Symptoms of Quitting Dip and Chew
Quitting dipping is not an easy thing… if you’re like most of us, when you quit you’ll go through some withdrawal symptoms… These are completely normal. That being said… if you are concerned about a particular symptom, by all means go to a doctor and get checked!!! This will help both your peace of mind and may catch something before it gets serious.
Dip Dreams – you’ve been dipping for years sometimes decades. Your brain is used to thinking a certain way with a certain amount of nic in it… once that’s taken away many people have “dip dreams”. These dreams range from mild to incredibly intense. Many times people will wake up after a dip dream and feel terrible because they really think that they caved. Many have reported that they can taste and smell the dip. Never fear… it’s only a dream.
Sores In Your Mouth (lip, tongue, cheek, etc.) – you’re done dipping… why does your mouth hurt so damn bad? You’ve got more sores in your mouth now than when you were dipping. What’s going on?!? There are a couple of explanations for this one. First, if you’re like most of us, you’ve found something to replace your dip to get you past the oral fixation (See Smokeless Alternatives). If you’re chewing seeds then there’s a TON of salt in your mouth that wasn’t there before. Also once you get dip out of your system the PH balance in your mouth is changing. Bottom line is this – get to a dentist and get checked out. But unless something stays around for more than two weeks you should be good to go.
Can’t Sleep – you’ve quit dipping and now you can’t sleep at all. Never fear, this is completely normal experience. It’ll take a while, but your sleep patterns will return to normal.
The Fog – you’re dizzy… you can’t think straight… your head hurts… you find yourself staring at your computer screen for hours on end not reading anything. Welcome to the dip fog. Your brain can’t handle the fact that you’re no longer feeding it dip. It might last just a couple of days and it might last a couple of weeks. Do not fret… once the fog lifts you’re well on your way to being dip free. Check out this article that Chewie has written about The Fog of Quitting Dip
Headaches – you might have one that brings you to your knees, or you might just have that dull thud feeling all day long — this too shall pass.
Sore Throat – If you’re a dipper and you quit you’re scared of anything that’s “off”. Why when you quit dipping do you suddenly get a sore throat? We’re not sure why but it happens more often than you’d think. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. This will help flush the nicotine and will help with your sore throat.
Anxiety – for years you’ve been dealing with life while medicating yourself with nicotine — it’s gone now and your body isn’t used to dealing with life without it. This condition will pass though you may want to talk to a doctor about some medication to take the edge off.
Problems “Going” – whether you know it or not, nicotine is a laxative. It’s helped keep you “regular” through all of your years of dipping. It takes some people a while to get their body adjusted to going without their natural dip laxative. Drink plenty of water and eventually this one will be “behind you”.
Hot Flashes – This one has been reported as a real doozy. Face, arms, legs, etc. can be very “warm” with some intense sweats. While this is a “symptom” it’s also been quite the trigger for some folks. Drink some water, get to the site and talk.
Depression – Many people have dipped for years or decades. Removing such an integral (though deadly) part of your life can lead to some pretty serious behavioral issues including depression. Talk to the folks on the boards as this is pretty common. As with any health issue please don’t hesitate to see a doctor as well. For more details about depression as a quitter click here.
There are a variety of other symptoms that have been attributed to quitting dip. If you don’t see yours listed, contact us and let us know about it!
It’s the middle of the night on day 3 of quitting. I have been using grinds coffee pouches to help with the mental fixation. The “fog” is killing me, I’m running a construction project and can’t focus on the tasks. It’s like I’m wide awake but no one is home if that makes sense. Hopefully this doesn’t last to much longer.
Hang in there… it won’t last too much longer. Drink lots of water to flush your system. https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/the-fog-of-quitting-dip/
I’m through day 3 and I feel as though I have experienced the worst of the symptoms. I certainly have no concept of normal anymore however I now feel in control of my urges. Any other surprises now that the nicotine is gone?
Has anyone else experienced a “ball” in the throat? or like a tensing in the neck?
Hutch18 – day 43 and although i feel better in someways, i still feel like crap in other ways. I’ve been to two different MD’s and my blood work is good, so I am not dying yet. But the tingling and pins and needs feeling sucks. The lightheaded feeling with vertigo sucks. But i know it will get better, it has too. I did this to myself over 34 years, going to take more than a few months or weeks to rewire the brain and body.
I’m on day 3 and have been running a fever since yesterday. Sore throat, coughing, congestion, this shit is no joke.
I’m on day 6 of quitting 1+can a day for around 20 years. Anyone’s stomachs go crazy first week after quitting?
Is running a fever common after quoting?
Yup. On day six myself and it’s like my guts are in correction mode. I can’t wait until I’m through the first two weeks. These withdrawal symptoms are intense.
You’re good. Sometimes anxiety can cause phantom pains. Your mind is a monster if you let it be or a helpful organ if you find a way to deal with anxiety.
I’m 22, cheers for about 3 years. I got to the point I was having about a can a day. I looked at my gum and saw a couple white sores where I would put my chew and that scared me so bad I dumped out all the dip, which was 4 full cans and another half a can, and vowed never to put another one in My mouth. That was about three weeks ago and the fog and withdrawal symptoms are just now starting to get really bad. The white sores are gone though. I’m gonna kick it’s ass and am rooting for everyone else to as well
I’ve been on and off for a few years. Trying to quit. It’s an addictive vice. Went to pouches and after a few months of buying a can every other day I decided that I need to hold myself, my family and my finances in higher regards. Responsibility is freedom and choosing this self gratifying habit over health and longevity is not responsible. We all know this. And it’s very hard to mentally and chemically do what we know is right. Persevere. Suffer through it. Come out on the other side and you will be stronger than your peers. You will be one of the few who hve conquered addition and didn’t let it conquer you. We are in this fight together. Our physical bodies and chemical makeup does not define us. Your conscious decision to do and follow through is much stronger than your physical desire for chew. Keep fighting. Enjoy the suffering. Endure the side effects, headaches and pain. A happy life is awaiting you on the other side. Good luck. My best, J
I needed to read that J. I’m on day 4 clean and struggle mostly with the boredom. I think it’s boredom anyhow, maybe it’s something else I’m not sure. A pouch would motivate me for anything I have to do- work, dishes, waking up, even taking a walk. Pathetic now that I think about it.
All that said, I’m convinced my (and everyone else’s) brain and be retrained to not expect a load of nicotine everytime I take action. We humans are very adaptable creatures. Best of luck everyone!
Mind over matter!
Fg
So I’m thinking about quitting. However I have noticed that if I go a couple hours or more without chew, I find myself getting sleepy. So my main concern is being overly tired or not alert. I work a continuously rotating shift work schedule. I use about a can every 2 days and have one in probably half my waking hours or more. Unfortunately it is completely normal in my work environment and home life….
Hey Jason — I was in a similar situation when I quit…Obviously, “cold-turkey” is the best way to quit but if that would put your safety at risk, try nicolette gum. I was dipping about a tin a day and chewed about 4 pieces of gum a day for a week and tapered it from there. It really helped me.
THANK YOU so VERY MUCH. Yes i have been so down thinking what did I do cause that’s the way he has been all week. I will hang in there. Thank you so much for replying back and letting me know. I have been in tears all week thinking what have I done and what’s going on with him, Its like he has a split personality right now. THANK YOU!!! I feel better about it now.
