What To Expect When You Quit Dipping
So you want to quit dipping and you would like to know what to expect when you do. We’re not going to pull any punches around here, it’s tough. That’s why we’re all here. This timeline has been put together over the years with the input of THOUSANDS of quitters. It has been shown to be remarkably accurate from the time you STOP USING NICOTINE.
Days 1 through 3 – Pure hell. You will walk in the fog. Nothing will seem real. Your brain is wondering where the hell its fix is and it is going to punish you until you come up with it. 72 hours, that’s all you need to get the nicotine out of your system. This is where you start to deal with the physical withdrawal associated with quitting dip. Drink lots of water. Read, post, read and post. Don’t take your anger out on your loved ones. We always tell everyone………Make this quit about YOU. If you quit for your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, kids, mommy or daddy, you will resent them during this period. Quit for yourself and come in here to rant. Yell at us. Bitch at us. We can take it. We’ve been there.
Days 4 through 20 – Here comes the mind games. The nicotine is out of your system now. You will still have some physical things to deal with.
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Inability to Concentrate
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Constipation, gas, stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Sore tongue and/or gums
Yep, you have this to look forward to. Your brain is rewiring itself. It isn’t used to being in an oxygen rich environment. Your body is responding in kind. Everything is a mind game now. All the cravings you have are actually due to triggers. Triggers are events where you are in a situation you would normally dip in. Mowing the grass, playing poker online, playing golf, working on the car………you get the picture. Keep drinking water, use seeds, the fake stuff, whatever you need to keep the dip out of your mouth. Remember, oral fixation is part of our habit, something you will eventually need to break. For now though, use all the tools you have.
Days 20 – 50 – You’re winning. Life isn’t great, but you probably had a couple of nights where you actually got some sleep. You might notice you’re going to bed earlier than you normally do. Not staying up to get in that last dip. You may notice some sores in your mouth. You’re thinking, “great, I quit dipping and now I have cancer.” You almost certainly don’t. Your mouth is healing itself. Tiny ulcers you’ve had for a long time are healing. We recommend you visit your dentist around the 30 day mark. Don’t be a pansy, just do it. He or she will be very supportive and they can explain the sores much better than we can. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t go out drinking with the fellas or the girls. We also recommend that you don’t drink for at least the first 50 days. Drinking is a huge trigger event and it weakens your resolve.
Days 50 – 70 – Cruise control. Life is really good. You still think about it, but this is good stuff here. Some people may suffer anxiety attacks during or a little before this stage. Some doctors say we dipped to relieve anxiety anyway. Some people can push right through this, others need a little help. Talk to your doctor before you quit or immediately after you quit. They will know what to do. Some give Wellbutrin or Lexapro. Lots of people in the support community take or have taken these medicines and can help you with the affects. Don’t wait till you get to this stage of the game to talk to a doctor. You’ll cruise through this stage much easier if you know how to take care of the anxiety or at least know it’s coming.
Days 70 – 90 – Late term craves, the doldrums, the blahs, the blues. Some people end up feeling like they are right back at day 1. The fog, the haze, the craves. It can be a tough time. You need to let people in your group know this is happening. Time to circle the wagons to get through it. It usually only lasts a few days. Fight through this and make sure your order your HOF Knife or Coin. Here are a couple of articles about this time period which we refer to as “The Funk”
Days 90 – HOF – Houston, resume the countdown. Enjoy the hell out of these last 10 days. You will be celebrating with your group as you all enter the HOF. It is a great feeling and an accomplishment you should not take lightly. Do something special for yourself and your family. They put up with your sorry ass for the last 90 days and they deserve something too.
100+ Days – Stay vigilant. Use the tools you have, to continue beating back any cravings or urges. You will still experience dip dreams and longings, but you are fully qualified to beat them down. Continue to post roll with your group. Get into the newer groups and help somebody out. Pass it along. Live the dream.
So i tried quiting , I dumped out 7 FULL cans of my amazing grizzly 1900. So the next day (today) i started getting really pist off and like frantic . I ordered the fake shit so i have to wait for that to get here , but i caved. I just bought 3 cans . Fuck this . Quitting sucks . Everthing I do triggers a dip time . Every time is chew-thirty. I was eating a shit ton today , and i usually dont eat much . Wtffff
Hang in there Justin – quitting is brutal but it’s totally worth it. Jump into the forums http://forum.killthecan.org or live chat http://chat.killthecan.org and let us help. You can do this!
