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.
I have just packed a dip for the 4 th time in 4months and this time. My gums are swollen teeth hurt, my tongue muscles hurt and a sore throat. What gives. I have great oral hygiene btw.
My unprofessional opinion would be that you’re a puss, Your chewing schedule of 12 dips per year is too vigorous for a delicate flower like you.
You got this, Ben. Your 2nd quit is more difficult because you’ve completely eliminated any and all links to dipping. Stay with it and within a week, you’ll be past the physical dependence on nicotine and well on your way to breaking the psychological habit of dipping. Stay strong as you’ll really thank yourself for doing so….something I did some 3 years ago and couldn’t be happier.
Appreciate the nice words Rich. I’m almost at 2 weeks now. You’re right about the physical dependance being gone now. It’s just mind games now like you said. I can imagine it took you a long time to get over the psychological part.
After dealing with all the withdrawals and miserable moments of the first week, I don’t ever want to do that again. Soon enough I’ll be at your point.
I helped the psycholical habit by blending different concentrations down to 0-nicotine level starting with new 1-new tin of tabbacco with 1 new tin chewed left overs, next new tin with 2-tin chewed left overs, next new tin with 3-tin left overs…….. Down to no new tin and only left over chewed taste with “No Nicotine!!” and much easier to drop other habit components…. Good Luck
On day 6 of my 2nd time quitting. This time it’s for real though. The doctor said there’s a chance I might have cancer so I threw in one pinch and chucked the tin.
The first time I made it 3 weeks, using patches and gum. Then I gave in to the I’ll just have one more pinch and I was back on it chewing a tin every 2-3 days.
I’m using no patches and no gum this time. The second time is way harder than the first time quitting. I gotta stay strong and everyone else doing it as well, hang in there.
Hello everyone . I’ve been rubbing snuff on and off for the last 45 years. I’ve quit a couple of times , but I’ve always went back to it in times of stress. I’m hopeful that this time will be the final time for me. I’m doing it with strength of will, walks, Nicorrette lozenges, and the support of my family. I’m at 17 days free!!! I still have the craving and it’s much worse when I’m stressed, but I’m doing it!! Good luck to everyone who is on this journey!!
Hi all. I have made it to five days without a dip with the help of exercise, sunflower seeds and a lot of coffee.
I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to quit this time. Though I know it will be tough. Dip has been my coping mechanism during stressful times for the past 20 years.
Good luck to all of you!
Going on day 7 for quitting chew and day 18 for cigarettes. Using the patch and seeds to keep cravings down. I still haven’t told anyone that I am quitting, not even my wife knows yet. Not sure if my thought is that it’ll be easier to not disappoint anyone if they don’t know and I fail at quitting or if it’ll be easier to quit not hearing people constantly remind me that quitting is good only to put it in my mind. So far I’m doing well, haven’t had any bad days yet. Going to do my best to make sure it sticks.
Congratulations on day 7! I’m normally not one to post on blogs but I know exactly how you feel and each day is an accomplishment. I quit cold turkey on Sept. 13th. I was looking into life insurance as I’m 38 years old and have 3 kids. I started thinking about “what if’s”. I spoke to my insurance guy and he said it’s 900 a month if I use tobacco. But only 104 of I don’t. I told him I don’t, and he said they will test for it. After research I found out it stays in saliva for 3-4 weeks. Eh!! So I quit cold turkey. It was tough. I also told no one because I was scared I would give up. Here we are day 33 and it is getting easier and easier. One piece of advise, around day 8-11- don’t send emails right away to co workers. I was popping them off left and right at night. Being very short with people. I recognized it by the next day but frustration will sneak up on ya.
If it’s worth anything. I’m proud of you Ryan and everyone else on the site. I like the support every one is giving.
You can do it!
I have been dipping for 3 years and as of today I’m on day 3 of no dip. Quitting cold turkey has been a lot more difficult than I was expecting. I have had a pretty consistent headache and can’t really focus on anything else. I did purchase some nip dip stuff that is nicotine free and has a similar consistency to dip. It has helped a little to be able to put something in my lip during those trigger times like when I’m driving or just getting home from work and relaxing. Staying busy as possible has also helped so far. I’m drinking a lot of water, hiking, cleaning, reading, and keeping my mind busy to help kick this. I hate the feeling of being dependent on anything so I need to get this stuff out of my life and hopefully start to feel healthier. It’s nice to read other’s stories and know that I’m not alone in this.