Have chewed Copenhagen for 9 years. Spent way too much money on a product not worth it .However, I cut down from 1/2 can everyday to Skoal. Finally got some baccoff pouches which have helped. Currently on day 2 of being clean and trying to keep my head up. Should be interesting the next few weeks as most have said. I’m looking forward to it .
Hi! I’m new here. Day 3 and so dizzy! Been reading articles that have been helpful to understand “the fog.” I really want it to work this time and I want to stay accountable. Hoping you all can help me:)
We certainly can Jennifer – congrats on three days of freedom!
Hi Jennifer.. ‘the fog’ was present for most of my quit.. and sometimes, I am not sure if I still suffer from it or I am just tired.. but that is exactly what it is like. You have a hard time focusing. I have referred it to having a Steel Helmet on.. your head feels heavy.. you feel unbalanced. I would find myself dazing into to space a lot and losing concentration. While driving was my biggest concern as I thought if I was ever pulled over, the cop would think I was drunk.
For remedies.. water, water and more water.. keep hydrated.. seems weird but I would drink a lot of water.. 8+ounces per hour during the day and I would put a glass of water by my bed in case I woke up during the night.
Second.. exercise.. you don’t need to join a gym.. go for a walk, get some fresh air.. this actually worked the best on my worst ‘fog’ days.
Make sure you join a Quit group by clicking the ‘Forum Register’ at the upper Right-hand corner. You Quit brothers will keep you accountable for your quit..
Great insight man I will certainly work on pounding some water. The fog is extremely present at the moment.
Im on day 6 and I’m also a woman (Scary I chewed as long as I did – always in private). I’ve tried unsuccessfully to quit before. This time I’m determined. My teeth are frikin killing me! But I’m hoping it’s only because both of my back molars recently cracked and they have old fillings in them – thats where the pain is. I also woke up the last few nights with bad heartburn that Ive never experienced. not sure what that’s about. I’m too scared to go to the dentist or any other dr. I constantly look at my mouth now. Funny how I NEVER did this the entire 23 years I dipped. Besides the tooth pain Im really not finding this quit to be too hard. May have something to do with the fact that I have a must LESS stressful job. I don’t know. I am eating more but I also exerscise ALOT. . Always have.
Ok. So you are not alone. I am in the same boat. It’s difficult because of the social stigmas about this not being lady like so I am private about this too. And for about as long. Is it normal to have a bit of jaw pain and some tooth pain. It all started when I threw a damn m&m in my mouth and it hit my bottom tooth 2 days ago and it hurt and has been a dull pain since. And I’m freaking out about it. The thing is I have like some ocd about chewing. Each and everytime o will always floss and brush religiously right after and have caused my gums to irritated with doing this all the time. Each time I chew. I almost never have jaw/ tooth pain. Ever so I am a bit concerned. Can that be part of withdrawal ? This is the first time I have ever reached out about this.
A dentist told me that basically dip is like a piece of candy in your mouth for hours of the day and can easily create cavities. Good luck
Used Cope for 35 years and I’m on day 73 without a dip. It was hard at first, but I don’t even think about it now. One can is like four packs of cigarettes. One can a day is over $2,000.00 a year. Screw the tobacco companies, they are not getting anymore of my money. ????????
Way to go Bobby.. 131 days quit here and quitting with you today..
Really nice to hear all your guys stories. I quit chewing yesterday be chewing for 1p .Years straight.. Its so hard and i cant sleep at all and just chew gun , get seeds and eat alot of food then exercise. Nothing works at all, but i have a can of chew not opened and it sits on my self, i put a notice above the can saying ” dont give in, be a free man”. The first step is the hardest step , but Atleast its a step closer to being free. The only way is cold turkey but its so hard. I quit before for 2 years then lost everything in life and started chewing.. Finally remarried and life is better, i put the can away for good , but i need to beable to see my demons straight on instead of running from them…i like look the devil in the eyes and say you cant control my life no more.. I find it rewarding and more controllable when i have it then when i dont. Also i pray to god for help and to give me strength, i know ill beat this evil can ..but first i need to get some sleep.. Good luck to you all and thank you for your inspiring stories.
I went to cope pouch’s to wein off. Chewed cope snuff for 20 years having withdrawals would that be normal. Not to much of a appetite either
How do you not think about it? You and I are similar 35 years of Copenhagen, 2 or three cans a day. Approximately day 65 nicotine free. Please let me know your secret for not thinking about it.
I’m on day 158. Feeling good, sleeping great, not staying up as late as I used to. Yes I miss that euphoric feeling the Cope gave me, but I know it’s in my best interest health wise. I also don’t have those panic attacks when leaving home without my can. Let alone planning on how many sleeves I need for a 3 week trip. This is my 3rd quit in 45 years. My mistakes the first 2 Times were to think using herbal snuff would help, bad mistake for me. I need to break that feeling of a dip in my mouth not prolong it. Plus the herbal stuff tastes like worm dirt. I used the nicirette gum for the first 2 months, that took the edge off my symptoms. I also brushed my teeth when I thought about dipping and then used listerine to get a little burning sensation. After switching to regular gum I ended up getting Jaw pain from overuse. I really felt worse than ever wondering if I was really making a difference in my health. Than I switched to hard candy, root beer barrels and butter scotch. No more jaw pain , body weight is stabilizing and actually going down down. I can actually say I’m in a Better place than I was last October. Hang in there and don’t let any of your buddies trick you into that “1 dip won’t hurt”. You’ll be hiding that can from your family quicker than you can say spit
Thank you for sharing Tony! I have struggled for several months. I have been steadily dipping all day every day since college 2003ish. But honestly I started in High School but was never heavy with it then. I serve in the military and am on my last few months of service, with all the garbage I have been exposed to during service (high frequency radio waves, depleted uranium, burning human waste with diesel) the least I can do is eliminate a poison that I can control. I have honestly had a few attempts since thanksgiving this year. There have been some changes in my mouth that gave me some scares, doc assures me its part of age nothing cancerous. Its enough to give me a solid scare to do something for myself and quit. I have my future to look to and I want to live past 50 if I can so I am serious about the quit this time. I have been on the Nicorette mini lozenges 4mg for a few weeks. This is honestly like my 6th or 7th quit attempt in the last few months. Longest I went was about a month. Its so hard to not “reward” my good behavior with that dark old friend behind the counter at the gas station.
My quit goal is to not take this with me into the next chapter of my life. I really do want this to be the end of it for keeps this time. I am staying away from the garbage herbal snuff as you said it tastes like crap and honestly just makes cravings worse. these Nicorette things help. I feel the burn a little and it keeps the jitters off.
I loved reading your story, it really inspires me to know I am not the only poor sap trying to get away from this stuff. You having 158 days is quite an achievement! Congratulations! We do this for ourselves, our families, and our futures. I sure hope you can continue to hang in there, hopefully this one with be the one that sticks for both of us. I keep telling myself, you can face down America’s enemies, survive warzones but you cant say no to a stupid can of dip…. what is wrong with you. Get it together and grow a backbone. Stop making excuses and get it out of your system!
Hi Harvey, checking in to see how you’re doing. I’m on day 195 and feeling really good. Headed to Alaska for a few weeks so this will be a good test for me. Hope you’re well and getting used to a new you.
