoke.
If I was still dipping, there is no way I could have waited that amount of time. In fact, I know I would have put a dip in my mouth the moment I got home.
I think god that somehow I found this site and finally quit at the ripe old age of 59 after smoking and dipping since 6th grade.
Day 566, I quit with you today.
Had a total of 4 teeth extracted, only 2 of the wisdom teeth. The other 2 I lost to dipping. Each time, I barely made it until after the local weared off…. 10 days so far, I’m staying strong to last as long as you.
Deelow, Great, you have gone through the toughest part and have made it ten days. Congratulations. Just remain firm in your quit, get three square meals, plenty of rest and stay positive. You have this. You will be at 100 days in a blink of an eye.
I quit with you today.
100 days quit!!!! Wooooo It has not been easy, but with lots and lots of gum (whenever I wanted to put a dip in) and will power I’m never looking back!!
Keep it up man! I’m on the same time line! I have my rough days but it’s so worth it
Been dipping 2+ cans of Kodiak a day for 30+ yes. Want/need to Quit! Any suggestions tips to start would be great. Been months quit previously, always come back. Time to move on….?.hopefully.
Good decision my friend. Just implement.
If you were able to stay quit for months YOU SURE CAN AVOID GETTING BACK TO THAT HABIT AGAIN.
The thought of quitting is harder than the actual quit itself. Set a date….Say 2 weeks from now. Ficus in that date as the first of your freedom from dipping. Gather an arsenal if quitting aids you may need. For me, I got Grinds coffee pouches, Teaza pouches, Smokey Mountain herbal snuff, and tons of gum. I used Amazon for procurement of these products. Every night I told myself aloud that I was gonna quit. It’s gonna suck quitting but the payoff is way better. I focused on post quit things and pictured them without dip. This has made for an easier quit this time. I still have the fog and anxiety but it’s not stopping me. I’m telling you. Thinking about it is harder than doing it. Good luck!
Want to Quit in DC,
First you need to change your name from Want to Quit to I have Quit. It is all in the mind. You have a switch there. You either tell yourself you want to quit and then debate with yourself when you are going to do your next dip OR you say I am finally quit and you just stop.
No more internal debates in your head as to when you are going to do it or now. You just stop.
I dipped for over 40 years and finally quit at the ripe age of 59.
It is a miracle that I am here and am at day 568. It is a miracle that there are so many successful quitters on this site.
We need more including you. Jump on board, post your introduction and roll call.
I quit with you today.
…Just my two cents, but don’t keep your quit a secret from those close you. Explain to them that you will be extremely irritable, moody, short tempered, etc.
I’d keep it from my wife, and then be a total jerk, feel bad for.making her feel bad, then go grab a can to calm down. There were a couple of times when I lost it during the 1st two weeks, but then it became manageable.
70 days quit today.
Congrats Ray.
Congratulations Ray. Before you know it you will be 500 days quit. Just stay solid in your quit and do not let your guard down.
I am on 11 day of quitting. I was chewing tobacco from last 4 year for every day. I used dip tobacco at one time more than 1 hour or 2 hours. For every work I needed tobacco. After waking up,after tea,after lunch. Every time what I need is tobacco. One day in night I was just touched my cheek and I felt a big lump and its painless. I scared of it and I thought its a cancer. On next I ran to the doctor and told him about it. He said there is nothing to worry its due to wisdom tooth. So after that I decided to quit the chewing. Now I feel so great after that. I get feelings for chewing but I move to orbit or chew betel nuts. Is it good chew betel nuts as alternative of chewing tobacco.
Hello Vishal.We are on the same boat. day-11. betel nuts are NOT at all safe. Better to move to some safe alternates. I prefer chewing gum. Not even fake chew.
OK thank you TKV. Its so help for me.
Is the fake chew smokey mountain safe?
hmm not ever tried or even researched on it. One more update.. I have reduced the use of normal gum to 1 or 2 piece per day.
I want my body to forget that there should be something in mouth. Empty, clean and healthy mouth!