Its my first day of quitting of chewing tobbaco.. I wish i can make it 100. I will post my comment soon..
Don’t ‘wish’. KNOW.
You CAN do this.
I have no idea how I got through days 1 thru 3. Random act of grace upon me I guess. I was dipping Copenhagen for 35 years. It was good but last year or so started to get outa hand. More obsessed than ever and using it more often. So I needed a break and found this site.I am only at Day 12 so wet behind the ears but honestly feel that I have a chance to end this here while I’m still healthy. I pretty much ninja dipped so kept it hidden. I dipped at 1 Wall St for years anonymously.
I’ve been chewing for 35 yrs and stopped cold turkey 2 months ago..its hard but remember it’s the best thing you can do for yourself.you will feel better and not have the cravings after about this long.i do the smokey mountain long cut it helped me through it and still does.good luck to all of you I know its hard but worth it in the end.
I started dipping Copenhagen when i was 13. And i i now 40 and at 1 can per day it’s taken a toll on my throat and gums. I’m ready to to be done with it and today makes 24 hours since i threw away all my dip. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to quit. I have Cotton mouth from hell and dizzy.
Today is 21st day I quit dipping, Life is like troubled , comllete body ache on getting up in the morning, frequent headache , Dont know how long this will last please advice
I would like to say something for those of you that are in the first week of quitting like I am. There have been times in the past where i’ve quit chewing and it has been super easy. Actually, I can confidently say that i’ve seriously quit around 10 times and about 5-7 of those times the first 1-3 days really were a minor inconvenience rather than very difficult like this time around. Those 6-7 times I was lucky! I should have not started back up again and subjected myself to quitting again and risking it being one of those times that are really difficult. So for those of you that are not only blessed with the ability to quit with minimal withdrawal but have also recently quit and its one of the times where it’s been pretty easy, stick with it! It’s truly a blessing to be able to quit with minor withdrawals. I always told myself when starting again that I would be able to quit again if I wanted and it would be one of those times where it WAS easy. Unfortunately, this time it’s a rough one and I wish i had never started again.
Hope someone out there can relate to this and use it as motivation to not start chewing again.
-Jay
Correction to this sentence: *Actually, I can confidently say that i’ve seriously quit around 10 times and about 6-7* of those times the first 1-3 days really were a minor inconvenience rather than very difficult like this time around.*
Jay,
Outstanding post and totally relatable. Every week I am able to go 2-3 days sometimes even as much as 6 days without a chew. However, I still end up coming back to it. Its habitual, for example when I get in the car, on the golf course, or am studying, I always feel the need to throw one in. I started when I was 19, just shortly after basic training, and have not been able to fully kick it. Almost everytime I go without it I feel fine, I mean ill get a craving here or there but it is not too bad. I think its not so bad because I know for a fact after the 2-3 days im going to get my fix again and that thought alone eases my mind. Today marks more than 1 day without it, I’m hoping I can fully kick it. I want to beat my record of 6 days, but go even further and fully quit. Im 100% doing this for me this time and I hope it works out. Finally thank you for your message as it has been motivating and relatable.
-Brad
I’m on day 4 of going cold turkey after 10 years of dipping. I started out dipping as a way to stop smoking. I was able to stop smoking and had every intention to stop dipping, but I found out the hard way that quitting dip, is even harder then quitting cigs. I’ve tried quitting dip several times over the last few years, but I was doing it for my wife so it never lasted. This time however, I’m doing it for me as I grew tired of not being in control.
This has been a particularly difficult task as not only did I dip everyday for the last 10 years, but during the last 7-8 years, I stopped spitting and started consuming the dip juice in order to conceal the fact that I was still dipping from my wife. This led to dipping for longer and longer periods of time. It got to the point that I was dipping from the time I woke up, until I went to bed. The only time I wouldn’t have a dip in would be if I was eating or sleeping.
I eventually grew tired of this feeling that nicotine has over me and I am going to beat nicotine’s ass once and for all this time.
Day 4, cravings not as bad as the last 3 days, but still ever present.
-M.H.
