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.
Made it past 100. I still have cravings. Is that normal, and when should they go away?
Totally normal. A more grizzled vet would have a better idea but Iām at 177 and have been experiencing craves the last several days.
Hey Doug, Congratulations on your 100 days, the cravings are normal and last for a little while, but push through them and keep up the good work.
First id like to say Great job everyone on making the choice to quit im im almost a yr. No dip I quit last August 2020 its been rough. Just want to get some in site been to a ent twice dentist three time because of the feeling in my throat feel like its irratated comes and goes some days it feels sore and other times I get a little pain just wanted to see if thats all part of the healing
20 days today
Bravo Ryan! Keep up the great work!
When do the cravings stop or is it just a way of life now?
Do the cravings ever quit or this is our new lifeā¦.?
100% they go away. I can honestly tell you it’s been YEARS (a decade?) since I’ve had anything I’d consider a crave.
As Chewie already wrote and I too can attest to, absolutely, the cravings do go away. I’ve been done with nicotine for almost 7 years, I think the cravings went completely away after a year. And they definitely slow down after about 6 months.
Remember the quote I brought to this board during my quit, I still see it being used by others still today…
“This Too… Shall Pass”
And it does, I promise!
Stay the course, the further this habit is in the rearview mirror, the less attractive it becomes.
-JP
07-15-14
54 days into my quit. Doesnāt seem real that the anxiety would still be here, but it definitely is. My mouth still hurts off and on. I get so worried about having the big C after finally quitting. Iāve been to dentist and ENT and they both say mouth looks good. Just donāt understand the soreness. Sucks.
I had the exact same stuff. A lot better after 3-4 months and then went away.
Dustin, hang in there. Its get better. My anxiety was bad until I got to day 100. Still have it from time to time, but it got much better. CBD oil really helped me. Proud to be quit with you.
56 days. My cheeks are sore as hell. My jaw hurts. Idk if itās from chewing gum and tmj. Stress. Or maybe I just quit too late. Iāve been to dentist. ENT. Doctor. They are say I am looking good. I know Iām not smarter than 3 doctors, but my mouth and face definitely feel strange. Hoping this too passes.
If the doc said your good then your good. I chewed too much gum early in my quit and my jaw hurt like hell too. Try sunflower seeds. Cannadips is also a good product. This too shall pass.
This is day one for me. I have quit before for about 6 months but fell back in. My biggest thing is the fog and irritability. But the last time I quit I quit for my wife and didnāt really want to stop. But I have decided I need to do it for myself this time and kick this shitty habit. So some good vibes will be greatly appreciated ladies and gents!
Glad you’re on board again, and yes, it’s gotta be done for oneself and only when one is ready.
This is day 1 for me. Last dip was 7 hours ago and Iāve done this before so I know itās gonna fucken suck. Worst thing for me is the not sleeping. I think last time it was like 3 weeks before I got a good nightās sleep
Tomorrow marks 100 days since my last dip!!! There have been a few rough days but thanks to the advice and support from folks here, Iām going to make it this time! Thanks for all the help and support.
I am at day 30 today , has not really been as bad as I had figured. Its not easy for sure , but once I got passed the first 3 days it got ALOT easier. The dreams about dipping have been harder on me than anything. So vivid. Can feel it in my lip like the last one I took. Then feel ashamed in the dream. Once the dreams quit and quit reminding me how good a packed lip feel. I think I will have it whipped.
Iāve quit for 10 days now. I know in the post it said not to drink during quitting. Thatās one of the hardest things I believe. By no means am I an alcoholic, but I do enjoy my beer while Iām grilling which is multiple times a week. Dipping always took the edge off as I drank and grilled and gave me overall euphoria in a way. But anyways, is there anyway I can get past this other than time? Or is the best thing to do is set the beer down and focus on the task larger at hand? I just need some support on this, thanks
Here’s a couple of articles you may find helpful:
Does Drinking Make It Harder To Quit Smokeless Tobacco?
https://www.killthecan.org/does-drinking-make-it-harder-to-quit-smokeless-tobacco/
Quitting Dip, Alcohol Early In Your Quit and Hooch Snuff
https://www.killthecan.org/quitting-dip-alcohol-hooch-snuff/
Here’s the bottom line… if drinking is going to make it more difficult to stay quit, then I’d urge you to not drink for a while. Personally I never stopped drinking during my nicotine quit, but I know MANY people who felt they needed to until they got some legs under their nic quit.
