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.
Hi first time reaching out like this before but my life has taken a turn for the worst and well I decided to change my life around I’ve written goals down that I want to accomplish this year and one is quitting this habit that’s taken my time and money I’m on my 3rd day without dipping congrats to all you that have stayed the course and achieved getting rid of this habit I plan that day comes I can share my story after a year without it. Thanks and let’s keep pushing forward!
Congratulations on making that decision! No small task for sure. Know that you’re not alone… get involved here, on our Discord channel, our forums, social, etc. Whatever it takes. Doing it WITH support is MUCH easier than on your own. You CAN do this!
Chewie, Am on 40th day of freedom. A bit headache and kind of sores in the lower lip. Though no pain. Is it normal? Do i need to check with a doctor? pls suggest.
I’d say this is pretty typical and most likely nothing to worry about. That said, I’d also suggest that talking to your doctor about your quit is a VERY good thing to do. If nothing else, it’ll give a great amount of inner peace.
Got the Black Buffalo pouches. There awesome. For a minute I got freaked out because I thought I was using the real thing. There just like Skoal bandits. I never want to use dip/nic again. But it’s nice to have an alternative. Does anyone have an ingredient list on Black Buffalo? I’d like to know there is nothing harmful in the pouches.
39 days over!! Those who read this message, and if you are starting today as your quit day, be assured that you will feel lot better after a month. Now cravings are very very less but occasional anxiety and depression may come. But handling is lot easier. The advantages are
1) Clean mouth and breathe.
2) Increased energy level.
3) No looking out for cans and shops
4) Saving $
5) No excuses during meeting/etc.
6) clean shirts and toilets (No spitting)
7) improved gums.
8) 100 reasons like above.
Happy freeedom.
Cheers,
Ram
Yay!!! One month over.. Cravings are reduced a lot. But still some time getting into depression stage and irritation stage. Especially when i work physically and thats when i dip earlier.. But yes, after a month, feel lot better.
Congratulations on a month of freedom – that’s awesome! Keep it going!
Thanks Chewie. Will send a message once 2 months over. Thanks for your nice motivation. Actually KTC helps a lot. A lot of motivational stories and facts really helps.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Take it one day at a time and those days, weeks and months will start to pile up!
What are the best fake alternative pouches? Tried SM pouches and didn’t like then at all, although I really like their alternative dip.
Here’s all the ‘pouch’ content on the site: https://www.killthecan.org/tag/pouch/
As for the ‘best’ it’s tough to say, but I’m happy to give you some of my ‘favorites’.
Some recent reviews that I’ve REALLY enjoyed:
Grinds (if you like coffee products – CITRUS even if you don’t) https://www.killthecan.org/the-killthecan-pack-from-grinds/
Flowblend (if you’re looking for something with CBD) https://www.killthecan.org/flowblend-infused-pouches-review/
Black Buffalo Blood Orange has been my personal recent fav: https://www.killthecan.org/black-buffalo-zero-nicotine-zero-tobacco-100-ritual/
If you can let me know what specific brand / flavor you’re looking to emulate I can give you some more specific suggestions.
Awesome. Thanks Chewie. I’ll try thr blood orange from black Buffalo. Your review said it was like using a skoal bandit. That’s what I’m looking for. Glad they have a zero nicotine option. I’m going on a road trip and could use something to get me through. First road trip dip/tobacco/nic free.
28 days over. yesterday had a dip dream. Its so real that i felt so bad about going back to dip days. Relieved when i woke up.. Now more determined.
I’ve had lots of those dreams. I’m coming up on a year since I quit and the great thing about dip dreams is the realization that you’re still nicotine free when you wake up. Keep it up! Don’t give in. You can do this.
27 days over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Struggling especially when i drive. Thats the time i dip. Night forcefully going to bed early.
25 days over and touching a month in 5 days after i quit. Yes, the frequency of getting craving is far reduced . But still mind /brain wants nicotine and trying to get some reason to get back to dipping. Some of the reasons are.
1) That am not an addict now. Once a while dipping is fine. And nothing will happen to health.
