The Fog of Quitting Dip
You’re a couple of weeks in… You’re feeling good about your decision to quit… But some thing’s just not quite right… You feel “dizzy”. Maybe not quite dizzy, but like you’ve had a beer or two. You’re “off”. You don’t feel quite right. You can’t concentrate. Reading is difficult and typing is damn near impossible.
Welcome to the fog ladies and gentlemen. I can tell you that it will pass. I can’t tell you when. I can’t tell you how foggy it will be… But i can tell you that you’ll get out of it.
I quit on July 24th, 2006. My birthday was August 2nd. I literally don’t remember what I did that day I was so foggy. I was playing ping pong with a co-worker that week and almost fell over… I was having trouble tracking the ball. I couldn’t concentrate on work. I couldn’t think about family. I was focused on my quit and how bad life SUCKED without my friend the Kodiak bear.
And then something happened ~~ the fog lifted. I saw the light. I didn’t need dip anymore. Sure there were bad days, but I wasn’t feeling like crap anymore.
You too will see the light — You too will get out of the fog. I promise you!!! I know it’s difficult to believe at this point in your quit, but trust me/us — We know what we’re talking about.
Realize this… You NEVER have to go through the fog again once you get through it — unless you cave.
You never have to feel this crappy again — unless you cave.
You’ve taken the first step, you’re quit and you’re on the site. Now take the next step and walk through the fog. You’ll have a new outlook, a bunch of great friends and a dip free life!
chewie
NOTE: This piece written by KillTheCan.org forum member Chewie
Hey Jack!! How you feeling?? Today is day 100 for me. I experienced some minor panic attacks as well. Those have seemed to lessen as the time has went on. I wouldn’t say I’m 100% yet but I’m definitely better than where I was at. The 40s were pretty tough for me. Hang in there partner… This is for the better!
How long did the dizziness and fog and numbness last? I’m on day 64 with no signs of let up.
I’m on day 42 and have been dipping for 30 years.I actually experienced some minor panic attacks, but I just convinced myself it was the nicotine trying to work it’s way back into my life. But my life is SO much better without nicotine.
I just wished I quit sooner…..
i have been chewing and dipping since last 12 years, meanwhile i have tried to quit for about 20-22 times, my longest was about 2-2.5 months and my boss made me realize my performance is at bottom, so i had started necotine again and frankly saying it was doubled, however after that lot of things has changed and i am jobless nicotine consumer, today i have decided to quit found your conversation which made me think that if 30 years oldy can try then why i shouldn’t….. hope i will Handel everything that come across the way… i was sharing all these just to make myself more confident…..
LipLeach,
I like your motto…”stop being a baby”….never thought about that way…true story.
Vito, I feel I’ve quit for good, but I’ve felt the same way every time I’ve “quit”. I get a strange clarity & energy and feel like I could run through a brick wall. I also sleep well and wake up bouncing in the first days of a quit. You would think these would all be great reasons to stick with it, but somehow in my crazy mind, these things are as unsettling as the habit itself. Anyway, your side effects might not be typical, but I know what you’re feeling.
My final conclusion after 20+ years of dipping…and this was/is directed only at me because I’m not in anyone else’s shoes and I don’t know everything they’re going through: stop being a baby. It was that simple for me. I have a great career, a wonderful wife & family (first baby on the way!) and a lot of people know they can count on me for anything. Embracing that responsibility, of being a husband, father, a freaking ADULT!!! completely contrasts with letting dip run your daily life. And that’s what it did. I’ve been like a baby looking for his bottle. And that’s completely ridiculous, no matter how many reasons I’ve given myself to get “just one more can”. So, after quitting because of health reasons, financial reasons, family reasons and blah, blah, blah…I had to look in the mirror and tell that dude to stop being such a baby. Good luck to everyone, it’s completely worth the effort.
On day 16 and the side effects i’m feeling are completely opposite of what seems normal. I am wide awake, hyper aware all the time, but i sleep soundly. I used to lay down and not fall asleep for an hour or two but now am passing out. Even if i sleep for 5 hours i wake up feeling refreshed and wired. I have this constant pressure in my head, like fluid in my brain or chemical reactions going on, i also have occasional popping in my ears (blood pressure?). I do have the craves though, right now my teeth feel like they are salivating for a dip, like their on fire like a dog salivating over a raw steak hanging in front of them. I have gained some weight but am not concerned about that. My fog seems like all this extra oxygen has me more sociable and able to communicate, put thoughts together better than in years, also like my shitty memory has slightly improved. What is concerning at this point is my unnatural fog, why is mine different, i see on here similarities but not the improvements like mine. Also the possible blood pressure adjustments, muscle twitches, mood swings like i want to cry because i want a dip. Moist, brown, love the smell and the taste. It’s like the dopamine has increased with it gone and not the other way around, i cant understand it, cuz i still crave it…
Alan here 5 days into my quit been using copenhagen for 42 years the fog is a bitch but the emotional shit is hard the wife is helping so long as she dont try to talk to much need help not a long talk about it
I meant my fog lasted 30-40 days….the nicotine is said to be out of your body after 3 though!
Chris,
The “Fog” will last different for each individual. For me, it took a good 3-40 days before I was feeling 1/2 ass normal again. I seen longer (60 days plus) for others. So long you stay free from Nicotine (this is why you feel this way, the chemical is being depleted from you body), you will just notice after a while, you start feeling better.
All part of the being on the road of freedom. If the panicky feelings become too much to handle, go see a doctor, let them know what you’re doing, they can prescribe something short-term to get you by. I too dealt with some anxiety at the beginning as well. Stay on the path!
-JP
Day#548 Free of that Shit!