I’m on day 3 I couldnt get any rest my body was screaming wheres the dip I’m keeping on though
I’ve chewed for the past 12 years off and on alternating between smoking and chew. I also used chew as a way to quit smoking because I hated the way it messed with my lungs. I was at the point where I too was chewing the whole time I was awake except when I was eating or drinking water. The things that made me want to quit were constantly managing spitting, taking chew in and out of my mouth for water and food. Also, I had cravings after drinking water because I would put a chew right back in after which is absolutely terrible! I said **** this and threw on a patch for the first 24 hours then quit cold turkey. The last 7 days have been pretty difficult. I have sporadic moments where this terrible feeling will come over me as if something is missing almost like ive forgot to do something really important that has to be done urgently. Then comes the feeling of let down once I realize that I wont get to satisfy this urge. Currently I am pissed off pretty much all the time, completely forget things that ive done just minutes after ive done them like set something somewhere like my keys and seconds later I cant remember where I put them lol. I still have hope that things will clear up mentally and the cravings stop sooner than 90 days as the article suggests. I guess what im saying is I can relate to having a dip in constantly, all day, and the terrible cravings associated with it. For me, since i had a dip in all day, everything I do during my day seems like its a trigger. I’m going to hang on for the next month or so in hopes that things get better. If they don’t im going to go to the doc. and see what he can do to help with thee brain fog and acting dopey or dense. On a positive note there are some great things happening physically. My circulation has increased, my physical fitness has improved immensely, and my skin, hair, nails are all changing. People are telling me that I look great and i’ve got that glow or spark that they haven’t seen in a long time. All of this on day 7! But it still doesn’t compare to how difficult days 1-4 were! I’ve decided that i’m done with chew. It might sound silly or childish but i’ve even made promises to my family that I would quit which is one of my main crutches aside from my own will power and not allowing the cravings to win. Exercise has helped me greatly as well. I do push-ups when I get a craving or a cold sweat. Sorry for the wall of text and good luck fighting the urge. It gets easier each day! Days 1-4 were HELL but you’ll slowly start having less cravings.
Good Luck!
-Jay
annnnddd i read my post and some of it doesn’t make sense. Brain fog!
Day 8 of going cold turkey after dipping Copenhagen Mint long-cut on and off for about 4 years (although I’ve been using the ‘Grinds Coffee Pouches’ as an alternative). Constant fatigue and lack of concentration have been the most prevalent things I’ve dealt with, although I’m now experiencing some serious cravings. I have a question for those with experience… If I were to give into my craving and throw in just one pinch (and I mean just one-and-done), would I go through the same withdrawals as if I was starting over from day 1 again? Looking for an honest answer here. This cold turkey is tough.Thanks everyone.
Going through the same thing. On Day 10 (cold turkey) after 6+ years of dipping Grizzly Wintergreen long-cut. My only other serious attempt to quit I made it 30 days before convincing myself a one-and-done pinch would be okay. It wasn’t. I finished the tin over the course of the week and dipped another 2 years until now. I would say the bigger risk with the one-and-done is resuming the terrible habit we are all trying to kick. In my opinion, it’s best to just fight the urge and don’t dip at all. I’m trying all the substitutes like chewing gum and toothpicks etc. but what really is keeping me from dipping is knowing each day gets me closer to being totally dip free and I would HATE to start from square 1 because each day is so hard. Especially when you first quit. This forum is helping me just by knowing others are going through the same thing.
Don’t do it River! I was off of dip for 2 years and I did the one and done! Was back to 2 freaking cans a day within a month! Its 5 years later man and I am back at day 20! The second quit is much freaking harder! DO NOT FALL FOR ONE AND DONE! Stay Strong River!
Day 2 in the books… I’m exhausted and can’t sleep, and can’t focus on anything!
Day 5 for me…
I have been dipping for about 5 years and my wife just found out on 8/16/18. She was ready to leave me over this and I begged her to stay, to save our family. She left for the night but came back the next day and we talked it out. She said that chew is the one thing she told herself that her husband wouldn’t do and if he did, she was gone.
The talk was difficult and a lot of tears were shed. She is giving me a chance to quit but if she catches me, she is gone for good.
I have tried to quit many of times but didn’t have the will power or the help of a loved one to get me to quit. Now that my wife knows, quitting is the only option if I want to save my marriage and my family.
For some reason it hasn’t been too bad other than the cravings, and being a bit irritable. I think why it has been easier on me is that my marriage and family are on the line. Headaches are starting and foggy eyes and mind are bad. The thing that has saved me is gum. Keeping my mouth busy helps. I find myself putting my gum in my lip which helps but hurts as it is a reminder.