Vishal, Glad to hear that you quit chewing.
Marks formation due to friction of wisdom tooth and inner surface of cheeks…most people have these kind of issues. Kind of discolouration or depth formation where tooth comes into contact with cheek..right?
I have it (both sides). I too was worried. Plus I have thin white horizontal lines on right/left cheeks where upper & lower teeth join. Checked with dentist who said it was because of cheek biting while asleep. Linea Alba.
However if any simple change makes you worry you must talk to your doctor for peace of mind.
Betel nuts are not good for your stomach and teeth.
Stay quit. Enjoy your life without tobacco.
Thanks west. Now I moved from betel nuts to orbit sugar free gum. I chew 3-4 peace a day and trying to reduce it to none.
Bro never use bettle nut…..they are more deadly than tabacco itself….especially…the plain pan masalas..the innocent looking products are bait for lure in new customers….
Just want to let all new comers know that KTC is awesome and it has helped me get to where I’m at, Day 64 of quit. I probably had 4 other quit attempts that never made passed a week. If you need help, join a group and start participating in discussions with people who are within your timeframe of quit. Good luck!
How do I join. Ready to kick this
Hi Bo – you can register for our forums for free here: http://forum.killthecan.org/register/
Hey. i couldnt find a place to leave a comment. but im a 19 yr old. i live in alabama… im a volunteer fire fighter and im still kinda new to the fire game. but ive seen a few things such as a suicide that kinda shook me and when i got back to the station. no matter how bad i wanted to fight it.. i took a pinch because i knew it’ll take my mind off of what i just saw.. anyways.. any tips on how to find another way to combat the dip urges after a bad call
Dominic – first, thank your for your service. Men and Woman like you are a rarity. Second, Congrats on finding KTC. The men and woman here WILL help you quit.
For me (I’m in a high stress law enforcement related job) I use this simple method (that I spent a thousand dollars to learn).
1. Make a list of your triggers – what drives you to take a dip? Life is full of triggers so you can’t eliminate them all.
2. Visualize those triggering events and you NOT having a dip. At first, it may be scary, but believe me, this really really really really helps.
3. Tell yourself starting now “I don’t use nicotine”. The mind is powerful and even if you are still using, keep telling yourself “I don’t use nicotine”.
4. When you have the urge, don’t deny the feeling. Simply recognize the feeling of wanting a dip. Don’t panic about it (like I did for many quit attempts) just say “Oh, there’s that Nicotine Witch wanting to climb back on my back again”. Believe it or not the physical urge passes within minutes.
5. Find a friend (you have hundreds here already) that you can call.
6. QUIT – you gotta quit. Personally, I don’t believe in fake snuff ect. I tried it before, and yep- went back to dipping.
You are turning a very very important corner in your life with this decision. I commend you and will support you like every other brother and sister on this site.
QLAMFEDD.
Zlaneb.
Made it to day 30! Thank you all!
Hi Dave, are you in a quit group? Glad to hear you doin well.
Nope just doing this solo.
I’m on day 12 of no chew. I’m on day 3 of no nicotine patch. Head is playing games, but I remain resolved!
Great..Jerry.
Perfect time to leave the alternate you chose.
Stay quit forever.
66 days quit. That 60 to 90 day window of nic fits and fog must be true. Last night and earlier today for some reason had the worst cravings since the first week!
Appreciate the long time quitters leading the way and letting us know what’s further up the road. At least when I do get a little foggy, irritable, depressed, anxious, or all of the above I will have anticipated it.
Ok, so I need to address some of the replies folks have posted on here that I believe have been taken out of context. First off, even though I am 500 days into my quit, it is, by far, the best decision I ever made for myself! I was asked a question if I still experience some nicotine withdrawal symptoms; I answered that question. I DO NOT WANT TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS SUGGESTING THAT YOU WILL ALSO EXPERIENCE THE SAME; I NEVER SAID THAT! If it came across that way, please accept my apology. Nicotine withdrawal, as has been stated millions of times on this forum, IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE! While most of us experience similarities, each case is unique to the individual! Remember that! Just because I’m still having some issues 500 days into my quit does not mean you will! Some of you will recover much faster, others, like myself, slower. Please don’t push a panic button…and trust the process! I am feeling better than I ever have; however, some days I feel bad, get headaches and some anxiety. It does not mean I’m suggesting you will. Yes, the road is rough, but SO WORTH IT! You will feel better, and the best is yet to come! Stay the course!