Hey y’all. I am officially on day 11. I just read through all the posts up here, many of you are doing great. I’ve been chewing for 17 years. Most of those years were the kind that I wouldn’t notice when I had a dip in, I would only notice when I didn’t have one in. The nicotine withdrawal sucked but the hardest part has been the oral fixation, or the oral habit. I’m chewing on a golf tee right now haha. Seeds have also been helpful but eventually, I’ll need to kick the oral habit as well or I think the urges will always kind of be there. The other thing that has been hard is that I actually like dipping ya know. I like the flavor of it, kind of like a kid liking candy I guess. So that is a schism that has developed. Walking away from something that I enjoy as well as dealing with the withdrawal portion of everything. Anyways, glad I found the website, I’ll be checking in periodically. No luck needed, just willpower and determination.
Stay strong to a you quitters. Success is yours, you need to want it every single day. I am on day 4 so I’m happy to say that my body will now be nicotine free for the rest of my life! I’ve quit for substantial chunks of time before, and for me, it did get easier. Its all about changing the activities you did while dipping to post dip activities. Remember that cravings are only temporary, quitting is forever. Last bit of advice, as hard as it may be, make quitting a positive experience and not a negative one. Urge yourself on and don’t pull yourself down. See you on the other side!!
So happy I found this site to know im not alone… today I am starting my quit day.. I am 28 and have been dipping for about 5 years… I work as a police officer on midnights. I have tried many different ways to supplement the sensation of chewing. gum, hardy candy, sun flower seeds etc. nothing seems to help… I can beat this especially with finding this support group thanks and keep fighting the good fight my brothers.
Hi dereck – thanks for stopping by and congrats on a great decision to quit! If you’re looking for an alternative you may find this helpful: https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/smokeless-alternatives/ Welcome aboard!
I’m 15 years old and I have a werid feeling in my lip is that bad btw I’m quiting I didn’t it for like awhile like once or 2 times every 1-2 weeks
You do not have lip cancer (not enough time to develop it from dipping). However you are right to be trying to quit. Good luck to you, brother!
I quit 6 days ago, not a new years resolution really I ran out at about 1230am on new years eve and its 18 miles to the nearest store from where I live so I said this is good of time as any, no headaches, but have dry mouth, cant sleep, gas, and I gotta crap like none other but cant……..not shitting has to be better than cancer right lol
Dear friends today the day 50 now i feel so much comfortable and really i m crying while written this blog bcoz i m a married person and now after 6 years i think about my & my family future , thanxs to all my dears friend which quit and all which want to quit.
Is it normal to feel weak while in the fog. I just want to lay around all day
Hi guys. My name is Josh and I am a dip-aholic. Just finished day 5 and things are feeling better. I been dipping Skoal for the last 20 years and finally went cold turkey. The first 4 days were rough, the fog feeling was bad and i was real grumpy. So far no dip dreams or mouth sores, thank God. Today i finally felt “normal.” At first i felt mentally slower….now i’m back up to par…I still get urges and cravings….i miss the early morning dip when i wake up…then the coffee dip…then the after meals dip…then the cold beer dip…..ugh. Wife is being real patient. bless her. Tomorrow is day 6. Wish me luck.
The only thing that helps is Orbit whitening gum. I figured might as well whiten my teeth now that i quit. And drinking lots of water.
Josh, first and foremost good job! It feels good, doesn’t it? I, too, never thought I’d quit but I’m creeping up on 4 months and feel great; The cravings are very rare if ever. What helped me the most was staying active: gym, sports, with friends, etc. if you get cravings use seeds, gum or a non-tobacco alternative. Although, after a awhile your brain will think, ” why am I even using these alternatives?” And then you won’t need anything. There is a finish line nearby, just stay positive and focused.
Thank you so much for posting this. i’m glad to see i’m not the only one in the world who believes in the “coffee dip” lol. Sorry, i’m on 48 hours and still a little mentally altered but that comment literally made my day.
I did the patch and Nicotine tablets for the first 30 days but now i am completely free.
Been Dipping a Can of Copenhagen everyday for 32 Years. On day 75 no chew. Still have a lot of cravings. Anyone have advice ?
Congrats on 75 days of freedom! You’re actually in a part of your quit we refer to as “The Funk”
https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/explaining-the-funk-part-1/
https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/explaining-the-funk-part-2/
Have you been completely nicotine free for that whole 75 days? (no patch, no slips, etc.) I ask only because sometimes people will come in “dip free” for that whole time, but have been smoking cigars, using the patch, chewing nicotine gum, etc. and then wonder why they’re not feeling better. If you haven’t, you may want to head over to our forum to get some additional support from over 17,000 members who “get it” cause we’ve all been there before!