I am doing my best and pray that I don’t slip up. One slip up and my marriage is over.
Keep at it guys, and don’t give in.
Good luck God Bless you can do this! That shitty tasting nasty smelling DIRT-LIKE product we all for some reason put in our mouths is NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A LOVING WIFE AND FAMILY
To be honest, in my humble opinion only, take it for what it’s worth, but if she’s willing to end a marriage (till death do you part) over you dipping the. There are way many more issues with your marriage than you dipping. You should never quit for her or anyone else. You can only quit for you. The minute you quit for someone else, you will dip again. I repeat, you will dip again. I quit several times for a year at a time for others. I always dipped again. This time, I’m 86 days and I’ve quit for me.
So many other issues going on here than her just leaving you for dipping. Quit for yourself, not because your wife might leave you over a vice you have that is tougher to quit than cigarettes. If she is willing to leave you that easily, then you should have some other concerns about her. My wife is an RN and absolutely hated me dipping, but she never once mentioned leaving me over it. She has supported me all the way in my quitting experience.
Good luck bro.
I am on day 8 of quitting cold turkey after about 10 years of chewing and things are getting easier and easier by the day. The first 3 days were very tough but I forced myself not to give in. Here’s to never looking back!
My planned quite date was August 13, 2018. I chose this date because the guys and I were going on a remote golf excursion. Lucky for me, no stores on the excursion sold any chew, so my actual quite date is August 11, 2018. I checked in here to see what to expect, and was refreshed to see I made it past the 72 hour mark without any major hiccups or dire cravings.
Chewing 1 tin a day, at Canadian tobacco process of $23-30/tin, I have already saved $70-100.
Hi all
I am very happy to announce that it’s been 24 days since the last tobacco pouch I consumed. It’s been very tough but I think I have come to a somewhat normal phase again I do not get cravings I feel a bit emotional upset but it’s worth it. I have been visiting a dentist for my bone loss treatment. It’s going on well so far .
Thanks for the emotional support and motivation
Congrats on your success so far. I hope you are still sticking with it! Your withdrawal symptoms should be getting easier at this point. You need to tell your wife! It’s good to have someone for encouragement. I have been tobacco free for almost 3 months now. I had been dipping for 10 years. Make sure you reward yourself occasionally each week! Best of luck!
One month today!
I’m 42 and started then I was 15. Never once did I ever try to quit. I was completely terrified that it would be the worst feeling ever. I would have daggers coming out of my gums and I would want to rip out my teeth. That has not been the case though. I took the long slow journey until the end.
I got to the point where a chew just plain hurt my mouth. That was nearly a year ago. I introduce Zyn along with dip, and after about 2 months of going back and forth, I went to only Zyn. After a while I started experiencing the same thing with dip, my mouth, my gums, my teeth would hurt.
Next up I moved over to the nicotine throat lozenges. They work but I started eating them last letter candy, and they aren’t cheap at 12 bucks a tube. I found myself going though one of those a day. Quickly became a more and more expensive habbit. It took a little time to finally stop but one day I did and haven’t had any in a month.
I think the fact that if I were to “cheat” it would be those throat lozenges and since they aren’t cheap has helped me.
One good and one bad as a result of the last month. Bad, I’ve put on about 11 pounds even though I do a lot of running and hiking. Good, my resting heartbeat as dropped 15 beats per minute in one month. Haven’t checked my blood pressure but I assume big changes there to.
To anyone to read this. Thanks for listening.
So glad I found this place! I am at 48 hours exactly right now after chewing 2-3 cans a week for 6 years. Finally just got sick of it and decided I quit. No matter what will I touch the stuff again, but it’s good to know the source of where all this hell is coming from. I haven’t gone this long without chew in 6 years. Yesterday was pure hell. I don’t think I have ever got so angry or agitated in my life. And I didn’t even know why. I had to leave the house around midnight and go drive around so I wouldn’t take it out on my wife. I think she’s kind be of hurt and confused. I didn’t tell her I was quitting because I’ve told her that and failed before and I wanted to wait until I could look her in the eyes and tell her I did it. I don’t want to disappoint her again. But she doesn’t know where this anger and hostility are coming from. The brain fog, oh good the fog. This has been so hard, I’m expecting it to get worse but don’t know how I can handle it if it does
Well I have not had a dip in 9 days. I had been using the stuff for 35 years. I refuse to say I quit because I never decided to start. I just decided to not use copenhagan anymore. The first three days were hell…. I really should have stayed away from people. Things are getting better now I just salivate a lot! And find myself reaching in my pocket for something that is not there. I still want one bad but I am NOT going back. I have been through too much to stop now. Keep up the fight and never let the bastard win!