New quitter. On day 12. I’ve chewed off and on for about 18 years. Last time I quit was 3 years ago for 9 month. It wasn’t too bad rough but not doable. On day 12 now, last 4 days I’ve been in a fog like I’ve never had before. I feel absolutely crazy desperate panicking I can barely work can barely accomplish anything. This is nuts. Anything I can do to calm down? How long can this last? I’ve quit for years at a time in the past and I’ve never ever experienced the fog
Hey guys, just joining in… 5 days into my quit. I dipped for 6 years straight, got off of it and got addicted to the patches for 3 years after, for a total of 9 years addiction. I always bought the 21mg box which is the highest, and would put 2 of them on which was 42 mg of nicotine hitting my bloodstream pretty quick everyday. It was definitely way to much for anybody to be doing, and I just constantly felt sick because of it. But like I said earlier, I’m 5 days off now and it has been a crazy ride nonetheless. I feel like I’ve already started entering a wicked fog, making me feel like I’m on drugs, and a nasty headache in the mornings like I didn’t sleep. I’ve been coming on this site since day 1 and has helped reading y’all’s comments. Feel like we are a family lol We will get through this together boys… Let’s keep talking
Joe,
I am glad to hear you are still committed to your quit and haven’t went back to the habit. 50 days…that is awesome! Half way to the 100 day mark, keep it up!
-JP
Nick- it’s very comforting hearing that you and many others are feeling very similar conditions. Like you mentioned, we can and WILL get through this! Hang in there and stay strong partner! Things will get better!
JP- thanks a bunch for the encouraging words. Day 50 for me today and there is no turning back. I actually have turned to working out much like you have said and the gym seems to clear my mind like nothing else. I’m taking this thing one step at a time knowing I will get through it. Happy Holidays!
-Joe
Don’t worry man i am having the same thing I have always been an up beat person and usually don’t let things get me down. I also feel that after quitting I have crazy anxiety/depression I’m on day 34 after chewing for about 7 years. We can do this just hang in there and remember it’s still the withdrawal from nicotine and your not the only person going through this it is normal.
Joe,
What you’re going through, totally normal. Those feelings hung around me for 30-40 days. I have read they hang around others for at least 60 days. We are all different, so what was 30-40 for me, might be 50-60 for you.Then, they don’t seem to vanish completely, but sure lets up after that period. Then you’ll notice them popping up here and there, not every day. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend exercising early in your quit. Especially cardio. I ran and still run…500+ days now in my quit. Cardio is the most natural way to combat anxiety. And I had a bout with Anxiety about 18 months before I decided to quit..it returned when I quit. I battled it with prescriptions first, then I started exercising frequently, to the point I no longer needed (or felt I needed) the meds. I nonlonger take meds but have adopted a much more healthy lifestyle..exercise, eating right (minus these holiday slippery slopes) and no more nicotine. Life is much better when you choose to optimize your health. It takes commitment, but it is a much better life.
Hang in there…I’d say if the anxiety becomes too much or doesn’t clear up some by 50-60/days, DO NOT return to the dip…47/days free is an great accomplishment. Go see a doctor and keep an open mind about meds. Just to get you through this transition. Maybe you adopt cardio/weight lifting and healthy eating and can go on them short term. I don’t feel awful about taking the meds for the short time I did, it helped “ground” all that wackiness and intrusive thoughts that anxiety is.
Hang out around this site, there are plenty of people willing to help out if they can.
I am not a doctor, but think if that stuff hangs around too long, you should go see a doc, let him/her know what you’re up to, they’ll be VERY supportive of your decision to get off the nicotine.
Good luck and happty holidays!
-JP
Day 500/ and something free from that shit
Hey Guys! This is my first post as I just joined a few minutes ago. I started dipping about 3 years ago and within the past year and a half made it a much more regular occurrence. About 10 weeks ago I decided this was it and I was going to quit. Well unfortunately on 11/6/15 after a dozen or so beers I bummed a chew from one of my buddies. The next day, as I was sitting in my tree stand my mind started racing. The only way I can describe it is basically what I would picture a panic attack to be like. From then on as the days past, I worried about why that happened. My best guess is that by not having any chew for a good 3 weeks and then taking one, mixed with beer from the night before and coffee in the morning, my brain didn’t know how to react. With that being said, that was the final straw for me. Knowing that I never wanted to feel that way again, I promised myself that I would be done for good. So now I am into my 7th week without a chew… 46 days to be exact and I am feeling like shit. My emotions seem to go from one extreme to another. One day I wake up feeling great and the next I wake up nervous… It seems to me that the root of all this is anxiety but I am not sure why… All I keep thinking is that I have something wrong with me. I am usually an up beat positive person so its uncommon for me to be down in the dumps for such an extended period of time. Occasionally bad thoughts enter my head and it is tough to get them out. I have always been a mind over matter type of person but I just cant seem to shake this… I guess the mind is the matter in this case. The good news is that I have been sleeping great and no longer experience any heart burn. Sleep is the only time when my mind seems to be able to relax. I feel best each day after I work out but I still have the thought of something being wrong with me in the back of my head. It worries me to go to a doctor because I don’t want to be diagnosed with depression or some anxiety disorder. I also don’t want to become dependent on some drug that could have negative side effects. I have thought I would go back to chewing if it would calm my mind and prove to me that this is what has me feeling down, but I am not somebody to give in so I am going to keep powering through. Monday I bought a vitamin called “St. Johns Wort” in the hopes of helping me feel better- I guess its supposed to help boost your mood. Any advice and or encouragement would be great as I have noticed I usually feel better after talking to somebody about what’s going on. Thanks a bunch and Happy Holidays!