Well today will be my 2nd day without snuff it’s so hard but I know I can beat this I’m using gum to help quit chewing I don’t know what anyone else is using in replace
Try some herbal snuff… it really helps with the physical cravings.
I quit a week ago, came home on Sunday afternoon with a brand new can in my pocket later that night I took a pinch, stopped and looked at the can for aagood minute straight. Went to the bathroom and I flushed it away, been dealing with my cravings and a sour throat but I will survive. Haven’t even done it a year but decided to quit on a whim and I will soon be past these urges and cravings. If I can do it you can do it too!! Stay strong and keep your will power. I kept the can as a reminder of how bad of an idea it was to begin with.
Lolipops have helped me I’m on day 2 as well!
The bloody headaches they’re killing me, been going on for a week now since I quit
On day 6. All i think about is a dip from first thing in morning until i go to bed. When i read the cravings last 100 days im thinking what did i get myself into.
100 days sounds like an eternity and can feel like it. But believe me when I tell you that not only is it a drop in the bucket but it’s totally worth it.
I am on 115 days and Chewie is right… I thought 100 days was so long when I started my quit… as each day past and the symptoms subsided, next thing I knew I was at 100 days. I think of my withdrawal symptoms as God’s way of reminding me how nicotine is so bad for me and that I never want to use it again,
i really hope the hooch works
Well… if by “work” you mean take the edge off your nicotine craving it sadly won’t do that. Hooch contains no nicotine. If you’re looking for something to satisfy your oral fixation and help you from missing the “habit” of dipping then it will do EXACTLY that. Keep fighting sir!
I am 48 and have been dipping since the age of 13. this quit has rough to say the least ,but i am on day 6 and sticking it out … dizzy, no sleep, anxiety , the works.. just cant wait to feel normal again
Been heavy dipper for 30 years and finally said I was done. Cold turkey and only on day 3. Can’t sleep, can’t concentrate no idea what I’m doing but constant desire to go buy another can. Just trying to get past this.
Sounds just like me, man. I’m on day 4. Can a day habit. I feel like I’m losing my mind. Nothing makes sense, can’t hardly sleep at all, anxious as can be. Absolutely brutal.
Shawn are you feeling any better? I too started dip at age 13 and have been a slave to it for 34 years. I quit 26 days ago and have similar symptoms you describe. Hopefully it gets better cause this sucks.
hey guys Jon here, I’ve been chewing roughly a tin a day for like 8 years, I quit cold turkey and im on day 6 of tobacco free, first 2 days went good, now I feel brain fog like im out in space and ive been having lots of anxiety almost like panic attacks, noticed I feel constipated and my sex drive has also been low anyone else been having these symptoms
This will be about the 3rd time I’m quitting, hopefully for good this time but it’s definitely tough. I’m on day 8 and and going through the exact same things. I’m better today and the fog is finally starting to lift and my sleep last night was the best it’s been in a week. You’ll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel just as I have. Keep up the hard work and keep saying NO!
My name is Elton, 30 years old and I have successfully killed the can after 10 years.
I think. Or at least I am trying to think again, on my own.
It has been a rough 19 days so far and now I am just super depressed.
I’m wore out from the battle and been really mopey.
Listen, I have a tip to share.. and in return I’m hoping someone may have advice that could help me get my spirits back.
My tip will not work for everyone, and it may not work for me again. I have tried quitting two dozen times and never lasted more than 2 whole days before one anxiety screws me over. The panic feeling of not having the can and needing to get it.
For some people if the can is in front of them, it’s being dipped. For me it comes down to a battle of self control, one that I can win when I feel in power. So I took a can down to half and kept it in front of me. I convinced myself I was safe because I had it, so I got that panic feeling out of the way. The half empty can went with me everywhere I went and even though I had a few sweaty mental battles I made it through.. I didn’t drive rushed to the closest market endangering myself or others.
Took me 11 days to kill the can though, literally. I emptied out the tobacco so my brain wouldn’t convince me to find the can later with goodies inside.
Let me know if this works for you, if your mentality is like mine, it may just be a pro tip.
I really don’t know what to do about depression or what might help me because I never thought it would get to me. I used to be a very happy person and now I feel like I am making others around me put up with me. I have a wonderful wife and she is my life, but the sad truth which usually leads my depression is both of us have lost our families in the last 10 years. I started smoking when I lost my grandparents and started chewing to quit smoking.. just a big spiral. Without many details her side of the family is down to JUST her sister and mine is down to an aunt, half-bro, and half-sis. It was almost like we were wiped out! Well that’s harsh to say.. but I’m depressed remember lol.
I think your right. For me anyway. I threw my can away this morning out of the blue. Hadn’t thought about quitting in yrs just woke up met with God and He says its time to move on from that. Half way through this day and I’ve had fit after fit, just anxiety, psyching myself out that I need it. Finally I dug it out of the trash, haven’t used any yet but just having it out seemed to change everything.
I did something similar.but I taped mine and carried it with me for a few days ..the number one thing that helped me .jesus Christ . Have a blessed day .
Elton that’s exactly what I did on day five and boy just having the can in my pocket makes it way easier.
My fiancé is about 2 weeks in – he quit smoking last year cold turkey, but had dip to fall back on. This year he quit dip cold turkey and I can only imagine how hard it is! He’s been super nauseated and loose bowels the last couple of days and this morning wondered if it was a withdrawal symptom. Sounds like it surely could be, right? He pointed to his ribs and said it hurt. Felt hungry but didn’t want to eat and feel like crap. Said he spent all day in the bathroom. That’s a lot of info but I thought I’d check in because most of the sites say it’s usually constipation but his is opposite. Just wondering!
I have had these issues as well. I have been dip free for 59 days now and I still am battling physical pains. First it started with headaches, neckaches, and shoulder aches. Then it moved into my chest and ribs. This was very painful for me. I actually went to the hospital to check and make sure I didn’t have a heart attack.
Now the pain and discomfort is in my stomach and lower abdomen. I have been to the doctor a couple of times about this and we are doing some tests to make sure I have no disease, but I will definitely say my whole digestive schedule has been off. Plus throughout this whole time, my anxiety has been out the roof.
Your fiance is not alone. He just needs to stay focused on the end prize of living a healthier life. Everything else will sort itself out along the way.
When you’re taking a deep breath do you fee restricted at all? I’m 24 days without any cold turkey and have all the symptoms you’ve stated Ryan, feel the same way. When I take a deep breath almost feel like I’m restricted
i am at about a month and am having all the same symtems plus a little dizziness and i also have been to the doctor several times … even made a trip to the ER with an anxiety attack that made my blood pressure go crazy >>> tough road
Can anyone tell me. My husband has been dipping for about 52 years, He started when he was 6 years old. He has went cold turkey. It’s been 6 days now. Is one of the withdraws having anxiety and being sharp to me? I mean he has been flying off the handle and being very sharp with me? We have only been married for 2 months now and he has never been this way the whole time we have known one another for 2 years now. Please help me understand if this is just withdraws? Thank You!
100% this is a part of withdrawal. He’s going to be an absolute asshole for quite some time. It’s going to feel like he’s taking it out on you. I can tell you… it’s got nothing to do with you.
https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/what-to-expect-when-you-quit-dipping/
Same experience with me..