I am having a hard time, please need some support day 5 have been chewing on and off for 5 yeas, deathly scared I eill get oral cancer, hs anyone heard of someone gettin cancer after 5 years? Need help want to break and buy a tin measely last dip, I need sime support via email via text whatever someone to push me to motivate momeone I can compare routines and strategys.
i got a pain in my ear and jaw last week and im starting my quit today. not looking forward to it, but i felt might as well start the new year right. Damn this is going to suck.
Day 40 i m facing anxiety problem due to i feel shortness of breath, is its normal?
Nony – I’d say absolutely “yes” this is normal. Please see my reply above to Vinod.
its day 35 after quiting but still i have facing anxiety attacks and pain in my heart and not able to breath properly , taking atleast 18liter of water daily but not able to find out any thing, plz help me that i m feared about then or i think that i have a hert problem , plz help me Brothers.
Vinod – this may help you: http://blog.killthecan.org/2012/04/heartburn-when-quitting-dip/ I had MASSIVE heartburn when I quit. Took myself to the ER twice because I thought I was having a heart attack. Turned out it was just anxiety from quitting. That’s actually pretty normal.
That said, if you haven’t, I’d go to a doctor to get a checkup. Not because I think there’s anything wrong necesarily, but if for nothing more than peace of mind.
Dear CHEWIE Plz tell me about anxiety and not taking decision properly (fog) hw much time my body come in normal position , plz tell me early
Vinod – every person’s quit is different so it’s difficult to tell you exactly when you’ll feel “normal” again especially since depending on how long you dipped the concept of “normal” may be completely foreign to you. As an example, I started dipping when I was 14 so I never drove a car WITHOUT a dip. So “normal” for me when driving WAS with a dip. I had to re-learn living without dip. The timeline above will give you a pretty accurate idea of your first 100 days.
I just found out my 17 year old son has taken up dipping for the last few months
. I desperately want to help him quit even though he doesn’t want to. Anyone out there with any ideas? I’ve thought about taking away his phone and car until he quits but I worry that will just compound the problem. He is a Senior in high school and I know that he isn’t purchasing it for himself. I’ve shown him pictures of oral cancer, but he is young and thinks that he is immortal and invincible. If you have any ideas or words of wisdom please help.
48 hours and I’ve kicked the gum because of an allergic reaction so I’m actually 100 percent nicotine free now. So realistically I’m about 24 hours in( no nicotine). I did find some smokey mountain non nicotine pouches at my local tobacco store so hopefully that will help. I’ll probably be here commenting a lot because I’m really wanting to dip (especially sitting here watching my steelers). Thanks for this page and the encouragement. Stay strong everyone.
Hello all, I’m on hour 36 of quitting and I’m hating life. I’m 37 and have dipped since I was 16. This is the 1st time I’ve tried to stop. I’ve been using Nicorette to help but my throat feels like it’s swelling shut and I think I’m going to the doctor today to make sure it’s not a reaction to the Nicorette. All I want right now is a dip and I can’t even chew some gun because I’m afraid I won’t be able to breath. I’m not sure how much longer I can without it.
Stay withit bro?
Starting today! Wish me luck!
Does anybody else’s bottom gum…right where the gum meets your teeth literally throb? Just hankering for it? This shit is fuckin poison. Day two begins. Dipped only for three years. Escalated to two cans a day. Every time I’m awake I have a dip in. Today my brain was going nuts. It wanted to know where the hell the nicotine was after breakfast.
Hang in there Jimmy – yes, the throbbing where you used to keep your dip is actually a pretty common thing. If you’re 2 days in your in the worst of it. It takes nicotine 3 days (72 hours) to get out of your body. Drink lots of water and get on the forums – http://forum.killthecan.org – we’ve got over 17,000 member who know what you’re going through cause we’ve all been there before!
My husband has recently given up chewing, however appears to be slipping back into the routine the past couple of days. He has been feeling sick as well, can this be because of starting back up again? He chewed for years and has been clean for several months(that I know of). Just wondering if after prolonged disuse, you can feel nauseated again?
Heather – absolutely. The Law Of Addiction will give you some additional insight https://www.killthecan.org/additional-resources/the-law-of-addiction/ but essentially going back to the drug can absolutely re-addict you very quickly and can cause you to re-withdrawal when you take it away.