Best of luck to all!
Joe
I was actually able to quit for 6 months. The cashier in the store at knew that I was trying to quit so whenever I walked in she knew what I wanted. She would see me and just say no and point to the door and I would say thanks and leave.
Suddenly, 4 months into quitting, my favorite flavor came back out; Copenhagen Black. I was able to ignore it for about the two months. Finally, I said that I will just give it a little taste. Now I’ve been dipping again for over 9 months. I finally said I will quit again, which is why I’m back.
I will finish my last can of Copenhagen today and the fight is on again. I’m in the Army but no longer an infantryman so I’m probably one of about 4 dippers here compared to the infantry where most people dipped. Not being around other dippers and being around people who are disgusted by dip spit would probably make quitting a little easier.
Hey everyone. Today is my at 4 o’clock est I stopped dipping. I’ve been dipping since I was 13 and I’m 30 now. I tried to go out for the police department where i live and my BP was elevated that they would not allow me to finish my testing and cut me. Go along with getting better physically fit I’m quitting dipping as well. So I guess let’s start this wild ride.
Hi .
I have been using smokeless tobacco for 11 years . I have bad back ache muscle spasms today my doctor told me it is because of the tobacco I eat he said u are lucky enough that not much of a diamage has been done . I am visiting this forum since a year planning to quit was unsuccessful every time . My wife my kids and my parents never knew that I was into this habit I let them all know today and hence forth I won’t take a dip . Please wish me luck and support me in this fight .
Vinayak – you came to the right place. lots of support here. I have only quit recently and it sucks, but i know others are here to support me in the life challenge.
Thanks Douglas it’s been 2 and a half months without tobacco. Yesterday I had a party had few beers but did not feel to take tobacco anymore . Still 18 days to go to complete the 90 days mark.
I wish you luck too. Don’t let that bastard come into your life again stay strong it’s not that tough I faced a bit of problems for a few days . Yoga and meditation saved me and made me think about my health more then the tobacco.
Visiting a dentist for treatment of the stains feeling happy about myself I thank this forum . It’s a silent blessing in disguise.
Stay fit stay strong don’t give in.
Well after picking up the habit on my first deployment 3 years ago, I’ve gonr through about a log a week. I just finished my second deployment and decided it was a good time to quit. I’m on day 5 now. Wish me luck!
Somewhere around midnight will make a week. I have been crying a lot. I was watching the hunger games and I cried when katniss volunteered as tribute to replace her sister. I’ve teared up at several other things. I have combatted the tiredness when need be with caffeine but man I’m all sorts of emotional. Day 3 I got a flat tire at the gas station and the world was taunting me.
This might be egotistical to look back at my own comment. I forgot about the crying already. But I’m working through day 53 now and right now I’m cramming for a summer class project due tomorrow I know not productive this is a break after 2 hours and there was a lot of apprehsion going into it because it allowed me to focus better on chore-like tasks and there was a certain level of fear in broaching the project because I thought I would have to cave if I wished to surmount this task. So far that’s not true I still miss dip a bit honestly these past two weeks were worse than the from like week 2-5. And it almost feels like a break up with a relatively long term girlfriend in that I remember the relief it gave and the manliness I felt and I’m forgetting the days where your gums were so sore and you needed to chew and you didn’t know how to swing it, the shame of locking eyes with a girl when you had a chew in, waking up from a night of sleep and not feeling like I got any. Right now the benefits almost match the cost but I realize like when you break up with a girl there is a reason why she is your ex similarly there is a reason I stopped dipping and its because it is incompatible with me.