These are all perfectly”normal” symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. I have tried quitting numerous times and finally did it just recently. I’m on day 8. Congrats to your husband and stay strong. Every time I have attempted this I get diarrhea, cramping, nausea, bloated, sour throat and stomach, headaches. This list goes on. My brother is my motivation. He went through all of these things also when he quit but feels great after years of not dipping. That can can kiss my ass. Good luck.
If you want to quit just quit and dont look back. If you really have cravings put coffee beans in your lip works great.
I’ve been dipping since I picked it up in college (about 6 years) and I have tried everything you can think of to quit. It seems impossible but I can assure you it is doable. I have not dipped for over two weeks and I can attribute that to nicotine patches. This is something I would highly recommend if you were someone like me who used to plow through a can+ a day. Go with the step two patches to start as the step one patches have way too much nicotine and will drive you insane. These patches curb all of my cravings and have helped me to stop. You however need the drive to quit as these are not an end all answer. Even with the patches on I still crave chew after key times such as after I eat (I used to chew after every meal).
It will get better and easier! If you’ve failed like me, try the patches. They will help.
Has anyone experienced their joints ‘popping’? I was working out yesterday and my knees, elbows, shoulders, and back were all making a popping noise, like when you crack your knuckles. Never happened before, so I figured it was my body ‘waking’ up with more Oxygen.
I quit cold turkey at the beginning of December. I am using some herbal chew to control the oral fixation as I will chew when I am working on my computer or watching TV. The first couple of weeks, I was thinking that this was going to be easy to quit after chewing for 20+years, well.. I guess I was wrong, almost 30 day’s after I quit, I am experiencing a lot of the withdrawal symptoms:
tingling in the hands and feet
nausea and intestinal cramping
headaches
coughing, sore throat
insomnia
difficulty concentrating
anxiety
irritability
depression
weight gain – I have gained 15lbs and I have been watching what I eat, plus exercising, but it seems whatever I eat goes right to my gut. The tingling in my hands and feet kinda freaked me out as I thought I was having a stroke.
I am not going back to chewing again and will have to suffer through this.. reading everyone’s experience helps to know that I am not alone on this and I can do this. Good luck to everyone and keep the updates coming.
I feel you, im getting brain fog, anxiety (impending doom) diarrhea pfft. Melatonin helps keep you calm, benadryl helped me for sleep.
Thanks Jason…I will take a look at Melatonin and benadryl.
If you drink enough alcohol you will feel sick enough to not want to dip for days. Great way to kill the bug
Hey John,
Did the tingling get better for you? I’m 9 days into my quit now and it’s driving me insane.
Hey Ben… it did get better.. lasted for a few days. Now I don’t have any issues with tingling. Only issue I have now is the funk/fog. Feels like I have a steel helmet on my head, but it is my armour to keep me off of chewing. It is a nice constant reminder of how nicotine was messing with my body and how I never want to go back.
Did your sleeping go back to normal as well, John? I’m on day 17 and the biggest issue im having is the insomnia.
Yes… I get much better sleep now… before I quit I would sleep 9 hours and wake up tired and have a chew to pick me up. After 76 days without nicotine, I fall asleep faster and only need about 7 hours of sleep each night.
Tobacco increases your heart rate, so if you dip frequently your body will naturally be under stress. Without dip you’ll have more energy, and anxiety. These two cause insomnia, the best way to battle insomnia is to increase your heart heart through daily cardio, yoga or exercise.. you’ll notice the positive effects right away.
I know the feeling. I’m two weeks into quitting my 37 year habit of chewing tobacco and man am l on edge. Hungry all the time. Hope this gets better!!!!
Anyone experience night sweats or irregular body temp like hot or cold all the time?
I’m on day 119. Dipped Cope for over 40 years. Gained 15 pounds since last dip and I run and lift 3 to 4 Times a week. Still feel like hell, miss the heck out of my morning dip or after dinner or a day under the hood or working in yard. Chewing too much gum now, mouth feels worse than while I dipped. Not really sure if it’s worth this effort at 60.
Todd, I, too, have dipped Copenhagen for 37 years. Need to quit! I am in the Agriculture realm all day, stock shows, trade shows, etc. Constantly around others that dip. I even get it free at trade shows, enough for months! I have been on extra long cut for several years. My friend ask me the other day which would be easier to give up, beer or snuff. I told him that was easy……. beer. Lmk how this goes for u?!
Hey Randy.. There is a lot of guys just like you and Todd here and have quit successfully. Quitting sucks, 30+ year dipper here, who is now 140 day’s today free from nicotine. I still get cravings and there are some KTC members here who have quit for years and years and they still have cravings. The key is joining a quit group, promise to your bothers that you will not use Nicotine that day and stick to your promise. Wake up the next day, do the same again. I would not been able to get this far without my KTC brothers and sisters to help. The Vets know what you are going through, while your fellow quitters are going through the same thing you are going through. You both are stronger than tobacco… you’re not a kid anymore.. don’t give into peer pressure.
I had just started to quit back in August 2017 when my mother passed away… that destroyed me and I started back. Grizzly Dark Wintergreen Pouches, used to be a little over a can a day, now I’m up to two cans a day. I decided finish the can I have and quit for good. I’m recently engaged and have two little step kids that I love dearly and would absolutely love to quit this before it hurts me. I’ve done this since I was 15 (will be 23 in March) and it’s gotten worse the older I’ve gotten.
I got two pouches left, and I’m done. My previous quit was tough cause I couldn’t sleep… how do you counter that? I’m big on Wintergreen lifesavers, and that helped me last time. It’s just the sleep and the forgetfulness I need help…
Hey man I am having trouble with the sleep too. Has yours gotten any better?? Does anyone else on here have trouble sleeping as well? I’ve been quit for 2 weeks now and feel like my sleep is finally starting to get back to normal. Hope your quitting efforts are going well.
I’m 9 days in to quitting cold turkey and last night was the first night I had trouble sleeping. I am up now after only sleeping 3hrs typing this. Hope this doesn’t last too long, but I will tell you I am gonna get through this, what a stupid drug nicotine is.
My sleeping is slowly starting to return and im on day 17 after dipping for 4.5 years. It has been tough, but we are gonna beat the stupid nicotine.
I am from india so here generally chew is composed of betel nuts +tobacco+lime water. I have swelling under my tongue nd still i m not able to quit it. I chewed for last 5 years . Nd i am 24 now. As a new year resolution i have choose to quit tobacco completely. Wish me luck guys..
Honestly, if you tell yourself you’re going to do it, its easy for the first two days. The reason being your mouth actually starts to feel better almost immediately. I dipped since 14 and am 26 now. I was almost at two cans a day before I decided to quit a month or so ago. The first few days are very easy when you notice the immediate health benefits. The best way I found to quit dipping is to scare the ever living shit out of yourself. I started actually going to the mirror and looking at my mouth, feeling my mouth and compared it to cancerous symptoms. I went to the dentist a few months ago and he said I was fine, but the fear itself got me to quit cold turkey. Actually take your fingers and run them along you gum line, feel the actual damage you are doing to yourself, then picture yourself without a jaw. Could you live with yourself? Are you a decently young guy who wants to look forward to a future? Think about that shit, dip is not that important, chew some gum and get over your own selfishness.