Hi Mark if you are referring to my post to BOB I ‘m sorry if I offended you.I’m sure you know how helpful your posts are to the people behind you.I regret I didn’t find this website sooner,I wouldn’t have been totally blindsided in the beginning.Peace be with you MARK G.
No offense takin at all, STEVEB. You’re right, I wrote that post to help and aid others who are young in the Quit! We’re all in this together, man! Peace and Quit to all!
I want to quit bad im trying to dip less a day usually 2 cans a day an i work on the boats so its really hard to not put a dip in been dipping for about 15 years need something to do other than dip any suggestions
BigSteve, I highly recommend one of the herbal alternative dips. I like Smokey Mountain mint best. Feels real and tastes very close to Skoal mint. Let me be clear though. It is not tobacco and you still need lots of will to quit. I will say this, between that and my sunflower seeds, this quit is going so much better than any prior attempt. I stay loaded to the gills with gum seeds and herbal dip at all times. I work on a car factory and have been dipping for better than 30 yrs with several temporary quits or switches to smoking. This time feels right. I’m only on day 3 as I type this and it’s been my best day yet. Good luck
Keep up the good work brother! And keep fighting the fight! I’m at day 93 and I still get huge urges once and a while to get a pinch of Copenhagen! But I never do it nor will I! Stay strong and God blesse you
Day 500! Wow, I never would have thought getting this far was possible! There are still good days and bad days. The progress has been slow, but so worth it! I still get edgy, foggy, irritable, and sometimes feeling sad for no reason. Yes, your nicotine abuse and dependence affects EVERYTHING that your body does! It controls your emotions, your appetite, your bowel movements, your reasoning skills, and your overall outlook on your life and world! What does all this mean? It means a HUGE adjustment to your life that will not happen overnight! Stay the course! Trust the process, and keep reading these forums. You’ll make it if YOU want to! It’s that Simple and that Hard! “If you’re going through hell, keep going!” We’re all here for you!
Hi Mark-
This is Jake. I’m over 445 days into my quit and was wondering if you experience any fatigue this far into your quit. Personally, I get tired during the day which I still contribute to my brain and body getting back to normal. Also, do you experience any headaches at this point?
Plus, I was wondering how craigselk66 and dundippin are doing? How are your symptoms gentlemen? I would like some insight. And I would appreciate if you could answer the same questions above that I posted to Mark regarding the tiredness and headaches. I’m not on the board so I thought I would ask the questions here.
JAKE, the answer to both of your questions are yes. I especially feel fatigue after I eat dinner; I found this to be because I would normally chew right after a meal. Those were the best chews, especially after pizza! Anyways, I get headaches from time to time as well. Usually in the back of my head, down towards my neck. Do you still get anxiety sometimes? I do. It’s been a tough road, but I’m glad I stuck with it!
Mark-
Yes, I do get anxiety from time to time. I feel as my brain keeps healing my anxiety will go away as well. Please keep posting. I would like to hear about your symptoms (or lack there of) as time goes on.
Nicotine is a stimulant. Could explain why you’re tired now. To all new quitters, I’m 150+ days quit (1+ can a day for 20+ years) and after 1st couple weeks, I had no cravings, no fog, no headaches, no dizziness, etc. I feel Great! Point is – not everyone deals with withdrawl issues/symptoms 1+ years onto their quit. This is a great site for support while you start down your quit path but take it for what it is and only pull from it what helps you be effective in your quit and helps you stay quit.
Craigselk66-
Thanks for responding. Reading your post certainly helps me understand my symptoms more clearly. I sometimes feel as though I can’t “hold” a thought as well. I am glad you are feeling much better. I hope you keep posting periodically so all of us can read about your progress.