Joe
Hi Joe. Your story has really hit home with me. I hope everything is going well for you and you are still quit free. I was curious to know if the anxiety has gone away because I’m going through the same problems.
hi friends try this- carry some crushed black pepper corns with you when you start your quieting process.For me it as worked.i have started chewing crushed black pepper alternatively with chew.say (round1:chew) (Round2:crushed black peppers)Do it alternatively you can see wonders.
(Black pepper contains anti depressant properties just google it and see)
Start now.Best of luck.
Day 9 of quitting. Made it through successfully. Major cravings and irritability, today was a rough one. Constantly on edge, cant concentrate. Leukplakia is going away, Right side of the jaw really hurts, dont know if thats just healing or whatever it is, but its a bitch and it comes and goes. I need encouragement guys
Congrats on 9/days free Dan. Soreness in the jaw “can” be a quit symptom, if it persists, maybe you need to check in with the doctor. I recall mine hurtin hlg early on too…should pass. Nice not having that Lukeoplkia, sheet of dead skin in your cheeks too. That was the first thing I enjoyed most.
Keep up your fight, you’re doing it right Dan,
-JP
Dan,
The early days in your quit are brutal. My jaw was killing me at times and the cravings seemed almost impossible to handle. But you’re 9 days in so there is no reason to go back now. Nicotine is out of your body and now is the time the dig deep and take it one day at a time. I chewed for 25 years and sticking with my quit during those early days was the best thing I’ve ever done. Keep it up! Better days ahead.
Franco
242
Alright guys so my we found out we’re having a kid a few weeks ago and my wife sat the cancer sticks aside the day we found out, o want to quit but even cutting back seems impossible. I go thru 2 cans a day and have knocked myself down to 1. Just that has me on edge and very rude. Any advice for someone trying his best to make it to his quit date?
“Any advice for someone trying his best to make it to his quit date?”
Yep… make your quit date today. Boom… you made it. Quit today. Repeat tomorrow.
It’s not easy, but it IS “simple”. We quit one day at a time. Anything more is overkill and too much to bother tackling.
Sound advice there from Chewie, “quit one day at a time” and start that today!
You’re going to be on edge and rude, and it’s going to go overload when you cut that nicotine from some to none. It’s all good, these are all temporary setbacks to gain freedom from that drug.
You can do it!
-JP
Hey guys, I’m on day three right now and this site was just what I needed. Very informative, very straight forward. Terrible headaches and nausea today. Went for my usual morning run and it intensified these symptoms severely. Going to kick this though. Thanks for the support on the journy, God Speed everyone.
B-rad,
Hang in there. I’m on day 90 and still feel a little out of it and my anxiety is definitely still here. You will go through a lot of ups and downs but know it will pass. I think my anxiety and depression problems that are still here are due to the at least 1 can a dip a day habit I was on AND the fact I used dip to increase my mood and never learned how to deal with my underlying issues. The more you used then the longer your symptoms will last. Let people around you know you’re quitting and check in here whenever you need it.
Day 3….I’ve quit like 85 times….?. I’m 41 and have dipped on and off since I was 18. Hope my fog doesn’t last for the next 10 years…
i am also on day 3. Eating everything in site the last 3 days. I am an avid runner and that has really helped. My stomach and digestive system is finally regular again. Getting my energy back. My eyes feel like they see clearer now. So proud of myself so far. Was very tired for the first 48 hours. Actually sleep better than ever because I mostly dipped at night which raised my heart rate and made sleeping difficult. No headaches or dizziness. Just was constipated and tired at first.
Day 39. Still having terrible anxiety. Mind is constantly racing. Help!
Anyone having a sore throat for longer than 2 months during there quit? Doctors don’t seem to be worried about. It’s been almost 90 days for me and this throat problem raise my anxiety level every time I look at it…. Could this sore throat be from acid reflux? Anyone experience this or am I over thinking it too much?
Bush, it feels like I have a lump in my throat but the doctors told me its part of the healing process. I do have some serious acid reflux though.
i quit chewing 8 days ago…
john i have also lump in my throat
3 days ago i treated for sinus infection
my doctor side its just a virus infection
I had the same thing happen to me right after i quit.
I’m not a doctor… just a quitter who dealt with MASSIVE acid reflux that got WORSE for a while when I quit. Yes, it would 100% be from acid reflux.
http://blog.killthecan.org/2012/04/heartburn-when-quitting-dip/
If your doctors aren’t worried I wouldn’t be either. I know that’s tough as I’m an “over thinker” too. Hang in there.
Interesting… Thanks for the good info fellas… I’d be hurting without y’all..
Hi Bush – I had a swollen sore throat for a few weeks. It passed after a while – but i was very nervous about it. We are def thinking to much.
Go see your doctor and get some help for the anxiety. It will eat you up if you don’t. No shame in this as I am sure that many guys including me have had to get some help for the anxiety during our quit. Anxiety has been the most difficult part for me and I am over 60 days quit. They will prescribe you something that helps.
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?
Hey John,
Yes sir, it IS the fog…for sure. Same shit I dealt with on my runs during the first 30-40 days (you’re over half-way through this stage). Just hang in there and FIGHT through it. I know, I felt like I was drinking, when I wasn’t. I felt light-headed, faint, then amped up, then guilty…it was nutts! Just roll with it, I promise you’ll get through it!! At least you are now getting a few good days, then you get some bad ones…ALL NORMAL!
Keep up the fight!!
-JP
1 year, 50 days quit….rolling!
I needed this…Thanks.
Me too man stay strong I’m really batteling the withdrawals but I don’t want to touch this shit anymore
No problem James/JP you guys help each other out and continue to post. I posted everyday for my first 100 days. You’ll be amazed at the amount of people here wanting to help…the strength is in the numbers men, stay strong and keep quit!