I quit over a week ago now. Chewed everyday and smoked occasionally since i was 16 now 26. Enough was enough on the cost. Quit cold turkey. There’s only two options. Throw the shit away and just tell yourself your done or keep going to lose your face. Simple as that. Yeah cravings suck try and sleep as much as you can. It helps a ton. But you have to be ready to quit. I wish all of you the best. It’s never to late. Myself I have the sore throat and mouth sores on my upper lip which I never dipped in and one that’s on the lower.
I just want to say that I too have decided to quit. It took me realizing I’ve got a couple bad teeth to just say I’m done. I actually went through looking at my mouth, thinking about not having a jaw and how that would kill me inside. I’m also 26 but I started when I was 15. What a small world for two individuals of with similar names to come to the same conclusion and method of kicking it to the curb.
You just described the whole reason I want to quit! I’ve been dipping for 6 years and my gums are receding, I’ve been trying a whole week to go At least one day without a pinch , I just get really light headed after about 12 hours of not dipping any advice?
KD, hang in there it gets a little easier. I believe I’ll always want a dip but just know you’re stronger then that fatty. I’m on Day 137 after 45 years of use , the physical desire is gone but the mental aspect is a bear. My sleep is better. Fall asleep real quick and get up earlier than usual. My biggest trick kicking the habit was brushing my teeth and gargling with listerine every time I wanted a dip. The burn from the listerine distracted my sick feeling and on the plus side your breath will smell a 1000 Times better than before.
Hey man I’m 23 yrs old and I’m on day number 9 of my quit, and I have been doing the exact same shit you’re talking about! Had my first dip at 11 and my use got worse with the years especially when I turned 18. Looking in my mouth with a flashlight. Getting scared shitless I have cancer. Honestly I almost caved last night because I have a half a can of grizzly wintergreen, but scaring yourself silly as crazy as it sounds works for me.
I’m about a week in. Suddenly it feels natural to breath through my mouth instead of my nose. Is this normal?
I’m on day 5 of quitting after 4 years, I have rib pain, terrible headaches, and digestive problems, I believe all of this is normal right?
33 yr old on my 11th day of no tobacco after 18 years of dip. Just wanted to share my story with you all. I made the decision on 12/3/17 to quit. The next morning I woke up to hear a childhood friend of mine had died that morning from an overdose. He served our country, was married and had a 6 year old daughter. It hit me hard like a ton of bricks. It would have been easy for me to get a can, help the stress and throw one in. I didn’t but I wanted to. To be quite honest, it was hell. I had rough days and nights, felt like I was missing something in my life and I didn’t know what to do with my free time. I pushed through, then Thursday came when I had to attend my friends funeral. Another battle where I was not going to let tobacco win. Not comparing drugs to dip but as I sat there I thought about how that could be me. I have a choice, I’m stronger than dip and I’m sure as hell not going to let it beat me. This has been my 10th, heck maybe 20th time I have tried to quit. I’ve never made it this far but I know for a fact I’ll never put one in again. I’ll be praying for all you guys trying to do the same. Do it for yourself, but do it for the ones who love you also. Anyone can die any day, but help yourself and get ahead of preventable health issues. It’s a hard battle but one you can win! Good luck guys, you got this.
It is day 100, i really wasn’t sure i would get here at first but i made it. I think in some ways I’ll always fight the monster is some way, but i feel i got him under control for the future.. Thanks to everyone on this site for what has been written before me and the articles, it reminded me i wasn’t alone in this fight.. After 37 years of trying to quit i just told myself to quit cold turkey because if i was to do the fake snuff i would be right back on the real snuff. I guess for me it all or nothing so i picked nothing and held on for the ride.. Now i have the tools to stay quit for good so thanks again, and like it been said many times before if i can do it so can you. Keep up the good work and stay of the snuff.
After you sign up, you should be able to find your quit group. Click on “Quit Group”, and then click on February. You can then post on there, and we can help you out with any questions.
If you run into any problems, feel free to post back here and I’ll check back to help out.
Thanks for the reply. Been doing a lot of reading and very little interacting. Can’t find where to go for my quit group which should be February. Been searching.
Hey Doug! So most of the interacting is done on the “Forum” part of the site. You should see the link to the “Quit Forum” at the top of the page.
Here is the link to sign up: http://forum.killthecan.org/register/
Checkin’ back in on all you folks. Hope you all are hanging in there. Someone mentioned something in an earlier post about hearing and I’ll be doggoned, yesterday, I could hear better than I could the day before. If this is because of quitting chew…I am amazed. Also, wanted to ask…has quitting made acid reflux flare up? I’ve noticed it more since I quit chewin’ then I ever have before. It has been a rare occurrence in my life but it’s been pestering me more often since I quit. How long is it going to take to get through this insomnia. I’ve been catching more Z’s at night…couple times during the day accidentally (don’t tell the boss). What really gets me is when I wake up an hour and a half before the alarm goes off and I just shake my head and get up and start my day. Glad I found you folks. Holler back at me if you get the chance. Would love to hear from you folks.
Doug
Hey Doug – If you haven’t already, you should check out the Kill The Can forum. Lots of guys going through the same shit as you and would love to hear from you as well. This should get you started:
http://forum.killthecan.org/forum/55560/
I’ll check back here, so just let me know if you need to help. New to quitting and this site too, but I’ll do what I can.
Thank you.
Ive quit cold turkey, day 4 now i feel like im getting a cold, sore throat, runny nose and hot flashes, that normal
I def had the hot flashes/cold sweats and runny nose.
I am 49 years of age and have been dipping since 16 or so. I’ve tried to quit before but failed. Now I have no choice. I have been experiencing chest pains and I know this has to do with chewing. I do workout some but not enough. I am looking at early next week with quitting. Glad to have found this website. I am sure I will be back when I hit day one or day two. Thanks to everyone for showing that this can be done!
Hi Sir, I had the same issues i dipped for about 13 years, 17 to 30 years old. Got chest pains went to hospital checked out fine, i quit cold turkey and then the anxiety and everything else hit me like a bus this lasted hardcore for over a month. I returned to the hospital 3 times during this time thinking i was dying lol i made them run every test in the book. I was always fine. Eventually i got through it and was living life fine. I ended up just recently starting to dip again like an idiot and i am back to square one. Same symptoms i am currently 6 days in to quitting again and it feels this time may be harder. Let me know of your progress please
First of all, I dipped for about 36 years. I’m 48 now. My son, who just graduated from High School in the spring started dipping recently, within the last year. I told him I wish that he hadn’t made that choice. I told him if I had a chance to not start I wouldn’t. He called me out on it. So, about 10 days ago I quit straight up, cold turkey…and I threw soda in there as well to be cut out of my life just to prove to him that as tough as chew was gonna be to quit…I’ll stack the odds to show him his old man is still a pretty doggone tough character. It’s been tough but I’ve been doing it. The insomnia has been a nightmare. So tired. Mind in the clouds (fog). Sapping my energy. Toughest fight I’ve ever been in and I’m not gonna lose. For the rest of you all…stay the course. Keep pushin’. Bless you. God as my witness, I’ll never chew again.
Doug, I hope you are doing well and haven’t gone back. We are the same age and started at the same time. I took my last dip yesterday at 5 pm when I left work. Are storiews sound the same. Good luck on your journey!