I just want everyone to know that I am now on day 22. I purchased cans of grinds. they are coffee grinds in a pouch. this is my first time trying to quit after 10 years of a can a day and I have had a wonderful experience (if that is even possible). I highly encourage you to try the grinds if you need something to throw in there for the cravings. just google grind coffee pouches!
Absolutely! Grinds is a great alternative! https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/smokeless-alternatives/ In addition to Campbellam’s recommendation, check out my Grinds review on the blog here: http://blog.killthecan.org/2011/12/grinds-coffee-pouches-review/
I am so glad I came across this site. I went cold turkey after 7 years of a can a day habbit. I woke up one day and realized all the working out I do and training I do will be for nothing if I don’t stop this nasty habbit. Today is day 93 for me and I started feeling the crave again bout a day or so ago. This what to expect is spot on. I was losing hope until I saw this is normal. So I thank all who are involved with this web site!
I bought one of them hookah stick things for 20 bucks, rechargeable. You can choose between 12,18, and 24mg nicotine kits. Been using the 12mg one for a few days now, haven’t needed a dip, 8th time i’ve tried quitting, 9 years does a number on ya. Just a suggestion
Leroy – the reason you’ve not “needed a dip” is because you’ve still got nicotine flowing through your veins. You’ve simply changed your delivery method. This post may give you some insight: http://blog.killthecan.org/2012/04/cigars-and-the-quitter/
While I absolutely applaud your efforts being dip free, to experience true “freedom” from your addiction, you’ll have to cut out the nicotine / hookah sticks.
Well, I quit two weeks ago and I have developed a sore throat. I have had no cravings, which is good. I dipped tobacco for years, and before that I smoked.
I’m just writing to let anyone know that cravings and withdrawal symptoms aren’t always going to happen… So don’t be afraid to quit. If you are going through hell with symptoms, just give it a little time and hang in there!
Day 10 of no dip and it’s all cool. Couldn’t quit cold turkey but what the hey? At least it’s been more than a week of a tobacco-free mouth 😀 I hate the sores, had them occasionally when I dipped. I have two at the moment and it hurts like a biyatch. The last one took 12 days to heal (under the 2/3-week mark, thank god!) and I was certain it was cancer 😀
Congrats on 10 dip free days Sonia! When you say you couldn’t quit cold turkey… what method did you use?
I had to reduce my intake till I could go a couple of days without. It’s been three weeks since my last dip and I feel great. Urges are very, very low though I still get the sores which is annoying.
I think the only reason I’m managing well is because I see it as a personal challenge. I used to be a wolf biter for around 20 years but stopped the nasty habit too. I hope kicking the can will be for life.
I’m on Day 3. The Fog is the most noticeable thing about quitting….really weird physical reaction. The Cravings have been so-so. I’ve just told myself (out loud sometimes) that I can go to the store & get a can whenever I want, I just don’t want to….. the more I tell myself that I don’t feel like it or don’t want it, the cravings pass a little quicker. I’m really just wanting this fog to pass.
I’ll be following up with this site, it seems like a good place to go for support.
You got this Jeff. I’m on day 12 now and the Fog has gone away. Keep up the good work.
Starting day 5. I have tried quitting five times, longest I have stoppedf 7 weeks. I have been dipping for 12 years. I’m going through the withdrawals again, but this time I’m not giving in.
Day two for me. The fogggg…is… Killing me…. As an IT guy needing his brain, the new stress of bitching clients is teaching me how much I leaned on my dip. Certainly the cravings have to lessen, I feel like a major drug addict with these withdrawals (cold turkey – 8 yr). Thank you for your awesomeness – it’s inspiring
I’m on day 5 and all I can think about is dip. I really want some bacc off or any kind of the fake stuff but I have no way to get it. The first 3 days were pretty easy but these last two have been hell. It’s all I can think about
I am on week 3 it’s been crazy. I have tried quitting several times. Patches, meds,seeds, fake stuff. Never worked my husband bought me the gum. It’s been great. I noticed I don’t chew it that often. The first 3 days of foggy head killed me. Exercise really helps before you quit. I remember my dr recommending it to me a few years ago. It really helps if you have anxiety and I can already tell the difference it’s made on my body since I’ve quit. Yeah you might dream about it but if you really want to quit its 100% mental. Just keep your head in the game and toward the long term goal which is living a healthier life.