If you’re like me (most of us) you’ve got an addictive personality. It’s part of what makes us addicts. It also tends to bleed through to MOST things we do in our lives (outside of dipping). Not suggesting you’ve got a problem with alcohol, but just pointing out that if you’ve become addicted to one thing, becoming addicted to another wouldn’t be a huge stretch.
Here’s the really great news… you are NOT alone. There are THOUSANDS of people here and on our forums (https://ktcforum.org/) that go through JUST what you are every single day. We got your back.
Quit dipping 30 days ago, quit the nicotine pouches cold turkey 14 days ago. My mouth hurts. My head hurts. Anxiety is off the charts at times. Went to see my dentist and she said Iām healing nicely, going to see ENT today just to be sure. Itās not easy to quit, itās hell, but Iām sure glad I did it.
I quit the pouches 115 days ago cold turkey it mess me up bad but I can tell you the anxiety does calm down I still get it but it not as bad as it was I do also get lip and gum pain but not a lot only big thing that still get me is the heartburn but one thing that help with my anxiety is cbd oil i been on it for 4 days now and it clams you down
Dustin, our quit paths sound very similar, as do our symptoms. I’m on day 44 of a cope tin per day for 20 years. I’ve been hesitant to post on this site because I too used patches and pouches the first two weeks, and it seems to be frowned upon here. I really don’t care, whatever it takes to be successful. What I suggest you do today, if you haven’t already, is make a doctors appointment and get a prescription for Welbutrin. They say it takes 4-6 weeks for the full benefit, but It changed everything for me within days and feel it would really help you. In the meantime drink more water than you thought was possible. I know I am only fourteen days ahead of you, but stay vigilant. These feelings will pass.
On day 72. The thought of doing dip makes me feel sick to my stomach. Feeling sort of over it. Thankful for that. However, I’m still have some fog and anxiety. Hits me out of nowhere. Anyone else still have this 70 plus days in?
Hey Doug. My first cold turkey attempt lasted 70 days. My fog and anxiety was so bad at day 70 that it made me use dip again. It’s normal. You just have to be strong and push through. Im on day 24 of my 2nd attempt now. Good luck.
Thanks Steve. The anxiety has been the worst part. Comes, and goes, out of nowhere. I do know that I can’t go through this again. Which makes me not want to dip again. Good luck on the 2nd attempt! You got this, and I proud to be quit with you!
Any time Doug. I can’t wait to be on day 70 for my 2nd time. Don’t cave bro. The 2nd time around is worse.
One thing I keep telling myself, which I have found to be true, is “this to shall pass”. Take comfort in knowing that.
Absolutely. Please keep updating on your progress. Its very helpful reading other peoples posts.
Thanks Steven. Doing good today.
Doug, this was my motto almost 7 years ago when I quit after almost 30 years of nicotine abuse. Guess what? It does and will pass. I’m happy to see others are using and sharing this, it absolutely works when you’re in those dark, no hope, closets.
Keep fighting!
-JP
07.15.14
Thank JP. It is a great motto.
Hang in there Doug – you’re coming up on what we refer to as ‘the funk’. PUSH THROUGH.
https://www.killthecan.org/explaining-the-funk-part-1/
https://www.killthecan.org/explaining-the-funk-part-2/
Thanks Chewie. Thank you for this site! It has been a huge help. I’ll keep pushing through.
Haven’t posted on this site but after dipping for 20 years I have used it as a tool to get through my first 100 days which is today! I have one more trigger to get through which is vacation but feel I am fully prepared. I reluctantly made a dentist app for last week and actually went. This was my first time in 10 years. He said mouth is healing great and only needed a good deep cleaning. That appointment has only strengthened my resolve. I know there will be hard days ahead but wanted to let you know even though people may not post it doesn’t mean your comments and experiences aren’t read and appreciated.
Congratulations on your 100 days.!!
Day 1 today about 12 hours in. Trying to embrace the suck!
