Why Do I Chew?
Most chewers spend countless hours during their chewing careers trying to satisfactorily answer this most perplexing question. Typically, answers they come up with are that they chew because they are unhappy, unsatisfied, nervous, bored, anxious, lonely, tired or just frustrated without their dip. Other reasons often quoted are that dipping keeps them thin or make them better able to think. Some claim that they chew to celebrate the joyful times of life. Food, drink, fun and games, and even sex (check out https://www.metart.com/ NSFW) all seem to lose their appeal without an accompanying chew. After hearing all of these wonderful qualities attributed to chew chewing, I find myself amazed that thousands and thousands of earth’s inhabitants have successfully given up chewing.
Why Do I Chew?
What in the world is wrong with these ex-chewers? I can understand people who never chewed. They never knew or believed all of these wonderful benefits derived from chewing. What you never had you’ll never miss. But these ex-chewers, having given up such a marvelous chemical addiction with so many benefits, must be crazy.
The fact is ex-chewers are not crazy. To the contrary, it was their ability to be rational which enabled them to successfully break free from dip. They had the foresight to put themselves through the pain and agony encountered during the initial withdrawal from the nicotine addiction. It is both a powerful physical and psychological addiction which creates many irrational beliefs as defense mechanisms in order to perpetuate the chewing behavior. Most of the reasons mentioned above of why dippers claim are such drug induced beliefs.
All ex-chewers should be applauded for their great accomplishment in overcoming the many obstacles created by their addiction. Encountering the initial quitting process creates a state of emotional insecurity and self doubt. Will they ever be able to survive in our complicated world without their chews? Once they become totally free of the grip which chews exert upon them, they will be able to get a clear perspective of how many misconceptions they had about the benefits they thought they derived from chewing. Being drug free after years of enslavement brings a sense of relief and accomplishment that the chewer never anticipated. To their pleasant surprise, they discover the marvelous fact that there is life after chewing. It is a healthier, calmer and more pleasant life. They now have a choice as to whether or not they ever wish to chew again. If they look honestly and objectively at the advantages and disadvantages, the logical choice is to remain ex-chewers.
Unfortunately, some don’t remember all of the consequences associated with their now arrested dependency, but only recall the infrequent good times they believe they had with their chews. They think that they could once again enjoy just a few chews. What must be understood by all ex-chewers is that they only have two options. They can chew nothing or they can chew at their previous level of consumption. There is no in-between. They are wasting their time contemplating how nice it would be to be an occasional social chewer. They can never again have that luxury.
All ex-chewers must consider both options. Then if they choose to chew, all they need do is take their first chew and again become trapped in the nicotine addiction. If they choose to remain free, all they need is to follow the simple practice – NEVER TAKE ANOTHER CHEW!
© Joel Spitzer 1983
The original article has been modified to be more relevant for dippers and chewers.