Kick the cans ass Doug! I love it. No matter what you’ve got this man. I’m 23yrs old and started dipping at 11. I’ve experienced really bad anxiety since I quit…fearing I have cancer and stuff but that’s about it. I’m on day 9. I did this for myself, and for my family. I understand your sacrifice to quit dipping for the main motivator being your son. Your post inspired me even more to be done. Thanks for sharing
Working on week 3 dip free after 3 years of dipping, but have clogged ears, swollen lymph node in neck on one side, tingling/numbness in chin, and some sinus drainage. Is this normal? Looking online, these symptoms don’t look good.
I have all of the above symptoms, 4 days in. Food yours go away?
Did, not food. …
How long these symptoms lasted? I am hoping you are dip free and fine now. In an addition to these symptoms, I have swollen cheek with pain/tingling/numbness which is on and off all day. I am on 10th week of dip free life. Went to dentist on 3rd week, doctor say no sign of cancer or anything in mouth. 5th week thru 7th week, life was so good and then again cheek pain/tingling/numbness started again which bring anxiety and depression symptoms back. Can you elaborate what king of chin pain you had? like tingling in teeth roots or something else. your answer will be helpful for my dip free life. Thanks,
How long these symptoms lasted? In an addition to these symptoms, I am having cheek pain/tingling/numbness. I am on 10th week of dip free life. Thanks,
I am 48 and have been chewing since age 15. The last several years I have chewed nearly a can per day. I have tried quitting several times previously and I have always failed. I am on day 23 of my quit now and I seem to have had almost all of the side effects. I have had anxiety, irritability, brain fog, sores, insomnia, and headaches. I also have strong mouth cravings which are hard to describe. I could not have made it this far without sugar free gum…chewing gum really helps alleviate the oral / mouth cravings. About a week ago, I also started taking 3 mg of melatonin at night to help with the insomnia and that helps a bit…although I am still waking up multiple times. On a positive note, I am gradually feeling better and I am starting to notice that my quit symptoms are getting a little easier to deal with each day. I have started some light exercising over the last week (going for walks) and that also seems to be helping. After going through all of this the last 23 days, I really want to make sure I never chew again. The stuff is horrible poison, and I do not think most people realize the impact it has on the brain. It steals our natural happiness from us and replaces it with happiness tied to the poison. I am never going through this again. I am done with this crap. To all of you on the days earlier than day 23, do whatever it takes to not relapse….it gets a little better every day…stay determined and you can free yourself from the poison that controls you.
I’m quitting tonight cold turkey and I’m already freaking out for a dip been dipping for 13 years
Looking to join you
I have found that gum does help and the tabaccoless tabacco is not bad official day 1 without a dip
I just quit cold turkey this past Monday (10/30)..I am on day 4 now, and I can tell you the best thing to do, is occupy yourself during the times you used to dip and/or remove things from your life that used to trigger wanting to dip. Using me as an example, alcohol always triggered wanting to dip, so I have temporarily removed booze. In the mornings I used to dip before work, now I go and work out. I’m still getting over the symptoms of quitting, but doing the above has def helped!
I’m on day 2 after the dentist found a white spot on my cheek yesterday, cannot imagine my 2 and 6 year old waking up one day and me not being there. Dipped for 20 years, now 39…hopefully my biopsy will come out negative next week! Best of luck to you and all who are reading.
How did the biopsy turn out? I’m on day 9. All the same symptoms and I have a 2 year old.
Following this page and comments! My husband is on day #3 of quitting Copenhagen. He has chewed for over 10 years. We have a son nearly six months old though, and I can’t stand having our son around it. The smell, the mess he leaves, and the spit. I told him I didn’t know it before we had our son, but it scares me to have him around it so much. He had made no effort to quit the last six months. I hardly said anything. Then 3 days ago I went to kiss my husband goodnight, and couldn’t because he had a dip in. I told him that sucks, but at least I can kiss my son goodnight, and snuggle with him. My husband said he’s done. He quit right then and there. I’m like ummm okay. Still in shock. He keeps saying it’s a choice he had to make. No one could pressure him or decide when he needed to stop. He had to get there in his own.
Now just waiting for the withdrawls that I know are coming. So will be reading for support and wisdom from previous quitters.
If you are comfortable with it, introduce him to the site. It works.
My mouth hurts. I have been dipping for 35 years and I quit 5 days ago. Everything I eat tastes like it was dipped in hot sauce. my mouth burns no matter what I eat. I am in a fog and feel depressed. I do not have enthusiasm at all. Is all of this normal? Will this go away? I go through a bag of hard candy a day. This is what I substituted for the dip. I know it is a lot of sugar, but it is better than the dip. I really wnat a chew bad.
Try jakes mint chew, it’s nowhere close to the sensation of dipping but if you really want to quit it’s a miracle substitute!! I quit a month ago from chew kodiak for 25 years.
Dave , I have been chewing for 40 years, I quit 8 days ago !!!! Get some Wrigley’s winter fresh gum, I use 3 pieces, chew it for awhile and then stick it where you usually put your dip !!! My mouth is all fk up right now, the roof of my mouth feels like a gravel road, little white bumps everywhere !!!! I even use that beef jerky chew !! So good luck to you and everyone else !!!! We can do this !!!!!!!!!
Jim hope your hanging in there. I’m on day 119 and feel like hell. You wrote your mouth was fk up, my tongue looks like the Indy race track. The mental part of staying away from cope is way harder than the nicotine addiction. I guess all this gum I’m chewing isn’t helping my mouth but after gaining 15 pounds Id probably gain 30 without it. I’ll keep praying to stay the course.
I GOING ON 3 MONTHS AFTER 38 YRS OF CHEWING AND SWALLIN THE TABACCO, LEMON FLAVORED CANDY HELPS, I STILL CRAVE IT BUT MOST OF ALL IAM NAUSIATED AND HAVE PROBLEMS EATING. BUT NOT GOING BACK TO THEAT STUFF. CRAVING ARE HARDLY HERE ANYMORE AND MOVE ON WUICKLY
I quit a few times using fake chew and candy. You are better off to fight the urge and use nothing to Pasify. You tale away snuff and on top of that start putting tons of other irritants in your mouth and stomach.
I am hoping you are ok now and dip free. How long these symptoms lasted?
First thing I would recommend is to not supplement something for the dip. Just drop it. Pride is what will get you through it. It will be tough for about 2 weeks. You can do this.
I agree David, no supplementing. Ever since I was young I loved the mint candies. I find that they rough my cheak and it just makes me want to dip more. I am 31. I have dipped for almost 13 years. I have cut back a fair amount in the past and quit once cold turkey for about a week. Found out two days ago that a friend of mine got diagnosed with cancer on his tongue. He’s not much older than I. I finally said enough is enough. I am not going to allow this to control me any longer! Done done done! My wife had called me and told me about my friend; this was two days ago we found out. I was getting my car inspected, I through my dip on the ground and told myself this is the last time. I cleaned out all my vehicles and equipment that I use for business. All bottles and cans gone! I have to admit past two days have been really tough but I’m really glad I’m doing it. Hopefully it’ll get easier in the next couple weeks.
2 weeks! Wow I should have quit along time ago. Yeah right 2 weeks.