Checking in on you… how you feeling Kevin?
Day #13 today, major headache running up the back of my neck to my temples. Drinking water, not really hungry and major gas and stomach rumbling. Laid in bed and felt lightheaded.
I got the DipQuit app and have set my quit date in 2 months using the gradual method. So I set my normal dip count (9) large dips per day and every 7 days or so I drop by one dip. So I will be in week 2 tomorrow so I will drop to 8 for seven days and then 7 and so on. I did quit cold Turkey years ago for a couple months and have not had luck with gradual in the past but probably due to lack of effort. We are all different but anyone have luck with this method? I feel like I lack the courage to go cold Turkey but I kind of feel like I would like to just stop one day and not prolong the process.
sorry for long post.
thanks for the advice.
On quit day #5 and feeling a little off, first (3) days were a breeze, now having body aches, etc
Hang in there Dave – you’re right on track.
Iām 65 days in and I would really love just one dip! A cigar, scotch snuff, a pipe bowl, a cigarette…anything with some nicotine! Iāve failed at least 3 times in the past. Once I was free for over a year and fell back into old habits little by little thinking I could handle just a little bit now and again. I just want to be past the cravings. I just keep telling myself, āI donāt need itā. Seems to work when I think Iāve gone for (x) many days and survived without any tobacco. Iāve been chewing cloves since I quit and they have helped enormously. Something to physically replace the chew and give some sort of pleasure. I recommend them, but how do I get past the desire to have just one more chew? āOnly once and only for a few minutes.ā I keep thinking I could get away with just a little. I remind myself that I will know that Iāve failed and Iāll have to start my tobacco free days all over. Itās hard to avoid, but I know one chew turns into two and on from there. Btw Iāve been hooked for 47 years! When can I really be free of this temptation? How long does it last???
First, congrats on 65 days… that’s HUGE.
Here’s a couple of items that you may find helpful:
https://www.killthecan.org/dealing-with-craves-the-concept-of-forever/
https://www.killthecan.org/about-us/why-it-works/
If you haven’t yet, I’d urge you to GET INVOLVED here at KTC. Here in the comments and most importantly on our forums: https://ktcforum.org/
You’ve got this… and you already know that ‘just one’ isn’t an option.
https://www.killthecan.org/one-dip-wont-hurt-will-it/
https://www.killthecan.org/the-pride-of-just-one/
Here’s the great news… you’re 65 days in. You are DOING this. Just keep quitting one day at a time. It DOES get batter and you WILL feel free.
Thanks Chewie, the links are helpful. Iām amazed by how many people have already experienced EXACTLY what Iām going through. My next goal is 100 days. Iām sure I can make it now! Thanks again.
Ok I’m 5 weeks cold turkey…my sugar has been low alot…I heard this was in the systems…has to anybody else had to keep eye on thier sugar?
Woof, hours 8-13 are tough on Day 1.
5 days in. I know this is gross, but anybody else deal with black stool after quitting?
Not me personally, but I know that a TON of people have digestive issues when quitting. Pretty normal actually.
Denver I had days like that early on in my quit. If it happens for awhile Iād recommend a doctor, but for me it was sporadic so I didnāt worry about it
Today is 6 years free after 25 years hooked. If you are just starting out and it seems impossible please know it CAN be done. There is a time (different for everyone) that it gets better. It becomes a thing of the past.
Thank u to everyone that has ever posted. Especially in my first 100 days. Much respect to Chewie and JayP… Iām forever grateful. I also remember DDD and Shiva…. so many others. You were ahead of me and your all your posts kept me going.
I quit with all of you today. And remember no matter what do not chew today.
Peace Franco
Congrats on 6 years of freedom Franco – amazing accomplishment! Honored to be quit with you today.
Congratulations on your 6 years quit, I still remember those gruesome first 100 days. Me and Shiva caved in and weirdly enough we both resurfaced 4 years later and been quit for over 2 years now. JayP and JeffJ rarely come in here these days, and I am finding myself posting less and less, but still trying to help out the new guys in here every once in a while. Great to hear from you and to the rest of the brothers, stay quit as I quit with you all today as well.