I’m on day 22. I was 17 when I kinda started dipping. I am 39 now. I was in the military and I would say I dipped 1-2 cans a week for a cool 23 years. I quit on my birthday May 18, 2018, but I caved when my dad got sick and I was stressed. When I first quit my mouth was torn up bad. I had white dead tissue (like what it looks like after an ulcer has started to heal and the dead skin is falling off). Scared the shit outta me. Well I threw away the damn can right then and there and accidentally read a story about the big C and holy crap scared me even more. I swore I wanted to see my two year old grow up because it’s not his fault daddy was dumb at 17 and took his first dip. It’s also not my wife’s fault daddy never quit long before. They don’t deserve and addiction ridden fool in their lives. So again I’m on day 22. The ulcers started to heal and I read another story. Scared the living death outta me again. I started using peroxide mouthwash and brushing harder. Yeah so don’t do that. I actually got rid of the whole first layer of skin on my bottom gums on both sides. Yeah, no bueno. Dentist said she didn’t think it was anything, but that I ulcerated it real bad. It’s been a pain and the ulcers are still worrying me daily. My anxiety is beyond belief some days and better others. Everytime I get a sore throat or congestion I think OMG I’ve got it! I just keep praying to God for strength. I see the dentist for an updated checkup tomorrow. I will never put that shit in my mouth again. No, really this time. My family is worth more to me than that damn can.
Hey Gregory just wanted to double check and see how thing are to date? I am experiencing the same anxiety I am starting day 4!
Thanks man I’m on Day 86 all good. The Oral Surgeon said all looks good still.
First day of quitting today after 18 years of dipping… I been visiting this forum from the past few weeks and I am looking forward to a rollercoaster ride for the next few days, but I know it’s still worth it. Got an 8-month old daughter at home and I don’t want her to ever see me with a wad under my lips again. Posted my roll in the morning and flushed all the leftover quid down the loo. Feeling proud of myself for being able to make this decision! Please wish me luck!!!
I’m 26, a can of Copenhagen wintergreen everyday for 8 years. 3/24/18 I went in to grab a can. They were out. That was the start of the end. I decided that I was not going to use gum, seeds, or fake dip to help me stop. I don’t want to just replace a addiction. Even if one isn’t going to kill me. My dad quit about 2 months before me after 42 year of 1-2 cans a day. He chews gum like crazy and it gets on my last nerve. Which is why I chose not to use gum. I quit because of him. Yesterday was 3 months without anything. I just needed a little push and my dad gave me a big shove to make sure. I wish I would have found this site 3 months ago. Thanks for everyone who has posted. Reading everything makes me feel even better. Thanks again, Cory
Don (again)…
Day 27 and feeling better but urges continue. Learning to mow lawn, play golf or even watch a movie w/o a dip has been the hardest part. It is a daily grind but proud as by far the longest I have ever quit (in 40 years of dipping)
I found this site in December of 2017. I’d been dipping for about 20 years. I started as an 18-year-old U.S. Marine. We weren’t allowed to smoke at night (snipers), around any ammo (Ka-boom!) or while in formation (because, well, we’re Marines). But chew?!?! Hell, chewing was practically encouraged. Anyway, my flavor/brand of choice was Grizz Wintergreen. I can still smell it as I type this. My daughter (now going into 7th grade) started getting older and learning about tobacco in school. One day she asked my why “I love Grizzly so much.” I didn’t have a great answer, and she asked me to stop. Every year she and I jump into Lake Minnetonka on Jan. 1 (yes, it’s frozen lol). Each year I dedicate my dive to one goal. In 2018, I dedicated my dive to quitting chewing tobacco. I was sick of spending the money, running my finger along the can’s edge to get the last possible strands of chew into my mouth and having spit bottles spill on my carpet and in my car. I was sick of of my gums bleeding every morning. Anyway, it’s been 171 days, and I’m still having intense cravings (like right now). Still, I made a decision and a commitment. I’m proud of myself, and I’m thankful for the folks on this site who encouraged/supported me without even knowing it through their posts. Keep at it! I know it’s a common cliche in this thread, but if I can do it so can you. Thanks for listening.
Congrats on 171 days free you SHOULD be proud! Also, a big thank you for your service.
Those cravings should be getting less and less by now…if not, they will be. Mine seemed to be less and less around the 200 day mark. Of course it’s different for everyone.
I do recall, being out for a 3 mile run around the 200 day mark…when I passed a crushed Skoal Wintergreen can (my brand), laying in the road. I remember the smell of it, immediately came to me and my mouth watering, lol! But, I just kept on running, leaving it behind me, like I did the habit, 200 days before. Fast forward to today, 25 days before my 4 year anniversary…life is good…even BETTER, without that shit in my lip. You keep plugging away, you’re on the path of freedom!