Jake-
Hey Jake, I am in my 560’s now and my craves and my crazy rants have all been gone. However, that being said, the minute I say my craves are over, sure enough, two days later I will get the craves.
Anyway, I am feeling much healthier. I do wake up dreaming that I did snuff now and then. So although I have made it this far, I know it is always lurking around the corner.
I watched a couple of movies recently where the actors smoked throughout the movie. It really offended me because the smoking brings back memories of tobacco use. I wish they would stop showing smoking scenes.
I digress, I have been much better since my 400’s and even better in my 500’s. I hope it goes that way for you.
If you have anything in particular to ask, feel free to let me or Craigselk66 know.
Dundippin-
Thanks for responding. I’m happy you are feeling better as time goes on. I feel the same way. I wish the process was quicker; but oh well. And I still get cravings like you. The craves aren’t as strong as in the past, so that’s a good sign. I will continue to ask you and Craigselk66 any questions I have in the future. Hopefully the days in the 600’s will be better for you than the 500’s!
Jake-
hey BOB JORDAN I quit 310 days ago cold turkey,no fake dip or anything,didn’t find this website till about a month tobacco free and had no clue any of this would happen.I dipped a can a day of cope, two cans a day on weekends for 29 years. The first two weeks almost zero sleep plus all the other symptoms which lasted for months.I slept like a rock after those first few weeks,but if I lift heavy weights to many days in a row my sleep is a mess,might go to bed at 10 pm wake up 1 am and can’t go back to sleep.The anxiety was bad 60 to 90 days,like your feeling it right now.I had two massive anxiety attacks in those 60 to 90 days and almost had third when I was at the doctors for a stress test.My blood pressure was 176/90 before I even stepped on the tread mill.the nurse was telling me to calm my self down,yeah right lady, how the F do I do that.Everything was fine all the trips to the doctor just made the anxiety worse.It takes about 100 days BOB.Look at MARK GRAGO 500 days in and still feeling it.I really felt a differance after 100 days.These people on this site really know what’s up.Don’t give up BOB.
Hi BOB JORDAN.I quit 310 days ago,the insomnia didn’t last long 2 ,3 weeks.The anxiety was at its worst 60 to 90 days,after 100 days I really started feeling a difference.The anxiety and other symptoms still come around.When I read your post I feeling it.But it goes away quickly and never as strong and easy to ignore.Look at MARK GRAGO 500 days and still feeling it.Hang in there bro it gets better.
Thanks guys, I wish I never would have started 34 years ago… I’m like 94 days, can of skoal a day. I’m ok with the quit and I’m rock solid in my resolve but the weirdness my body feels is beyond fucked up, I woke up this morning at 4….boing, like a rooster ready to rock. Headaches, now I get this feeling in my mouth like my tongue doesn’t work a few times a day and I want to slur my words a few times a day, like I stroked out and I’m pretty healthy. I have gained 20 pounds and eat everything in my township. Looking forward to feeling better until I read the 4-500 day stuff and I know that will be me. Really ? 4-500 days…..WTF
Is what it is…tell the young kids you know to quit now.
Best thing you can do is keep your eyes forward and don’t listen to this stuff about withdrawals at 4-500 days. Sometimes we get headaches…it happens. It doesn’t mean its withdrawals from 500 days off tobacco.Dont let someone write your story. I was using 2 cans of Copenhagen a day for 10 years and dipped a total of 22 years. I’ve been quit for 120 days and have never felt better. I have gained some weight though haha
On day 8 and I feel great. Dipped a can of Copenhagen a day for 7 years I quit march 21 2017. Had 3 pretty rough days and after that I feel just fine. Great decision. I have more energy now for some reason. I also can’t figure out why but my libido is way up as well. Oh well. I’m not complaining. Stick with it gents. 3-4 days of crap and you’re gold.
Congrats Branden.
Welcome to the no-nic world.
I’m 4 days behind you and feel the same way! I just don’t want to get overconfident.