DDD
Quit Sunday, day 3 and 4 rough rough. Today is day 5 a little better. Hoping day 6, is better, been dipping for 15 years, last 6 a can a day, donāt want to use it anymore, or hide it. This sites is helpful, when I get the urge I read comments
Jim. I donāt come here that often. But reading ādonāt want to use it anymore, or hide itā reminds me of the feelings I had when I first quit. Keep going. Donāt chew. It will be rough…. brutal…but one thing I know is that at some point if you do not chew you will be free.
Peace
Franco.
Man Iām really gonna give it a shot. Iāve been dipping for 20 years. The last few years Iām up to 3 cans a day.! I really wanna do this but Iām scared to death.! I went to rehab 3 years ago for pain pill addiction and I never wanna experience those withdrawals again., but Iāve got to do something
I hate to say it, but if you’re ‘gonna give it a shot’ you’re going to fail.
Quitting, successfully quitting that is, isn’t something you just sort of ‘try’. You need to be all in and KNOW you’re going to fight for it.
Odds are you’re going to go through withdrawal. You need to decide that you’re going to be willing to fight through it. It’s going to suck.
But if you decide to fight, the FREEDOM you achieve is 100% worth it.
Decision time.
I just wanted to come by and tell you all that I was an active member of KTC forum last year, but stopped posting as I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. It was hard taking the ribbings I was getting every day from some forum members, even though I was always the first to post roll. Well – I’m still quit and still alive. I’d like to thank my great quit buddy Matthew for all his support and apologise for just ducking out of our group. Urgent surgery and chemo. kinda got in the way. For those who made it harder than it needed to be just because I was a female and you thought you’d like to get a reaction out of me – well, you know who you are and I’m still quit, with or without you. Biggest thanks always and forever to Chewie for guiding the way – I owe you so much, my friend. Good luck to all the newbies here. KTC is a great place to receive support and give it to your fellow brothers and sisters too as you travel your dip free path.
SO happy to hear you’re doing well – congrats!
Thank you so much, Chewie.
Dipped for only a couple years now
And it’s something I don’t want anymore
Tomorrow will be the official start of my quit hopefully all will go well
Welcome to tomorrow! Congrats on your DAY 1!!!
Day 100! The first month sucked harder than an shop-vac! Last nite had what felt like withdrawal headache. I donāt ever want to go though that first month again. This page has helped thanks!!!!
Just made 29 hours and the worst part right now is how short a fuse I have. Ive barely made a day. I thought I had done better with my anger and PTSD and realize now I suppressed a lot with nicotine.
Hello all..im 3 weeks in quiting…i stopped cold turkey…dipped over 20 yrs…im feeling really edgy…that normal? Just started few days ago
Absolutely 100% normal. Keep fighting!
Ok ty chewie….the feeling gets intense
Hey guys…also I’m little over 3 weeks nicotine free…I still feel spacey…that normal too?
I’m late replying and hopefully this has now improved for you, but the spaciness and edginess were really tough for me too in the first few weeks. It will get better the more space you put between you and nicotine, I can promise you that.
Day 7 of my quit. 16 years of a can a day. I feel like I lost my friend.
On day 41. Is it normal to still have bouts of anxiety at this point? It comes and goes. At this point it’s my only symptom of withdrawal that hasn’t gone away. Cravings are few and far between.
Hey Doug…I’m not far behind u…my anxiety has been up…I still feel spacey…like brain fog… thought by now that be gone
Thanks Jasper. It helps to know I’m not alone in this. Mine comes and goes. It’s almost like being on edge. Looking forward to 100. Were almost halfway there. One thing I’m thankful for is the the withdrawal, anxiety, ect. Makes me never want to dip again. I can’t go through this again! And we don’t have too.
Yes this be behind us soon…I never want to touch it again
Day 902
Today I heard a great expression that fits perfectly for all of us in one way or another. I thought I’d share it for those that are contemplating to quit dipping.
It says “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is TODAY”
Hope that helps. Ya’ll have a great weekend.
DDD
10-22-2018
I made it 72 days, fell off the wagon for 4 weeks, and am at 8 days into my second quit. I am back into feeling lethargy and a bit of brain fog.
During my 72-day quit, I had these same symptoms for about 3 weeks, but that was after 6 years of dipping.