-JP
First, I’ve been posting as “Mike” but I finally signed in to the forum as Mike23mx, so that’s how I’ll post here as well. Second, I’m on Day 20 and week 3 has been a battle. Yes, the fog started lifting this week, so that was positive. But, as the fog lifted, I wanted to get back to being productive at work and at home. So, I try to focus on work and I can’t focus at all. I’m so damn frustrated I get mad as hell and I just want to scream and rip shit apart. Now I’m depressed because I can sort of think straight, but I can’t get moving. That went on for a few days. It’s starting to lift on Day 20.
Of course, like everyone here, I did everything with a dip in. It was my goto when I needed to get shit done. So, that made week 3 especially challenging. It’s been a mental battle. Not so much a craving for the dip, but a desire to get back to being myself and doing the things I feel that I’m supposed to do. My mind wanders to the dark side and I think about getting a pinch just to help me focus. I think everything sucks so what difference does it make? Maybe it doesn’t make a difference, maybe it does–but, I signed in here to roll call and I’m going to make it through THIS day without a dip.
Anyone experienced muscle twitching after quitting? It started in one spot on my arm when I cut back and I have small twitches all over all day long since I quit.
I’m on day 103 & still twitching. I thought it had something to do with depression & anxiety, but maybe it’s got to do with the “quit” ?
I think so and the inability to deal with anxiety and stress! It’s not fun but I look forward to the twitching going away soon. I am on day 41 and it is still hard!!!
Mike, thank u for the honesty of your post, because I can totally relate to everything that u said! It really encourages me to know that there are others who have experienced the exact same things as me. Thanks again.
Today is 5 A.D (After Dip), but before i stopped a did a ton of research. I decided last week to not have my first dip until 11:00 and even that short of a time i had major fog. But then i read that it was due to low blood sugar. turns out that the dip creates a chemical reaction that increases blood sugar in your brain so your body stops producing it. one article said increase your blood sugar with fast carbs like OJ, skim milk, life savers of jelly beans. i dipped 5+ cans a week for 35 years so when i stopped saturday, i have been drinking 4 ounces of OJ every hour and it has REALLY helped me out.
I hope this helps and DON’T LET A STUPID CAN BEAT YOU!!!
JB
How long did your fog last?
Hey Jay i quit dipping 45 days ago and I’m dealing with really bad anxiety. I’ll take any help I can get. What was the name of the book?
Same here. Im on day 46 and still having anxiety and light headedness.
I am even taking Dr. prescribed medication to help.
Day 30 for me. Did the fog/anxiety lift for you guys yet?
I’m having terrible anxiety. Woke up this morning feeling dizzy with a dry mouth. This sucks. Seeing the doctor Wednesday. Feels like I’m going crazy.
Hang in there Tim….you should be feeling relief very soon. It was about the 30-40/day mark for me. I still felt like shit here and there….just not every single day like those first 30-40. Keep fighting, you’re doing awesome!
-JP
Think my post got lost, but the book I referred to is”At Last A Life” by Paul David.
I think you two are both right on track. I still felt “cloudy” in that t40-60 day mark too. It will lift guys, promise. Just hang in there.
The book will help you understand why you feel the way you do and how to cope with it…here’s some advice “you won’t feel better until you stop trying to feel better”.
It doesn’t really make sense unless you read the book, but it’s got a lot of truth to it.
I think you feel anxiety because your brain is learning to re-wire without the aid of nicotine…not to mention, you’re thinking “I’m done with tobacco, how will I get by now?”. It starts to consume your thoughts and life, thus the anxiety.
Luckily, I dealt with it, before I quit, so I knew what it was when I felt it. The good news…it all passes..PROMISE!
And Robb, ain’t a DAM thing wrong wit taking something to knock off the edge, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! I just wish I had found that book when I was feeling bad…I may of been able to side step a year on meds! But I was a mental mess for a bit and the book turned on the light, hope it does for you guys!
Good luck and Keep Quit!
-JP
1 year, 27 days free
I had anxiety until about day 90-100. Then one day it was gone. Took Xanax for a few weeks which helped a lot. I didn’t think the anxiety would ever go away but it did. Hang in there.
I was clenching my jaw so much I gave myself bad TMJ and now going to physical therapy and TMJ dentist.
Even with all this it was all worth it to get free from nicotine.
Jeff
Day 110
Yes, I was over 28 days in fog
Stick with it I’m on day 301
My fellow quitters that are stuck in The Fog, & I ain’t talking about the John Carpenter horror classic either, listen to these successful quitters. Stick with it, I promise you it will get better. Take it one day at a time, think of everyday as a victory. Get something to substitute, candy, fake dip, seeds, something to help the cravings. Good luck quitters.
I was in the fog for weeks. Personally I didn’t mind the fog all that much. Seemed more like a reminder that I was cleansing my body. Either way stick with it. It def will pass. Better days ahead for sure.
Franco
121
Quit last night and this morning is my first day of cold turkey. Im glad to have found this site…I have entered the fog. I will see you on the other side of it!
I quit 12 days ago. At first i used the patch but I’m on day 3 without that. Using smokey mountain currently but feel like that is potentially unsafe. My biggest problem is that I’m so damn depressed without my dip and nicotine. Will this ever end? I just want to feel normal again.
Hi Shane – when you say you think it’s potentially unsafe what are you referring to?
To answer your question… yes, it will end and you’ll get back to normal. May take a couple of weeks but you’ll get there.
That it erodes you lip and gums like normal chew.