Day 2 – Anxious, stressed, unfocused, confused, but will make it through the fog. 15 years worth. Knowing there are strong people here that have done it, is a great reminder.
Deelow ,
All of those worries are quite natural when you quit. Within a week you are going to feel normal. Stay quit. ..Stay nic-free.
Never fall into that pit again.
Live a happy life.
I was 15 years a dipper and now am 9 days in. Gets easier my man.
Day 17 cold turkey from almost 2 cans a day.. 22 years old. Best desicion I have made thus far in my life
Hell yeah. I was over a tin a day and am on day 15. Keep it up.
BOB JORDAN anxiety seems to take a backseat until the other symptoms where off then around.60 -90 days it’s got you all to it’s self, plus elevated blood pressure as a bonus.Hang in there.
Thanks for the reply Steve. So how long ago did you quit and how long before your insomnia and anxiety finally dissipated?
Day 1! I haven’t since I was 15 been more then 24 hours with no chew this has to be the hardest thing I have ever did I am 22 now! Reading these stories is helping more then you all know ! Thanks everyone for sharing !!
Keep it up Stan.
Don’t change or replan your decision to quit.
Stay strong. .Benefits are awaiting. .
25 days without the can so far. Thanks for the inspiration everyone!
Glad to know your progress Dave.
I started using griz at 16 just trying to be part of the team in HS ~ (almost 30 now. ) After college ball I switched to skoal pouches just for ease at the office and quick easy ditching it whenever someone who didn’t approve approached. I’m now married and have two little girls and I’m ready to quit. I just discovered this website and I can tell you I will be on here daily. I have quit for a month or two here and there about once a year since I started but always fall back on it. Today is the first day I’m going to quit for me and stop lying to myself. I’m worried that I’m going to procrastinate and delay it too long and it will be too late. (I would never be able to forgive myself if I were to force my wife and children to be without their husband and father all simply due to pure lack of will. I am on the 3rd hour of kicking the can. I do have questions and am hoping that this forum will be my saving grace when I need some help.
I’m going cold turkey and it won’t control my day anymore.
I have two main questions since this is my first true quit where I actually don’t want to let everyone down and I’ve accepted that I’m not invincible.
1. What’s the ballpark amount of time where you truly start to feel like physiologically better ?
2. I have regular doctors/dentist apts and neither have mentioned anything other than my blood pressure and my gums receding a bit. Should I go get a swab done to check for the big C?
I appreciate all you guys and I will be rooting for your quit as hard as mine !
Hey Nick –
Check out this timeline for when you may start to feel better. It’s remarkably accurate.
https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/what-to-expect-when-you-quit-dipping/
If a oral swab will give you some peace of mind then by all means do it. That said, if you dr. and dentist aren’t worried I wouldn’t be either… they’re really good at seeing that sort of thing.
I’m on day 9 cold turkey and my anxiety level has been maxed out for the last 2 days, but a gym session later on will cure that!
60 days today. Last time I went this long was about 3 years ago. There’s no need for me to pat myself on the back. No reason to celebrate. It simply means I need to keep plodding along. Good luck to all of you in your first few days. It gets easier.
Like they say, If you’re going through hell, keep on going.
Keep plodding, Skedaddle! One day without tobacco is a win and worthy of celebrating. And then there’ll be another one. And another. I’m on Day 1916 today, but it’s really Day 1 every day. Go!
5yrs..Thats great.
After how many years of dipping?
Started lifting dip from my old man when I was 11, had my 1st cig at 14 and was basically a full time smoke until about 26 when went to dip. 41 y.o. now. I doubt that in that time I went more than a year without tobacco in some form.
I still have cravings, though, and get a little edgy at times. Life is Good.
I quit for 5 years once myself changed jobs about 5 years ago guy gave me a cigar to congratulate me needless to say took another 5 years to get back off the nic bitch.204 days quit again.