Tomorrow is day 3 the last 2 days haven’t been that bad, but I fear the worse is to come.
I have decided to kill the can. Im on day 2 at this point. I used copenhagen long cut for 7 years. Never really thought I would have let it take such control of my life. I feel good to be done with it despite the urge to get a dip
Joe- hey man, just keep at it! Day 1-3 is the worst of it, after that it’s all in your head. There’s no magic pill or solution, just have to stay determined.
I have been trying to quit for about a week now on my own. Then I came across this page. Last week I started to get light headed and dizzy and had no idea what it was. Now I know. It’s been 16 hours since my last pinch. Consider this day 1.
How in the world can I keep my cool and have a high level business meeting if I’m loopy and scattered all over the place. The temper flares scare me too. Trying to gear up for yet another day one tomorrow.
At 1:00 today ill hit the 24hr mark. Its the hardest at work!! I bought a huge pack of tictacs that are not helping. I was up to a tin a day of grizzly wintergreen and told myself its time to kill the can. It’s hard cause all I can think about it DIP!!
I’m on day 17 of quitting and my biggest side effect is a rediculously upset stomach… I can’t wait until I get past that 20 day mark.
I’m on day two it’s really hard because all my friends dip what should I do?
Steve – join our forums at http://forum.killthecan.org/ – BOOM… you just got 17,000 friends that DON’T dip. Sometimes size does matter 🙂 Most of all.. hang in there. You’re DOING THIS!!!
Been a dipper for 9 years but I am going on day 2 now of the first time I have actually tried to quit. I went 3 months at boot camp without a dip, it wasnt hard but I did not want to quit at the time. I am excited on my decision to quit and I am hoping these cravings go away!! Good luck everyone!!
Been dippin since ladt December I’m in grade 12 17 years old and i just sat down in class and said what’s the point of dip anymore. This is my first day dipless since last December wich is about 11 months
Congrats on your decision to quit so young Carmichael! I wish I’d been smart enough to quit when you did! Let us know how we can help you along the way.
Hey I started quitting 3 weeks ago I dipped sine I was 13 n I’m 24 for right at 11 years n I just set it down it seems to me to be more of a mind game my body hasn’t really showed any effect but I wish everyone else luck!
Day 2 going on day 3. Everything seems unreal, I’m out of it and can’t concentrate sometimes and the craves are killing me!!
Hang in there Darrin – you’re in the worst of it right now. It takes nicotine 3 days (72 hours) to work its way out of your body. Keep fighting!
I quit cold turkey 5 days ago! I am in a serious fog! Unable to focus … But I’m gonna’ beat this monster! Dipped for 20+ years … It’s time to stop this NASTY habit!
I’m going on 18 hrs without a dip. I think I will win this fight.
Yep… you absolutely WILL. Remove terms like “I think” or “I might” from your vocabulary… you CAN!!!
It’s been 45 days since I quit and I feel like I’m at day one again. The cravings are back and I’m having to argue with myself to stay away. My best friend right now is smokey mountain straight, but I feel like having stuff in my lip now is holding me back any suggestions?
Robert – HANG IN THERE! You may be hitting the beginning of The Funk already: https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/explaining-the-funk-part-1/ As for the fake stuff… if it helps… USE IT!!! I chewed a can/day of the fake stuff for a good 200 days or so into my quit. It’s a tool… just like crutches. One day, you just won’t reach for it anymore. Until then I’d suggest to use it liberally.
Tomorrow is going to be a big day… Smoker for 11 years now… Smoke 7-8 cigs a day and dip about 10 times. So far failed all attempts… Never tried cold turkey.. Only NRT… But this time I am determined.. Wish me Gud luck folks…
Shiva – you’re in the right place for sure! Let us know how we can help. You’re not alone!
Starting on my 4th week and its getting less and less intense. still keeping my guard up though cause i found out that the nic-witch is always around the corner.
I quit last December and celebrated my 100 days… only to take a “small dip” a few days later on a long drive (and subsequently continued to dip, first to finish the can, next because I missed it.. You know the story). 2 months later, gave my head a shake and quit for real. I’m at around 4 months (didn’t want to count days since apparently I let my guard own upon reaching a milestone), and am generally loving the fact that I’m nic free; however, I still sometime get crazy intense cravings; the latest currently lasting 1 hr. I’m determined to stay the course; this is just a friendly reminder to everyone to not let your guard down!
48 hours and going strong. I hope it stays this easy, just not thinking about chew and it’s been pretty simple so far!