Hi Shane,
Just adding my 2 cents…ANYTHING, you put between you cheek/lip and gums will cause it to wrinkle and not look/feel normal. Even sunflower seeds, which is one of my main oral fixes even a year after I quit, does this. BUT, it will not cause that pre-cancerous Leukoplakia (dead skin Film) in your mouth like tobacco does.
I use Triumph Herbal Chew when I want a fake one. I started with Smokey Mountain (and still use it when I do not have any Triumph). I do not get that erosion from it.
But I only take maybe 1-2 dips a day now of the fake stuff.
If you do decide to try the Triumph, just be sure you get the Zero Strength variety. They do offer it with Nicotine (Full and Half strength)…I no longer am a slave to nicotine. But their Zero Strength (no nicotine) variety is wonderful.
-JP
On my 3rd week and still feel tired and lethargic. Is that somewhat normal?
Definitely normal Shane. Late on answering this as I assume you are 3 weeks past this now. If you are still quit, I bet you feel “some” relief now?
Quit 4 days ago. My brain feels like it’s numb and I’m annoyed by everything. I’m a dick dad and can’t focus and have zero patience. At least I feel better today than yesterday.
Hang in there man. Believe it or not you’re on the right track and everything is progressing normally. Stick with it!
Snuser, you should feel like shit. You have lost your best bud.. I have 4 months clean of all nicotine and when I had just a few days, I also wanted to shoot the birds that were singing too loud. I am a cold turkey guy and that’s just the way I am. 28 years without a drop of alcohol and 4 months without a dip, cigar, cigarette or any of that easier softer way bullshit. Just get it done!
Day 3…in the Fog. It sucks all the dicks. Can’t concentrate at all. I feel like I’m going to fall over and all I keep thinking is man I really want a dip right now. I want this personal hell to end.
Welcome Nick. Definitely get the fake stuff, helps no doubt. Check out the fake stuff reviews, plenty to choose from. Check in here when you can, you got this.
Day 3 for me , been dipping cope since i was 16 . 27 years old now and i just want to kill the habbit before i run into serious health problems. The longest i ever quit was 5 months. I have an addictive personality so it seems like i just replace it with somthing else like alcohol or bum friends cigarettes whenever i try quitting. Ive ordered some fake chew just ripping my hair out in the meantime
Day 2 for me…in the fog.
I am making an appt today to see if I can get some “clarity” on this anxiety crap. Its powerful and I commend everyone that’s quit and went thru this. Will keep yall posted and have a positive outlook going into this appt. thanks jayp for effort to help out.
Hi again James,
Yes, it may be beneficial to get some “professional” help. We can all “guess” what you’re going through out here, but we can only help so far.
It does “sound” like anxiety to me, but you should seek a better answer outside this forum. I know once you get a correct answer, you’ll be feeling a lot better, take care!
-JP
Day #317
Hey James…sorry I missed your reply, syncing issues with email notifications have been a big issue…and I cannot seem to get it fixed.
I know what you mean, its tough when you don’t have answers to what you’re going through. I would definitely look into anxiety if you haven’t already. I heard from one of the owners of this forum that doctors say “we chewed to cure our anxiety”…that sort of rang loud for me….especially since I was in the fog at the time I read it. But I sure felt like it was anxiety returning when I quit dipping…the similarities were odd. I still get those on and off feelings…even 301 days into this quit. Again…jeust think its how we are supposed to feel when you don’t use a chemical daily.
But do look into anxiety…it mimics a bunch of health problems. I know it take some balls to “sack-up” and go see a “counselor”… at least it was very hard for me, felt like I was “weak”. No one wants to think they have some sort of mental health issue. As im sure you know, you cannot be physically healthy if the mental side isn’t there…this was something my doctor told me that had a lot of truth to it. As said, once I was able to get an understanding of things, I came out stronger. Hell, I even quit this 25 year chewing habit and I don’t ever plan on returning to. You gotta crawl before you can walk as they say!
Let us know how you’re doing James and keep turning those stones.
-JP
Day #301
I quit in feb 2014, I dipped for 24 yrs. the fog was intense for me in the beginning and I assumed it would go away. I can say that it got better, but there is a lot of experience in theses posts, so with that said… I still have the fog. It’s not as intense as in the beginning but still here. I have never actually returned to being me. I honestly feel a couple of drinks into it all day, everyday. I can’t stand it anymore so please if anyone has any perspective please share.
Thanks,
James W.
You’ve got a few months on me James, I think it might be time o go talk to your Doc if you don’t feel right and have resulted to “self-medicating” with some booze. Got to be careful with that too!
I will say though, how can you truly know what “yourself” feels like? I mean, I dipped for 25 years and I can say, that I truly feel different than I did when I dipped. Not sure if it’s “better”…I just think it’s how I am “supposed” to feel. I don’t have that crutch anymore to run to when I am stressed or feel like relaxing. You have to deal wit things differently than the way you did before.
But it wouldn’t hurt to hook up with a doc and make sure there isn’t something underlying. I am not trying to worry you, I honestly think you are just adjusting to life with out tobacco in my opinion. But I am no doctor and can’t give you health advice.
I hope you start feeling better soon!
-JP
Thanks that is reassuring. I am an orthopedic surgeon myself and have sought out extensive medical testing over the last year. There is nothing, all testing is normal… Which pisses me off. I really wanted something to be wrong that would explain what was happening so I could treat it. I didn’t mean to mislead anyone by my earlier post. I do not drink and never have. Thank you for your interest in my post. I will keep you guys updated as it continues to develop.
Hi James,
Well, I re-read your post above and I see what you really meant, you “feel” like you’ve had a couple drinks, NOT you HAD a couple drinks. I’m going to share a little about myself with you, since I think I had some similar stuff happen to me.