-JayP
Congratulations Jay. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I’d been dipping for 25 years and have a daughter about the age of yours that asked me why I did something that I knew was bad for me. I decided to quit 136 days ago and it was pure hell in the beginning. My symptoms were so bad the first week that I thought something else must be wrong me and seriously considered going to the doctor. Things got better after that, but I still have days like today that are particularly stressful and make my cravings come right back like its day two. I fight the urges back as they come, but its not fun. Not sure how I’ll make it through hunting season this fall without it, but maybe it will get a little easier by then. Best of luck to you going forward. Thank you for service – it is respected and appreciated!
Today I celebrate 30 days dip free. I declare myself officially quit after +25 years of this habit. Thanks to feedback on this site I was able to craft a plan and quit. My strategy was quite simple…. I purchased a ticket to Belize ($225 from Houston), rented hotel ($75 day) and made a commitment that once I landed in Belize I wouldn’t have another dip in my life. I blew through half a can on the flight. Why did this work? 1- There is no access to dip in Belize even if you wanted to give up 2- Your mind is elsewhere throughout the day one to three to reduce the impact of “hell phase”. Do the math… $525 = 5 days in Belize which is the equivalency of 3 months of a can a day. Good Value!
Day 6 after 40 years of dip; feeling all the symptoms but battling. Glad i found this site and appreciate knowing I am not alone. To all on this journey… stay strong as us newbies need your strenght !!
Don
I’m 25 and have chewed for 11 years. I’m chew free for 2 weeks now. I got through the fog, the headaches, and the twitching when I would try to go to bed. I am now struggling, which has been by far the hardest, with the mental game of quitting. My mind has made so many connections with the nicotine and essentially grown up with it that everything is a trigger, from taking a shower (where we’d throw a fatty in after football practice) to eating a decent meal. I’ve bought 3 cans in the past 2 weeks but have yet to open one. I think just buying the can in my mind is a sense of release. Does the mental aspect ever get better? Or am I going to live every single day wanting a chew and battling to not throw one in?
So decided to quit dipping and using candy to
Try and replace it. Does anyone have tips. I have been dipping for around 12 years. And a can a day
I must be a freak. Ive been dipping for 6 years, quit cold turkey around 1 month ago.
the 3 days were hell, yes. first week was shitty. Second week things got better day by day, and by week 3 I was feeling about 90 percent better, aside from occasional, WEAK cravings that seem to be getting less and less frequent.
Idk, theres no way i see myself relapsing or entering some funk in several months…
Nahhh, you’re not a freak, just someone who hasn’t spent a large part of their life abusing. I’d say if you were on that habit for almost 30 years, like I did…and I guarantee you, it will be longer that 3 weeks before you’re at 90% better and having only “WEAK” cravings.
In my experience, it all depends how long you’ve abused dip, that determines the hell you endure. 6 years? I was getting my drivers license at 6 years into my habit…had I quit then, maybe I wouldn’t had gone through the hell I did after almost 30 years abusing that shit.
You should be fine only 6 years dipping…I don’t see this being a tough task for you at all. Consider yourself lucky you decided to only.abuse for 6 years.
I do applaud you making the choice to be free!
-JP
7 days clean. It feels like I quit yesterday.
I dipped for years m8 and just stopped last december after reading alan carr’s book. Feels amazing. Only gets better from there man congrats its so easy once you just put it out of your life.
After 12 years of sipping, I finally quit and was clean for 5 years and thought I could become a social dipper, guys weekends, or a round of golf. I tried a pouch and it was actually gross, made me dizzy was thankful I quit. How did I ever dip this stuff. Bad news, nicotine and habits don’t go away, tried it again and the slope is a slippery one. Casual dip here or there and now it’s been 8 months of same old stuff 2-4 cans per week. My wife and I talked about it and I came clean to her. Obviously she wasn’t happy but she’s right. Now I’m 48 hours clean and know I can do it again. This time
Just don’t think you can ever be social with it. The quitting toad sucks but I know how much better I felt clean and look forward to getting there.
PAUL – Quit dipping 3 weeks ago today after 15 years. Definitely agree that the trigger events are the hardest to get through right now. I had a tough morning with work and immediately wanted to dip! Coming on here to help get me through this. Thanks everyone..
Greetings gentleman, I am Mike Price and am inprocess of quitting, today is day 4. I am not a long time user got roughly 10yrs at 1 can/day, live alone with 2 kids grown and on their own and a wife that left 10yrs ago.