It is a process. The first day seems easy, the second feels impossible and collectively the first two weeks after quitting cold turkey is the toughest. After that most of the physical withdrawals diminish. There will still be mental hurdles for a long time but most can manage if they have the willpower.
I quite dipping after about 20 years. Didn’t plan it. Came back from break at work, usually have a dip afterward, and said, not today. That was June 28th at 430 pm. First couple weeks was really tough. A lot of taking deep breaths and literally taking it one nicotine fit at a time. Gonna be 6 months next week. Can’t believe it. Not sure if it’s related, but started having severe anxiety about 3 weeks into the quit. Still battling that today. Anyone else experience this? And if so, does it go away eventually? The nicotine fits were a piece of cake compared to the anxiety. Holy moly!!!
Yep Chris, I’m on day 119 and go thru some depression. I guess dipping for over 40 years kind of caused that. The nicotine addiction was a piece of cake to quit, the mental part is like s 500 pound gorilla on my back. The weight gain sucks and I work out more than ever. If my wife can put up with my mood swings I might make if.
Anxiety is a bear. I focus on my breath – rise/fall – and that helps with the edgier moments. So easy to identify with the drug ‘I’m a chewer’ – when that goes away, identity shifts. Be good to yourself – change is hard, and this is one of the toughest.
Day 3 this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve chewed for 7 years without anyone knowing including my wife. I broke down and told her a few weeks ago and agreed to quit so here I am. I quit a few years ago for 10 months and it seemed way easier than this but I didn’t chew as much. The last couple years I’ve learned to hide it and swallow the juice. Now I have to quit for myself and my family but it seems like this feeling will never go away. I’m using Smokey mountain and it helps but not the same. Just hoping I don’t cave. I keep wanting to ask someone for just one dip thinking it wouldn’t hurt. Wow. How can something so small control my life like this?
Guys I am going on two months quitting cold turkey. I dipped for right at 30 years. Probably around 2 cans a week for most of that. I quit on mine and my wife’s anniversary. I will say, I have chewed a lot of gum. I am experiencing a lot of bloating now. Very weird, look like I am pregnant almost. I hear this will go away. Just wondering if anyone else experienced this.
I’ve only started quitting the past week and am experiencing bloating as well. Hope you get better.
It’s only my 2nd day and I’ll be honest, I just feel depressed. I feel like I have lost my best friend. I used to chew over a can per day but dropped down to half a can per day a couple years ago. I think I have chewed during every single court appearance I’ve ever done as a lawyer.
My wife has yelled at me constantly to quit, which really makes me want to chew even more. I loved just putting in a chew and getting through my work. It gave me a reason to be a night owl and stay up at night; I’d wait until my wife went to sleep and put in another chew.
Now I’m sitting here at work and I am horribly ineffective. I am just groggy and unable to focus on the computer screen without falling asleep. I know how much I have to do but I can’t stop thinking about how much I would like to go buy a can.
I’ve schemed as to how I could keep a secret can somewhere but I hate hearing “you’re weak” or “why can’t you quit?” I know this sounds pathetic, but I am wrestling with my mind on whether I even want to quit. Chewing has been a constant in my life for 13 years and it’s just so hard when I think about being without it.
I am really wondering if cold turkey was the best choice for me. I might call the doctor for Chantix or something else.
Hang in there man… nicotine is working its way out of your body. Give this a read: https://www.killthecan.org/additional-resources/understanding-the-emotional-loss-experienced-when-quitting-chewing/
This site is really helping, little over halfway thru day 2. Nice yo know people out there struggling. I had to quit about 2 years ago for basic training. Twice actually! I domt remember it being or hard but i also tell myself i did it twice before why not again. I enjoy reading everyones post. They really help!!!
Good read!
Bro, do not cave! 1 min, 1 hr, 1 day at a time. Stuff your face with a souble cheeseburger or big burrito, you can work it off in a few days, jist no nicotine!
Stick it out! Look at it as a personal challenge. I have been taking the cash I would have spent and saving it. In the last two months I have set back $120.00. I used about 2 cans a week at $5 a can. You can do this. Be proud of what your doing. Not everyone is strong enough.
No do not take that stuff it will not help. Ben you did it the right way.. I’m going on 3 months now. I quit cold turkey just like you! I dipped 2 cans a day since I was 11! I am 31! You can do it BEN!! This might sound crazy but I kept telling myself quit being a little bi**ch everytime I got an urge. It WORKED!! I’m not going to let something control me!! Tell yourself that!! Also my wife helped me as well.. She was always there for me! You can do it BEN!!
I’m on day three, and I feel like I could hurt anyone in front of me. I had court today, and it was the 1st time in 19 years I didn’t have a chew in while testifying.. I am dying, I feel brain dead, and dizzy.. but also totally pissed off!
Been dipping Copenhagen long cut for about 9 years. Started up at 19 years old to help quit smoking. Smoked off and on but never really quit dipping. I am no longer a smoker but i got to the point of about a can a day. Haven’t had a dip in 4 days. The headaches are brutal. And I can’t stop eating. Gained over 5 pounds already! On day 1 I hung out with a fellow dipper who absolutely disgusted me. Tobacco on his lips and teeth. Spitting everywhere….it was awful! It was a blessing in disguise because it made me want to quit for good. I just hope these headaches go away
Day 3 of quitting cold turkey after about 20+ years of Kodiak. Stopped drinking Monster as well and must have had 2-3 of those a day. Feel like hell and just want to sleep or get Monster, seeds and Kodiak back in my life. Wife and kids hate me already now on day 3 because I am a walking zombie and soooo on edge and cranky. Hoping day 4-5 are better. This Smokey Mountain sucks but better than nothing I guess.
Yo man hang in there. I am on day 13 now and the anxiety and depression is crazy. Sometimes my throats will feel like it is closing up. I gained some weight unfortunately but I gotta get free of this stuff! You can do it!
Keep it up dude. I gotta quit too. I know they say Day 3-5 are the worst.
I’m on day 5 of quitting dipping, the headaches are brutal, where were your headaches located mainly?
Started to dip about 9 years ago. Started in hs went through a tin every month for 2 months made my way up to a tin every 2 weeks to every week eventually to 2-3 days within the last 7 years consistently everyday missing a day or two here and there. I was 14 and I’m now 23. I would put a dip in every chance I could get sometimes fell asleep with it in. Been trying to quit and could never get myself to do it especially whenever I would go into 7-11. I have a child coming in a month and I recently felt a cut like white sore on my inner lip. The cut is starting to heal but there is a little small patch of white like sores that come and go that have scared the crap Out of me. I quit going on 7 days tomorrow and I feel great. The patch comes and goes though within last week and half. And I just want to make sure everything is going to be okay. I know I have to go to the dentist at 30 day mark I just don’t want to think I have cancer or something. The white like sores can be scraped off with tip of my tooth but don’t turn red and don’t hurt. They have not gotten any bigger but I’m just really nervous. Teeth hurt sometimes not bad and gums too not bad due to the recovering of my gums. Anyone have anything like that before?
Kyle, I’m not a doctor but have encountered similar symptoms and have seen an dentist. The white areas are called leukoplakia, all that I’ve read, is its common and generally harmless, but can be serious. You’ll know with a biopsy (oral surgeon). My dentist was not alarmed, I was. Hope this helps.