I went through a whole slew of testing myself about 2 years ago because I had a bout with anxiety, didn’t know what the hell it was and was certain I was dying. Everyday, for almost a year I had this “guilty/cloudy/amped-up” feeling, mixed with strange thoughts. I never had experienced any of this in my 38 years of life, so I was certain something was wrong inside. After MRI’s, CT Scans, X-rays, blood test after blood test, Thyroid/Adrenal testing, Brain scans, even Neurology testing, nothing came back that showed anything wrong(I KNOW what you are going through, its frustrating). Eventually, I went and spoke to a “counselor” on my Docs recommendation and this guy said it was Anxiety. After talking to him about all the “stuff” going on in my life at that time, he said it was that. And I agreed to taking something to deal with it for about a year before I quit tobacco. Well, I finally started feeling better with meds, exercise and cutting garbage out of my food, then I decided it was time to get off the meds. Just felt like I was “tied” to them and didn’t like it. I battled it a bit, but I was successful at getting rid of the meds and don’t take them anymore. THEN, I decided to quit Dipping in July of 2014. Well, all those “feelings” I had returned when I quit the tobacco and I “thought” it was my anxiety returning and maybe it was, but it was short lived…about 30-40 days. This was the “fog” I think everyone talks about here. Even so, I don’t feel “normal” today (297 days into my quit)…at least the way I did when I dipped, or at least I don’t think I do. I have just chalked it up as this is how people that don’t abuse nicotine feel. And as I said, having dealt with Anxiety before, I don’t overthink things anymore….that just turns into “what ifs” then that turns into Anxiety…and this guy doesn’t play those games anymore.
Again, I am not saying you have Anxiety, you being a health professional knows it can certainly mimic an array of sicknesses, but I certainly know what that hopeless feeling “feels” like when you got no answers. I agree, eventually, you “want” something to be wrong, so you can find it and fix it. The only thing you can do is not to give up and continue your quest for answers. If you do find out it is Anxiety, let me know. I found a wonderful book, that I think is better than any pill on the shelf at the Pharmacy. It should be on the shelf of every Therapists office for sure. Poorly written, but it is a great “help” book. I wish I had found it 2 years ago!!
Good Luck!
-JP
Jp, Reading that is like ready my own story. I have not given into dipping, but have contemplated it may times, not bc I wanted the snuff but bc I needed to feel like me again. I am not really sure at this point if it would even make me feel normal again. I will not start dipping again so I must find an outlet for happily going forward. I will look into the anxiety possibility. I would love to talk to you if you wouldn’t mind and would be happy to give you my email and any others out there that might be experiencing similar situation. It’s very tough to maintain a healthy outlook when you think you might be dying every 5 mins.
JP,
you saved me so much anguish when you shared your experiences. Let me explain.
I had anxiety when I was 21-22ish. It got easier to deal with and I learned to shut it down before it had me climbing the walls or convincing myself I was dying of cancer or some strange disease I saw on “house m.d.”
Now, however, I am 31 and am 13 days quit. I smoked from age 16-25, quit, then started when I was 27, switched to dip, and dipped for 3 years. I was not a fan of dipping at first. Then, it grew on me. I loved it. I loved the smell. I loved packing the can and felt a brotherhood with other dippers.
I am in a country now where it is hard to get Dip unless you have it sent from the states. I told my wife to send me some Dip and she did. I felt like a dirt-bag. I pictured her with our three boys out shopping and her buying the dip and the boys seeing it and knowing “that’s Daddy’s ‘Mint’ .” I also started to worry about my health. My anxiety kicked in and I made up my mind to quit. I told my wife not to send me anymore and told my friends not to share theirs no matter what I say. I dumped out my last two cans.
The first three days were terrible but exciting because I knew that there was nothing that could make me crack. I had done it! After the 2nd day I told my oldest boy that I had quit and that I would stay that way. I was all in now.
I found this site and started reading about it on about day 3. I chewed some sunflower seeds and tried to get a lot of sleep. I had quit smoking before, this can’t be that different, right? On the site one day, maybe around day 4, I saw something about the “Fog”. I read through it briefly and thought to myself “this won’t happen to me, I already quit smoking once and it was nothing like that.” Boy was I wrong.
It started on day 6 with some feverish type dreams. Just nonsense running through your head when you are on the edge of sleep. I thought maybe I had a fever or was starting to come down with something. I took some Tylenol and shook it off.
Day 7 was the day of guilt. Weirdest thing, not having done anything wrong and feeling dreadful, thick, suffocating, GUILT. Crushed me… I slipped into depression type feelings on day 7. I had no time to think about wanting Dip. I was totally consumed by this new affliction. I took some solace in the fact that I was nicotine free.
Around day 7 or 8 I also felt a weird pressure headache and was finding it harder and harder to sleep which seemed weird because I had depression symptoms and thought that would make me sleep more. WTF?
I started to try to find reasons for my symptoms. I heavily consulted WEB MD, House MD, and ME MD. None of us came up with a comforting diagnosis. (I am not a doctor by any stretch of the imagination)
when I could not find reasons for my illness I remembered my bout with anxiety almost 10 years ago as well as some small skirmishes. It was worse this time than I had ever had. I KNEW I was going insane. I was more scared than I had ever been. Out of desperation I came back to the site and read an outline of the symptoms of quitting. I stumbled upon “the fog of quitting dip” again and read it. I read peoples comments. A lot of people had the exact things that I did. Light headed, trouble sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, weird pressure headaches, feeling like I had just had a couple of beers, GUILT, depression, ANXIETY!