Congrats on hitting 60 days Skedaddle (actually 62 days as of today now :)! I’m at 69 days today myself. I’m still dealing with insomnia issues which truly sucks because I never had sleep issues till I quit chewing and now anxiety issues have been ramping up out of no where this past week or so as well. Other than that, it does feel great to be tobacco free for this long. Really looking forward to when the sleep issues subside though…..maybe in another month or two if i’m lucky :)??
Keep up the great work in your quit and never give up!!
Day 5. Have been a Copenhagen man for about 6 years. I’ve quit multiple times but keep finding excuses to go back. I work nights and I might bum a dip from a buddy to stay awake, not thinking I came all that way and I just caved. I just bought a new house, have a wonderful girlfriend, and just so much to look forward to in life and am so glad I don’t have to worry about losing all that anymore. I got so tired of having a sore in my mouth somewhere and thinking it was cancer. I have always used Smokey mountain but have recently been trying Baccoff which I like also. I’ll keep posting to this site
I hope you got the house entirely in your name buddy. Stay quit, you can do it. It will make your life much better.
Dude I’m on day 3…..keep it up.
Well guys and girls, I made it. 365 days dip free. Not just dip, but no tobacco products whatsoever. One year. I don’t remember why I stopped but I’m definitely glad I did.
Hey Chewie or anyone else reading this that has been quit for an extended amount of time, how much heavier are you now than when you first quit chewing? I’m on day 12 now but I quit for 5 months last year only to get really depressed about getting fat and I started again. I have always been pretty fit and work out 3 times a week but man I got pretty fat when I quit and was wondering if you ever loose that weight? I’m only 19 and have been dipping on and off for about 4 years.
Hey Keith – I’m probably about 20 lbs heavier than I was but that’s more of a function of me not getting my ass to the gym and drinking more beer than I should as opposed to it having anything to do with my quit. I’d say any “quit related” weight was probably in the 5 lb range simply from stuffing my face with food rather than dip at the beginning.
Nicotine is a stimulant. When you quit your metabolism goes into “shock” for a brief period where it basically shuts down. This should not last for a very long period of time but can cause some minimal weight gain in the beginning. If your putting on a lot of weight its most likely caused by a lot more snacking than you used to do because the habit you are trying to overcome is not only nicotine but putting something in your mouth (oral fixation). Im around 150-160 days quit myself. I went cold turkey. I chose not to use fake dip or seeds. The 1st couple weeks were the same as everyone else on here has experienced. After that ive had no issues. What i didnt notice was a lot of snacking, not only between meals but all day. As a result i put on about 15 lbs. The bad part was i didnt notice/realize until my pants were too tight! Now that i am aware the weight is coming back off. Its an interesting thing, the studies say/show that nicotine is gone from your system in 72 hours yet we read daily on here about some people years into their quit saying they are still dealing with cravings, fog, etc. Makes you wonder what is a more powerful addiction, the nicotine or the oral fixation?
90 days woooooooooo
You made it Ray. Congratulations. Now you can’t go back. No way.
Day 100… I still have days on occasion where I want a dip but it’s just not an option.
No idea why I quit, I just did. Chewed 8-9 cans a week for 30 years, I quit for a year, 15 years ago. The last 15 years I’ve been hiding it from my wife and family. I’ve got very good at hiding it, making excuses for missing family stuff, going to be late, etc. all so I could chew, it for sure controlled me. Making up excuses when I occasionally got caught.
At home my quit was all on me, since I hid my chewing for so long had to hide my quit.
This site…. your comments got me through this. I read all of your comments 1st in the morning.
Thank you all and good luck… I will go back to reading and probably comment if I feel somebody needs encouragement or to announce my 1 year anniversary lol
Way to go Jamie – congrats on a huge milestone! Don’t be a stranger!
hi dude i can help u i know ppl im not the same dakota
Jamie,
i appreciate your story. i have a similar one. I am 7 days clean, dipped for about the same amount of time. i was in complete denial. Telling myself that i could quit anytime that i wanted..within the last several months, found myself dipping a can a day. found myself more so with a “Lipper” in then out. Decided, last Sunday that i was done…its been since then that i have had one…its been hard, not news to you, but im trying to take it day by day…im hopeful..