Since I only dipped a little bit in those 4 weeks, how long should these ‘physical’ symptoms last?
Been 6 days of quitting today. I recommend Baccoff pouches. No tobacco or nicotine. Still get the cravings but the craving doesn’t last very long once I put a pouch in. I will never chew again! I want to grow old and see my kids grow up!
Congrats on a WEEK of freedom Shane – that’s an AWESOME start!
Congrats man! Join the forum!
Today I complete 900 days being quit. It is interesting how life continues without tobacco as my companion. I dipped for over 25 years, anything you do for that amount of time is really a way of life. Every once in a while, I still get a craving to dip, but I learned to think it through. For example, I think something like this: The crave is here, it’s ok, it will pass in a bit. Sure enough, the moment passes and you continue living. My little group had a saying we hung to for dear life, it simply said, “This too shall pass”. So true. Everything changes in life . I am glad I changed and made the decision to quit.
DDD
10-22-2018
900 Days
Congrats DDD, at this point you’re a veteran now. What you have accomplished is remarkable. You tried to quit, got bucked off and came back stronger the second go around. I applaud you for coming back after the first time and showing the courage to quit with such success.
Anyone who has tried to quit, failed and didn’t think they could get past their addiction should follow your journey, I’m proud of you brother ?
-JP
07-15-14
Thanks JayP and thanks to our little group that started together, it got disbanded for a while, but then it got together and stronger than ever. As a matter of fact, I saw a post from this guy Franco the other day, he posted and mentioned your name.
I hope those brothers that started with us back in 2014 will someday post in here and let us know they are quit again.
Brother Shiva, I hope you make a full recovery soon, brother JeffJ let us know how your car restoration is going and JayP always a pleasure to hear from you big brother.
You all stay safe
DDD
Ozzy, if nothing else a dentist will give you a peace of mind. My mouth wasnāt as nearly as bad as I thought, and the dentist gave me an extreme peace of mind. The vets on here can attest.
Its probably nothing. If your worried maybe go see a dentist. Mine did an oral cancer screening. Everything checked out fine. Your gums are probably healing.
Thanks a ton for your kind wishes. I am much better now even though the energy level is still only 50-60% of my normal self.
The second best thing I did was to quit any form of nicotine and the best thing I ever did was to come to this site. Without this site and the wonderful group of people here, I might have faltered somewhere around the path.
What a beautiful journey it has been. There were days when I almost threw towel but the mantra “Not Today” and “this too shall pass” kept me going. I have come to appreciate the journey more than the end result. I also found the inner realization that there is no end here but it is always a journey.
BTW, a small note of encouragement for the newbies.. At this stage, I am even starting to forget the fact that I was once a hardcore smoker + chewer. It is no longer nagging at the back of my mind. It is all but forgotten. So, don’t keep contemplating and just take the plunge. Trust me, it is well worth it. Use this wonderful site and Chewie and other veterans (including me) are always here to give a hand.
DDD, Jeff and JayP – Hope you guys are doing well. Jeff so glad to see your note after a long time. Take care everyone.
762 Days
DOF: 2/28/2019
Hey Shiva, glad to hear you are feeling better. I just read a post by Franco, i remember he was another guy that started with us back in the day, if you have time, stop by and say hi. take care bud and stay quit.
DDD
892 days
10-22-2018
I was the same way. Started at 12. I’m 32 now and quit 9 weeks ago. Was about 5-6 cans a week. Honestly the first month is the toughest then after that it’s just a matter of getting through the extreme urges. Don’t give up. We are all suffering the same cravings you are. We all love(d) dipping and it just takes time to wean off of it.
On day 22. Had a 4 can a day habit for the past 6 years. Been using tobacco, cigs, dip, cigars, on and off for almost 20 years. Today was the first day since I quit that I woke up with a positive sense of wellbeing. If that makes sense to anyone? I’m very thankful for that! Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been sort of anxiously stressed ever since quiting. The fog was very real. I’ve done some research into nicotine addiction the past few weeks. What I’ve learned is that tobacco, nicotine, is the virus, it is NOT the cure to our emotions. Nicotine is what caised the imbalance in our brain which produced a false sense of wellbeing whenever we fed our addiction. I’ve also learned that it takes the brain about 3 months to recover from nicotine addiction, and that it does indeed fully recover. The funny thing is, my wife told me this past week that I’ve been much more pleasant to be around. Which I thought was absurd given that I’m in the midst of withdrawal. Apparently I was a real jerk in the mornings before I got that first dip in. Now that isn’t happening anymore. Again, nicotine is the virus! Not the cure! Good luck to everyone out there with their quit! God bless each of you as we recover from this addiction.