Just reading those words made me feel 10 times better. I had called my wife an hour before and cried for no fucking reason. I had been way on tilt and hearing that it was normal to feel like that saved my life. I went to my doctor and he prescribed me some Wellbutrin. I tried it but it was ultimately not for me.
I still have trouble sleeping, but I now know I am not alone. I am not going crazy. I am not dying from some disease only found on HOUSE M.D. I am simply learning to deal with life without a nicotine filter. I am simply seeing the limp caused by the crutch.
I toyed with the idea of dipping just to feel the way I did before I quit. That thought was replaced by the thought of needing to go through all of this again when I was to quit the next time.
There won’t be a next time. I am done. NEVER AGAIN. I Won’t look into my boy’s eyes and tell them that I lied when I said I was done, or that I failed.
Day 13…
Thank you all for helping me through this. Just remember that there is at least one goofy dude on the other side of the world going through the same crap you are. We are all in this together and everyone of you, who I hope are still nic-free, have helped me so much, especially you, JAYP
You’re Welcome Scott.
That counselor told me “once you feel anxiety, you’ll always know it”. I haven’t dealt with it in a while *knock on wood*..but I certainly did feel it when I quit. I wrote “I don’t feel the same as I once did”…I can honesty say, I do feel “normal” today. I just crossed the 2 year anniversary of my quit 7/15/14. And where I once thought “how will I function without the dip” now I feel “why did I spend almost 30 years doing that?”. I feel good these days…i will never go back.
Funny you mention that quitting smoking didnt have the same side effects of quitting dip. I think it’s because the nicotine in a dip is much more than a cigarette. Interesting though.
I hope you remain quit, this is a WONDERFUL place to learn how to be a quitter…if you want help, it’s here.
I’m glad I could help you and wish you much success on your journey.
-JP
2 years and 3 days free
4/27/15…. Made the decision to quit my long time friend Mr. Cope. See we have been the best of buds since 1984. Damn, that is 30+years. I mean we never were apart. I travel and would but 10 – 15, 20 cans at a time because it is not available in Australia. Okay, anyway I quit at 9 PM on 4/25/15. I felt great about it yesterday, feel crap about it today, feel light headed. It is actually the strangest feeling I can remember. I’ll make it I think.
Great Job Mark!
Yes sir, those crappy, fog-filled “feelings” None of them are good, I actually had some of what I can only describe as “brain-zaps”. Little jolts that seem to zap your field of vision…strange. I went through some bullshit them first 30 days, but it did taper off. There were many veterans and quitters ahead of me that swore they would end…and they did! After that came the craves….and I used the fake stuff during those times (still do sometimes). You will feel strange, I remember talking to my Dad, he quit smoking after 30 years, cold turkey. And I asked him about those “zaps”, the fog…he said “Son, I went thru A LOT of weird SHIT when I quit”…that made me feel better knowing we all go through it. 30+ years is a while, I had 25 years of it….takes some time to adjust to life without nicotine, you’ll get through it. Come here and vent and join conversations, we all want to help each other. Work out and drink a lot of water, this also helps!! Keep up the Fight!
-JP
Day #288
I guess the fog just hit me today. I quit dipping 10 days ago. Well actually I was using snus most recently. I thought I had really did it and only had a few bad nights. Then today I can’t concentrate. I have anxiety so it’s compounding the problem I think. I just feel like I can’t think straight, or even remember stuff. I just want to stay in bed. I’m worried about how long this will last cause I have to be working and other obligations.
Hey Mark – congrats on double digit quit! For me my fog kicked in big time at around the 9 day mark and was REALLY bad for a few days. It started to get better at the 2-3 week mark. I can’t say it was fully “gone” for a good couple of months but after the 3 week mark it began to subside.
Today is day 42 without nicotine of any kind. The cigarettes began around age 17 along with alcohol. Around age 27 I was playing a lot of tournament softball and smoking was not cool so the Red Man leaf tobacco took it’s place and the pancake size spits were incredible. Red Man changed to skoal mint long cut and stuck with the skoal for 35 years. 28 years ago I quit drinking alcohol with the help of AA and 42 days ago I quit chewing dip. Many times during my chewing career, the desire of quitting dip crossed my mind but the thought of life without chew seemed impossible. This is what happened:
After my morning shower and fine cup of coffee with breakfast, I opened the fridge to get my fresh new can of skoal thinking only of the appealing aroma of a moist, fresh can. I stood in front of my bathroom mirror preparing to shave and decided that it was time to stop chewing. Now, not understanding where this hidden strength emerged, I calmly opened the last can of chew, looked at the neatly packed tobacco and slowly dumped it in the toilet. The first couple of weeks were a bitch but now it has become a lot more tolerable even though discomfort looms with the fog and irritability. I have made the decision not to cave no matter what. Chewing is a fucked up thing to do!
Great job! Keep it up. I found the nicotine gum works well because you keep it in your lip like a dip. I’m still having a hard time quitting. I smoke for about 10 years and have been dipping for about 10 years. How much were you dipping? I increased to about a can a day or day and a half the last year or so. Feel like shit. Before it was a can every 2 to 4 days
I am currently in Day 8. Not sure what to think as I dipped for 40 years from sun up to sun down. In the Fog, constantly thinking of chewing, reaching for the tin. I will say this is way easier than having to stop drinking alcohol.
I know it is simple….cut the physical addiction of nicotine and then deal with the mental obsession of chewing. Exercise religiously, go on walks, eat properly, and talk to people about what you are going through.
Everyone says I will feel way better…I hope so as I feel like crap right now. I will not be deterred. I will stay dip free and will never go back.