Day 7 of quitting the can for me. I’ve been an off and on dipper for 10 years now. I just turned 37. I’ll dip a year or 2 then quit cold turkey and I’ll do well a year or so then somehow mess up and try it again and go head in all over again. This time I’m staying quit for good. I just decided it’s time to stop this dangerous loop. I quit 7 days ago, slowly weaned myself down to a dip a day over the course of a week prior to that. My birthday was the last day I put a dip in. I bounced around on brands but this past time dipped for 8-10 months with mostly Stokers Mint and then Cope Mint some as well. Got some withdrawal symptoms but I’m staying strong. Teeth and gums just ache and feel sore and now I’m starting to deal with excessive sleepiness, especially today. I know it’s just the withdrawals kicking off and on. Stay strong guys I’m sure it does get easier. As the saying goes, “this too shall pass.”
Also in addendum to my previous comment it wasn’t a painful throbbing it was just a weird tingling fiending sensation
Day 3 of quitting grizzly winter green and it’s going ok other then I have moments where I feel like I want to break stuff or scream. My mind plays games an try’s to get me to cave and it’s only day 3 please tell me it gets easier then this.
Grizzly Wintergreen pouches are what I’m on day 3 of quitting. I started again 3.5 years ago after maybe 5 years clean. I used to smoke and dip in the Air Force. I started again when I got a job that required me to drive a lot. It’s been in the back of my head to quit for awhile now. I read a comment on here about a guy going to the store at midnight because he ran out. That’s me lol. Grizzly pouches have been $2.18 where I’m at forever and now they’re about $4.60. I guess I’m almost a can a day sometimes more. I have baby #3 on the way.
What’s been driving me crazy 1st two days and what’s made me quit is that I feel like my body and mind isn’t craving nicotine as much as it’s my gums. They seriously have a mid of their own and the hardest part about the 1st day and a half is the pulsing, throbbing, gimme gimme sensations that I was getting if I went a few hours without dipping but x100 that first day and a half. I was dipping 3 pouches when I woke up, 3 2 hours later, 3 after lunch, 3 two hours later, 3 before I get home, 3 after dinner, 3 a few hours after dinner, and 3 before bed.
I’m bad at flossing but I flossed like a nut the night of the 1st day and I can’t believe how much I bled. 3rd day gums bleed less. I use a lot of wintergreen mouthwash to try and quell the “burn” my gums want to feel. Also cinnamon gum. I don’t know how else to explain how crazy my gums were throbbing with need. I felt like a crazy person in be and that makes me want to stay clean more.
Glad this site is out there. Thanks
Same!! Winter Green pouches, only 2 at a time instead of 3 but same chew schedule as you said. I’m on day 4 and I almost caved last night. My husband still chews so it’s in the house. I opened his can and there was only one pouch and where I like two I closed it. Thank God, I don’t want to save. Chewing just makes those mundane chores enjoyable. I’ve been such a grouch. I can’t even stand myself. Hope it passes soon. I was at the point as well where it wasn’t about wanting a chew, just like an internal alarm going off to notify me I needed a pouch. I like to be in control and I no longer was.
It seriously is so hard to try to quit when someone else in the house is not. In 5 hours it will be 3 days since i spit out my last dip. This is the farthest I’ve come on my quiting journey. Ive been trying to quit for a while but it is so hard to not sneak one from hubs when he gets home in the evening.
I am at day 11 of quit! after 36 years of dipping. it is getting so much easier everyday, but day three was the worst!! hang tough, day 4 is easier!!
I might be the only one here that didn’t get affected that much by quitiing but the 2nd day i felt a pain in my stomac and i couldn’t sleep else that didn’t even think about it again
I have been dipping for 32 years. Skoal Classic Long Cut was my poison of choice. Started at 17 while playing football and continued to dip through both classes and on the field playing college ball. When your habit is at least a tin a day, it easily can become a major addiction, and I was an addict. Food got in the way of dipping. I would pound through my food in order to get another dip in. It relaxed me, kept me regular and became almost like a best friend. I would panic if I found myself at midnight with an empty tin in my jeans. I would take an old plug from the garbage, or get dressed and go to the store in the dead of winter for a chew. I live in Central Canada so -30 degree is normal in winter and the cost of 1 tin is now $28 !! I have quit a couple times over my 32 year chewing career and 12 years ago, I thought I had it beat. I had a really sore throat and a lump that scared me into quitting. (Usually that is what it takes) In a week moment out at the lake, I found myself buying a tin after going 8 months Cold Turkey. The feeling I got when I dropped that dip in was very much like the description a soldier once told me about after getting Morphine. A warm feeling overcame my body and I felt stoned. My body had welcomed back an old friend that wasn’t good for me but felt good having him around. Before I got married 25 years ago, I promised my girlfriend that I would quit. 4 years later when she was pregnant with our first daughter, I once aging promised that when the baby arrives I will be done. 2 years later the same thing. When my girls were old enough to ask what that “yucky smelling stuff” was, I told them it was bad and I will throw it away. It is an addiction and we must be strong. My youngest daughter graduates from high school next week, and for the amount of times she has frustrated me by hiding my tins and showing me pictures of oral cancer, I think that I have probably caused the three of them as much anxiety as I am feeling right now after day 12. I certainly have “been there” and “done that” when it comes to chewing. I can’t remember Tha last movie I went to or round of golf I have played without my tin of chew with me. It has been and will be a struggle, but I want to be around to see grandchildren also graduate at some point, and I want to have my voice speaking to them and not a voice box. If anybody has questions or wants to talk, I am here and would gladly help walk you through some of the toughest times you will experience while trying to quit this habit.
Hello my friend. It’s very odd that I decided to look up some info on cravings after my 11th day of no dip. I used copenhagen snuff for 25 years and started with high school ball. I can relate to everything you are saying. It was meant to be to see your post. Just know that your story helped someone. I’m quitting for my 10 year old daughter and want to try to reverse the damage I’ve done over these years. Have a great day and I wish you nothing but good fortune.
You really hit the nail on the head with this one… it’s my second day quitting Skoal Mint Pouches. Been dipping a tin a day for about 5 or 6 years now, (I’m 23). I went to see the dentist because I had some serious gum recess and I knew it wasn’t good. It kind of scared me into quitting now so I hope I can do it. I quit for a few months once but it was really difficult and then started up again. I’m trying to kick it for good this time, it’s a nasty habit and the women hate it too! The only thing is that I constantly feel like something is missing from me when I don’t have it. I associate it with every activity I do: Eating, driving, sports, work, computer, writing, basically everything. When it’s gone it’s tough to even enjoy what you’re doing anymore. It sucks. Anyways, wish me luck.
Thanks a lot for your story, I really appreciate your honesty and i can more than relate.
I was looking at ways to help my husband quit. He has been dipping since he was 16 and now he is 47. We have two sons in high school, one graduating this year, and the stories you say about your daughters showing you pictures and hiding your cans are exactly the same as my son’s. My husband would dip a can in two days. He quit cold turkey two days ago, this morning before he left for work I could tell he was very anxious. I really want to help him, he has tried quitting in the past but never could. He even told me last night that before he would seek cans in and hide them and hide dips. Please help me help him.
Just get through one day. Set a goal at bedtime to get through two days. Then set a goal for a week. Cutting back doesn’t work. Just stop cold turkey. Also remind him to focus and slow down. He can control his mind.