Just wanted to say this was a great resource when I first started my quit. Looked at it everyday for a good couple of months. Iām now at 396 days and cruising. I had been using a non nicotine and non tobacco product to help with the oral fixation but in the last few months I have had no desire for even that. Hope everyone is doing well and know that anyone can do it, but like most say, you have to want to quit and it has to be for you.
Iāve never posted here but Iāve used this forum as motivation and a guide stay the course. I have officially reached the 100 day mark after 10+ years of dipping. I still get cravings at times but they are short lived and I can easily refocus and move past them. This site has been a tremendous help and I wanted the people here to know that you are helping more people than you know and itās appreciated. So thanks. IC
Thanks for checking in and CONGRATS on 100 days of freedom!
Hang in there Ozzy – the two week mark can be brutal https://www.killthecan.org/2-week-weakness/
Drink lots of water, exercise, get on the forums (https://ktcforum.org/) – whatever you need to do to keep dip away from you.
Hang in there!
Just want to say I’m like 28 days. I have quit a few different times but never really made it past 3 months. 2 years ago I hit my 3 month mark and life events let me back too it. I feel like this is the hardest quit I have gone though so far. And with Gods help it will be my last. Anyhow I am almost at 30 days and I feel like I’m at day one. I feel like I just spit a chew out and I’m ready for my next. The intensity is high and I hope it let’s me go soon. Been here on this website before and the comments really helped me last time. Nice to know I’m not the only one fighting for freedom.
Hang in there Everen – you are 100% not alone and you 100% CAN do this. KEEP FIGHTING.
I’ve off for 44 days now and I honestly don’t know how anybody goes through life without chewing lol
im on the 150 mark and im still getting cravings.once in a while though
late today i got a sever brain fog and i was dizzy and struggle to breath
any1 been through this…? im so sick n tired of this ups and downs
Yep… it happens. The good thing is those ‘episodes’ come further and further apart and will be less and less intense as time goes by.
Hey Letago, Your symptoms are similar to mine. Everyone is different, but I heard it from other bros in here, that on the 200th days, you get one huge craving, if you can survive it, it leaves you alone for a long time, smooth sailing, which means it changes strategy, because you become bored and start getting too comfortable. Be careful and don’t worry those starting symptoms go away, you are very close, hang in there.
Day 866
10-22-2018
Absolutely normal. What you’ll notice, the further this habit gets in the rearview mirror, the less of these episodes.
I’m a big advocate of the Nicotine Free dip alternatives available today. They were a big help in my first 200 days.
Stay with it, they’ll become less and less. āļø
-JP
07-15-14
I have been off for 44 days and I still get cravings. It’s hard not to take one if I get worked up from arguing with wife. It’s occasional but that’s really the only thing right now that I am struggling with. I make sure I let her know that it’s tough being with her with out chewing tobacco lol. All in good nature though.
Today is day six for me, I genuinely don’t know how I got this dependent on something. I have been a casual nicotine user for a long time, I used Grizzly wintergreen pouches for a long time on weekends when drinking and then wouldn’t have the urge during the week. Then I started doing it on Mondays and Fridays in addition to weekends, then it bled to Tuesday/Thursdays and then Wednesday. Then I started doing it at work to get through my day. Before I knew it was going through a couple tins a week and I just felt shitty. Well so far I still feel shitty but I enjoyed this roadmap.
Congrats Rudi – a WEEK of freedom tomorrow – you’re on your way!
Don’t let it sinks it’s claws into you. I did it for 20 years. I’m 33 now. The longer you do it the more it becomes a part of you. And plays tricks on your mind making you think it is what makes everything okay.
I’ve been off for 44 days btw.