How many times did it take you to quit? Wow 34 years. You must feel great!! I’m having a rough time. I’ll go a few days and then buy some because I can’t concentrate on my school work. I’ve quit smoking after 13 or so years and it was nothing compared to quitting dip. Congrats btw
Day 170 of my quit after 34 Years and a can a day,
The fog Was Intense for 23 days and tapers off to gone by 40 days Some folks go almost 100 Days – Stick with it your doing fine
ugghh! Ive dipped since 2005 but quit for a year and a half in between then. I dip a can every 1 to 2 days. Hasn’t always been like this though. I used to dip far less. Quitting has always been on my mind especially the last year or so. Now qutting is what I want more than anything. 3 days ago I stopped completely. No gum, patch, nothing. Today I bought a can and I’m so pissed about it. The issue I’m having is I have a lot of school work and tests coming up and I can’t focus whatsover. I in the engineering program so I have a ton of homework. It’s almost like diminishing results. My mind telling me yes you feel great but you can’t focus on your school work so just dip until spring break, then your out of school and have a week or so to not focus on school. Guess thats where I’m at now. I can do this. I’ve done it before. Just seems like this time around is more difficult. Can’t even imagine what it’s like for those that have dipped 20+ years. Helppppppp lol
After the 27th day the fog was intermittent and faded away by 40 after going through that staying nic free was easy. I never wanted that again, stay away from alcohol I have no tolerance for it after the fog, like you i quit nic free no assistance from gum or patch
If the dr offers chantix be carefull. It Has bad side effects. Knew some folks had bad time with that stuff
You will make it. Only time makes it easier
I’m so glad this article was written. I quit 11 days ago. I quit for many reasons. One reason was that I don’t want to see my spit cans anymore. Another other reason is that I would like to see my kids grow up when I decide to have them without that nasty stuff being around. Now – I walked around all weekend and through Monday with a depression, and a major FOG. I have felt hungover, I have bad thoughts in my head, I can’t make good decisions, I fill dizzy, tired, fatigued, and yet can’t sleep. Wow – I never thought it would be like this as I was not “addicted.” I just casually dipped for 13 years (makes me very sad to say that). I was going to quit after high school, quit after college, quit after I passed my CPA exam, quit before I got married, quit before I moved. I was, I was, I was and I “could quit at anytime.” Yet I was sitting here 11 days ago, and I had a dip in my mouth for a good 4-5 hours. Then all of a sudden I took a look in the mirror. I didn’t want it anymore. I could be better than this I said. I could be better for my wife. I could be better for myself. I have a lot to live for and a lot to do without this piece of candy I like when I’m bored. Now, I just need to get through this fog. Thanks for writing.
I had Fog for almost 40 Days, I dipped 34 Years Everyday all the time, I am at Day 84 of my quit, Hang in there, it gets better.
How did you make it through, I have had a dip in all day everyday or whenever I could for 25 years. I am on day 19 of my quit, and I can assure you my quit is 100 percent nicotine free, no patch not gum, nothing. This fog is making it almost impossible to sit at my desk and work. On top of the fog is the anxiety that causes the chest tightness and insomnia. I have been able over the last 2 days to sleep better which is great. I just can’t wait to come out of this fog. When it hits which is all the time unless I am outside walking around I can’t concentrate or focus at all. This alone will keep me from ever putting that crap in my mouth again. I will say I going to my Doctor tomorrow to see if she can do anything to take the edge off and help me function like I need to at work
So, I’m in day 3. It’s 12:25am. I’m experiencing a lot of the stuff you guys listed above. I’ve dipped for 25 years. I’m using Niccorette and it seems to help. Any of you use it? Am I replacing one vice for another? The loss of voice was a surprise. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated.
Fog Lifted after day 23, That sucked, Glad its over
August 4th, 2014. I am done with the chew. I have been chewing since about 1993. One trip to the oral surgeon and “bam” I am done. The “FOG” is the worst. for about the first 5 days, I felt sick like a heroin addict. I turned to the nicorette gum. This helps a lot. As of today, Oct 1, 2014 I consider myself dip free. Now on with my life. More exercise, better eating habits, better sleep and overall feeling like a new person. It is unbelievable how chewing tobacco can control your brain.
Well done Jason! Are you done with the nicotine gum as well at this point?
Jason, I just found this forum today. Had an operation on my esophagus yesterday. Can’t chew for 5 days, they say. Are you still dip free & are you still on the gum ? Thanks
Quit day aug 11 2014. Today 9/8/14 I am finally coming out of the fog! I was addicted to Copenhagen for the last 10 years. It is worth going thru hell to see the light, today is the first day since I quit, that I feel good! No looking back
Great words of advice bro. Been in the FOG for the last week & it’s brutal. I’ve been hydrating, exercising, eating plenty of fruit/veggies, getting 7-8 hours of sleep & yet I feel as if I have a mild hangover. Headaches, body aches, cloudy vision & a hard time staying focused at work. I’m only on day #5 but I cannot wait for this storm to lift.
I’m in the fog also. I quit 4 days ago as can/day for the last 25 years. I don’t have headaches or sleepless nights, but I feel like I’m sleep deprived despite getting 8hrs sleep/night. I actually go to bed earlier now just to not deal with the craving I have. It’s a bad feeling and I’m looking forward to it ending.
Yes, the Fog! You have been abusing tobacco for about as long as I was before quitting last year. Just hang in there Allen, it will lift. You will feel terrible for a bit, that’s just that poison Nicotine leaving your body, but giving you hell on the way out. I too started to go to bed earlier than normal at the start of the quit, to get past the cravings (good strategy). I agree, you do feel bad, but if you hang in there and don’t cave, you will make it out the other end. All of us that quit and remained quit, know where you’re at, you’re doing awesome!
Hang in there!!
-JP
Pistachios