Dear Jared,
We all were on that 7th day.
Just give it some more time, 10 more days.
There wont be any strong cravings.
Sometime during the next 28 days nicotine will free you without letting you know about it.
Stay quit buddy. Do comment here as you reach your 30/60/100/180/250/330/365 days goals.
I’m in the same boat Jamie. Been hiding the habit for 13 years of my marriage. 216 days in to my quit. Don’t think about it very much. Been a little tough with March Madness. I use to watch all the late games just so I could chew. Without chew, I don’t even really care that much about the tournament. I had some buddies I talked to since I wasn’t going to tell my wife. She once said she would divorce me if I ever smoked or used tobacco. My buddy always reminds me that I am much better off without it then with it.
You and I are two peas in a pod, hid my habit and hid my quit. I’m ashamed of what I did, nonetheless I’m at 125 days quit and will NEVER go back! Stay strong all.
Good luck to everyone trying to quit!
I wrote some tips and tricks from my own personal experience that you may be interested in if you’ve tried many times unsuccessfully (like I did!).
You can find them here: https://www.hiddendominion.com/quitting-nicotine/
I used for many years, starting when I was young – and quit probably 6 times total. But I always ended up going back to it. I’m over 1 1/2 years good now, and the thought of it makes me nauseous now.
I found you really do have to get that mindset right first and foremost. Otherwise it’s always a struggle.
God speed. And remember to not give in. You’ll quit for good eventually!
Day 1
I’m on day 4. The first 3 days were hell, and today I have been constipated all day, but this crap is not going to own me anymore. See you again on day 20!
Made it to day 20 today.
Congratulations Dave.
Keep going…
It gets better I promise hahahaha hard to see now but just hang in there dude you for this…
Seeing alot of new quitters here, some seem to be struggling. Come into your quit armed & ready to fight. Get some fake dip & cruise this site for tips, a TON of good info to help with your quit.
new here, really like the sight
I would say that California’s new tobacco tax at 2$ a can beginning in April has something to do with it.
On day 24 and I still feel like I am in a fog….. I never considered myself a heavy dipper, but I had been doing it pretty much for 10 years…. How much longer?
Day 4 here.
I’ve dipped for 8 years, most recently skoal mint pouches. I quit for about 90 days last fall. I got cocky and thought I could handle buying just one tin for a special occasion. I managed fine, but soon after other “special occasions” popped up and I was back to 2-3 tins per week.
I have always hidden my use from family including my live in girlfriend! Last week I ran out and life happened and before I knew it I was on day 3. I have cravings and can feel the hair trigger on my anger but it’s all been manageable so far.
Does anyone know of a replacement for loose leaf tabacco?
Sadly there’s really not. Your best bet at this point would be chewing gum, sunflower seeds or shredded beef jerky.
I’m on day 214 after dipping since the 1980’s. It’s so nice not to worry about hiding dip all of the time. Staying up until 1 AM just so I could have one in while my wife was sleeping. Wondering if you left a cup out. There is peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about when I’m going to get my next dip in. Quit and be done. There’s nothing special about the occasion when you dip again. You lose. Stick to it and don’t look back.
JF-Same here, I quit multiple times for about 3 months and thought I’d just have a dip on these “special occasions.” The problem was hunting season, fishing season and golf season became the special occasion. As you can see, that about covers the whole year. I quit for 3 months last fall, only to buy a can to take hunting. Might have been easier if they sold cans with 2 or 3 dips total in the can..LOL. Anyway, I will have my last pouch today. I figure quitting on a Thursday will help cause the weekends I am busy so I don’t think of it as much then. Its work that gets me cause I sit in front a computer most of the day. By Monday, I’ll be a few days in and on my way. I have stocked up on a few cans of Grinds and Baccoff, just to cut the edge. I know what to expect, so I can be prepared, but this time it’s final. I just think its time.
Quit 14 days ago. Canna cope a day for 12 years. Rough going, but cinnamon toothpicks and peppermints are my new best friends