Hello everyone,
It’s been quite a while since I posted. I just completed 2 years of freedom (28th Feb). Bummer, I couldn’t post it yesterday as I was down with a nasty bout of flu (still recovering)..
A big thanks to all my friends here who were patient enough to listen to my rants and frustrations. DDD, Jeff and JayP, hope all of you guys are doing good.
Thanks to Chewie for maintaining this wonderful site and constant support to the newcomers
Shiva
733 days
Congrats on two years of freedom Shiva – an amazing accomplishment! Hope you’re feeling better!
Congrats Shiva!!
I cannot believe how quickly 2 years have gone by. Sorry to hear you’ve been battling a bug, hope you get well soon.
Congratulations again Shiva and don’t worry about that bug, This Too, Shall Pass ?
-JP
07-15-14
Wow. JayP and Chewie still kicking the CAN. Iām approaching 6 years free after 25 years of Kodiac. You 2 R amazing. Anyone who is quitting please know it CAN be done. It will bust your balls but itās possible. Iām living proof. Whatever u do, do not chew today.
peace Franco.
Hey Franco, yes sir, approaching 7 years free myself. Very nice to see your name on the board again, I absolutely remember your quit. I’m happy to see you’re still free from the junk!
Chewie is light years ahead of us, we should just name him “The Godfather of Quit” ?
Take care, great reading your post!
āļø
-JP
07-15-14
Hey Shiva, congratulations on 2 years. It’s crazy huh? 2 years ago we came back to this site and this time we managed to stay off the nicotine. JayP and JeffJ kept the course when we left and welcomed us back when we returned. Hope you feel better soon, you all take care and be safe.
DDD
862 Days
10-22-2018
Thanks a lot everyone. Unfortunately, what I thought was flu turned out to be COVID. :(. I had some mild inflammation in lungs but otherwise the biggest symptoms are loss of smell, weakness and cramps. It’s been 3+ weeks and I am feeling extremely tired, weak and cramps all over the body. It is such a nasty disease.
Take care everyone and stay safe. This pandemic is real and it is hurting.
753 days
Hang in there Shiva – get lots of rest. Looking forward to hearing a positive update from you.
Hey Shiva,
Sorry to hear this. As Chewie said, get lots of rest. I had it myself back in November. It was a tough 6-10 days for me. But I made it through and you will too. Stay strong, give us an update?
“This Too Shall Pass” ?
-JP
Hi Shiva, sorry to hear you’ve caught the nasty virus, i think it’s just a matter of time before we all get it. I caught it around december, i had mild symptoms, but a pain in the ass to shake it off. The only way i knew i had it was because i couldn’t smell anything. Nasty bug it is I agree.
Hang in there partner, you’ve got this!
882 Days
Shiva
itās been awhile since I have posted. Hang in there man. I hope you can kick covid the way you kicked the nicotine
get well man. You will win again
jeffj
8-14-14
One of the elder brothers just wrote a piece that responds to a question i had posted a while back while I was still going through the first 100 days. My question was, will the dip dreams and cravings go away after years of being quit?
I’ve been quit for 2 years and 4 months. Every once in a while I still get those craves and dip dreams, I figured I needed more years under my belt for them to vanish.
Sadly, this brother who has 8 years away from dip just wrote that he still has symptoms, far and few of course, but still has them.
I guess I should start thinking that the symptoms may never go away, but are useful by keeping us in check, testing us every once in a while and it is up to us to make that decision to Dip or not to Dip.
Day 859
Oct-22-2018
Day 74. Two days away from my quit record. Longest Iāve gone without a dip in 6 years, soon to be longest in about a decade. Symptoms come and go, but I think most are from anxiety. Iām hoping once I hit day 77 Iāll be over another psychological hump and start feeling even better. Good luck to everyone else in their quit. Screw snuff.
Way to go Bird! Keep up the great work! You’re right on the cusp of what we refer to as ‘the funk’ – be on the lookout for a few rough days but KEEP PUSHING. You got this!
https://www.killthecan.org/explaining-the-funk-part-1/
https://www.killthecan.org/explaining-the-funk-part-2/
Iām definitely in the funk right now lol. Iām setting a new record for being dip-free every day though! If I can just reign in my GERD Iāll be doing good.