I luv dip and follow a precise daily routine as follows… I always look forward to my morning taste of coffee so every day I gather a fresh cup, my mobile and home phones, my laptop PC, spit-tune and skoal tin. From here head to shitter for my morning relief and daily organization. Now seated with one process started, have couple of swallows of warm coffee to wake the palette and follow with a perfect dip-pinch for lower front lip, nicely packed and that first swirl of sweet, tastey juice into spittune I check phone messages, awnser emails, look into calendar appointments, daily activities and check day’s weather forcast.
Now relieved, organized and informed I have breakfast second coffee and new day’s working pinch (a little larger than 1st as it primes for longer time in the day).
I started dip in college. School was 4hrs from home and I traveled with local classmate. This buddy had a 1978 Pontiac Phenox and drove like a retard. He also chewed.
On one trip from home to school we were travelling together, Paul was behind the wheel passing a line of cars up a local ski hill having a fresh layer of freezing rain applied the previous night. I was scared shit-less, cursing his wheeling and he opens tin of mint Skoal to put in pinch. He didn’t like seeing me anxious so he offers me a taste, I was obliged and once pinch packed in my lip nicely wetted and tasted my head started spinning like a six beer sesson at this point I didn’t give a shit if he was driving to the moon. Having this enjoyable experience only baited me for more.
I was not addicted for a number of years following but from time to time dabbled or ‘treated’ a little. Once graduated I went to work, got married, started family and estabilishment. At this time of life dip took a break but every day was full throttle forward with no time to reflect. So no Chew.
Ten years in with young family and everything going well I was into Doctor for annual checkup….. Ten days later was called and asked to come in and meet with Doctor, he had couple of blood questions he wanted to discuss with me.
This meeting led me into knowledge of having aml-leukemia a need to have a bone marrow transplant. Prompt treatment led to successful bone-marrow-transplant, curing cancer but not with out couple of troubles to follow. These forced me out of workplace and led to me to long term disability pension. My kids are now well in process, wife not wanting anymore and decided to take her share and leave….
……and Mikey back to Skoal.
These days, here in Canada, tabbacco has become priced beyond any normal person’s budget capabilities so unless you are wealthy/secure you donot have the luxury’s option. I have tried to make changes to the way/rate/dose and frequencies to make habit affordable but it always seem to come back to 1 Tin/Day which my budget will not allow and habit has to go or significant lifestyles are adopted.
Wish me luck…!!
Mike
Day 4 after 15 years of chewing. Not really getting easier but I know it must be done. The fog is tough to fight through and the sores keep appearing. I know it must be done my little girl is counting on me.
I am 40hrs dip free. After 10yrs of dipping. I am also a female. I was introduced to a can of classic Smokey Mountain on Saturday and then Monday I went out bought 3 cans of classic and 1 can of mint for my husband. Told him if he makes me relapse I’m leaving him. I need and want to quit, he’s either along with me or he’s gone.
I don’t want to lose my teeth or my life.
Cravings hit me at night and before kids go to school and after kids get home from school.
Found that lemon juice really cuts food cravings and also keeps me awake.
So bc I don’t wanna gain 300 lbs or anything at all. I am sticking to the Lemon juice.
Plus I’ve already gone through 1 can of the fake stuff in 2 days so…probably gunna need more of that. No head ache yet. Hope that’s due to the Kudzu Root!
I am on day 5 and it’s not the cravings as much as me getting a sore throat. I am also really tired. Now I have dipped for 31 years. I wondering how long until my wife notices. I think that is the part that scares me the most.
I dipped be for 42 years and I am at day 76. Feels like day 2 this morning, but I will get through. I am glad to be quit and do not want to go back. The fog is a tough time, I have not had bad craves, but the fog and feeling like I am going crazy I’d the toughest part. Keep it going Wes.
Today is my first day dip free thanks for sharing
This Friday will be 2 weeks for me.
I quit dipping a week and one day ago after 37 years. always said I was going to quit and never did it. When I turned 50 I told myself I am through with it. I am like others, I enjoyed dipping – I used a can a day. I no longer crave it like I did last week – congrats to all that have quit!
Going on 38 hours and I don’t know if it’s withdrawl or not but I miss having a dip!! Picked up some Smokey mountain wintergreen and it’s helping. Fingers crossed!!
day one, here we go :/
Tonight makes 72 hours! Not easy at all!!
Just made 48 hours, after dipping 26 years. Omg I want to just run to 7/11 and get a tin of kodiak wintergreen!!