WW HOF Speech – I’m an Addict and So Are You!

Hey…I’m talking to you. Yes…the one lurking and reading my HOF speech. I want to tell you something that might save your life. You are an addict. You know why I know? Because I’m an addict too and I will always be an addict. Let start at the beginning and you’ll see why…

I was an athlete and played multiple sports in high school. Senior year in High School I started to smoke. I thought it was cool. I would leave with friends at halftime of the football games to go smoke. It was just a fun thing to do. When I look back on it…this is where I became addicted to nicotine. I had no idea though.

When I went to college it was awesome. First time I was on my own and I could smoke all I wanted to. Nobody could tell me what to do. So that is what I did for 4 years. I also tried dip for the first time. My parents found out that I smoked. They didn’t like it but I didn’t care. I was a 20 year old know it all. I thought I could stop at any time. I also meet the future Mrs. Walter White!

After college I started working at my family business and I was still smoking. During the next couple of years my future wife and I became serious. She told me she would never marry a smoker. So I quit smoking and made a commitment to a healthier life. I started working out again. I was done with smoking and everything that went with it or so I thought. I would occasionally smoke with friends when hanging out. I thought no big deal. I still had no idea that I was addicted to Nicotine.

So this would go on like this for a couple of years. I got married and we had our first child. This is where I started dipping full time. It started when I golfed. I would buy a tin and leave it in the bag for next time. I would play on the weekends. That developed into… have a pinch on the way to work, on the way home, at home and to all the time. My wife had no idea that I dipped. For the next 15 years I was a ninja dipper. I went from using a tin every couple of days to 2 tins a day.

As you can see…I became addicted to nicotine in high school. I didn’t realize it at the time and I never fully grasp it until last year when I failed at my latest attempt. I went over 150 days and thought I could just have one. You see…when you are addicted, you can never have just one. Once I had just one…I needed another and another…till I was back at 2 tins a day. At that point I knew I was addicted and needed help to quit.

I joined KTC on January 4, 2016 and posted day 1. I thought I would post roll each day and that would be it. I’m a private person and I don’t like to share information with strangers. Boy…was I wrong about that. I started to get PM’s from others and they wanted to exchange numbers. At first I was like…You want me to share my phone number with a stranger? My wife doesn’t even know I dip. You know what I did? I got out of my comfort zone and I finally took ownership of my QUIT. I told my wife that I lied to her for 15 years and was addicted to nicotine. I also told my son and I will tell me daughter when the time is right. I started texting and getting to know my fellow quitter. I became more vocal in my group. I held people accountable…even when they didn’t like it…sorry if I went over the top sometimes. But you know what…it all contributed to me being quit today.

What I have learned so far is this…

1. I’m an Addict – I can never have just one.
2. ODAAT – one day at a time – I no longer need to worry about anything except today. Just get through today and worry about tomorrow…tomorrow.
3. Make quitting a priority in your life each and every day. No excuses. Just do it.
4. QUIT – I’m quit – It is an attitude…it is a way a life. I no longer have to worry what will happen when the nic bitch comes calling. I tell her I’m QUIT and that is it.
5. Brotherhood / Accountability – I have a group of new friends that are going through the same struggles of being Quit that I am. I can call any one of them and they will have my back. They will also expect me to be there for them in their time of need.

Here is where I thank a bunch of people…

KTC – obviously.
Vets – without you guys/gals coming in and helping me, I wouldn’t be here today writing this crappy speech.
April Ass-tros – Thank for helping me get to this milestone. We had some pretty fun raging times…didn’t we? We have much more to do…will you pay it forward with the newer groups with me?
My daily text brothers (boots on, Wastepanel, Cornholio, RadioRob, Matt22 and finally PKO!)– I’m so happy that I have gotten to know you and you have help my quit. Thank you! Talk to you tomorrow with a +1.
Special shout out section…there should be more but I had to limit this section to three people since I’m reaching my word limit.

Nate2 – without you…I don’t think I would have ever found the CAPS LOCK KEY ON MY KEYBOARD.

Rkymtnman – you have provided April and me with some great quit knowledge and support. Thank you!

Wastepanel – Without you…I don’t think I would have the courage to own my Quit. Early on you took me under your wing and helped me so much. You are one BAQ and I will be forever grateful. Thank you!

I would like to end this never ending speech with one final thing to say…

If you are still lurking after reading this drivel and wondering should I quit? Do it now. Toss the can and post day 1. It won’t be easy but you will never ever regret quitting.

NOTE: This piece written by KillTheCan.org forum member walterwhite