2) My grandpa dipped throughout his life and he lived 94 years … He didnt die by cancer.
Like this so on…
But AM DETERMINED. NO MORE SHIT CANS.. DONE WITH THIS……..
It gets better Ram. I’m at 391 and each day gets easier to stay the course. Just remember to take it ODAAT
I am now at 330 days since quitting tobacco. I have to thank all of you who have been encouraged me through this. I am at a point where I really want to take take a chew to celebrate. I know it’s going to be the first step toward going back
into addiction, but I am sooooo tempted.
I thought by now I’d have forgotten about nicotine. Does this end??? Am I
forever going to want to go back? All I keep telling myself is I will have to start all over again and I’m giving up 330 days if I give in. Advice????
Keep the course, it gradually goes away. I am 3 years quit and occasionally I get a crave. I was asking the same questions as you are during my first year. You are correct about your logic, if you start dipping, you will have to start all over again.
Thanks for your encouragement and for your support. I’m still on track! I really am focused on hitting 365 days. That will mean a huge accomplishment and hopefully It will help me to realize that I really don’t need nicotine. Thanks for responding when I needed some encouragement.
DO NOT GO BACK. Remember the Law of Addiction: https://www.killthecan.org/additional-resources/the-law-of-addiction/
“Administration of a drug to an addict will cause reestablishment of chemical dependence upon the addictive substance.”
What does that mean? It means that ONE dip will send you back, spiriling once again… to your addiction. I’ve seen it play out countless times over the years. There is no ‘just one dip’. Keep fighting.
And to answer your question… YES… it does end and you will forget. Maybe not forever, for for hundreds of days at a time. A little reminder now and then is well worth a lifetime of freedom.
Thank you again. You always know exactly what I need to hear. I’m so grateful that you are here when I need someone to give encouragement. I am still nicotine free and I’m focused on 365 days. After that, reason and logic would say it’s downhill from there.
Thanks again! You really have been an enormous help for me.
Day 20 !! Feeling much better!
Awesome! Glad to hear it – keep it up!
Thank you chewie. Your encouragement is really motivating.
I quit dip 11 days ago. Quit vaping 2 years ago, Quit cigarettes two years before, nicotine gum, patches and pouches in between. If it had nicotine I consumed it, wore it, ate it, inhaled it! Shhhhh and don’t tell, I know! that …..Girls don’t dip! But I was most defiantly a can a day dipper! My husband always has it lying around and well… I’m a nicotine junkie. So sad. I’ve noticed it is harder to quit dip than cigarettes, because you can dip in any environment all day long. I’m sucking on Yogi detox tea bags… I look funny but I think it helps. I work at home so I crave all day, but I keep reminding myself “its OK to be uncomfortable – and it passes after a couple of short minutes. Trying to remind myself instant gratification is stupid. I look forward to the day I won’t think about my friend – that never cared about me the way I cared for it.
Congrats on 11 days – AMAZING start to your quit! Let us know how we can help. Have you joined our Discord server yet? https://www.killthecan.org/discord/
And I have to say… I LOVE “its OK to be uncomfortable”. So true.
Thank you! Ill check it out – day 12 whoo hoo only 353 days to go lol
Keep it up. You can do this! I’m nearly a year since I quit and it does get easier, but this group is critical. Reach out when you are experiencing doubt or need encouragement.
Today is Day 17 after my quit. Still cravings there. But frequency reduced
I generally used to dip when I work .. now with out that dip working is little difficult. But just hanging on there
Congrats – keep it going! Are you using any fake dip? There’s a ton of really great TOBACCO and NICOTINE free dips out there. https://www.killthecan.org/fakedip/
Am not using any fakedip. And dont want to too. Need to be clear with my decision, DONE IS DONE WITH THIS SHIT.
Hey guys, quit dipping about 4 days ago. Had been dipping a can a day of grizzly wintergreen. I’m a college football coach so this stuff just flys through your mouth all day in the office and on the field. I’ve been experiencing awful sleep lately, and my throat feels like it’s closing in on me and I’m stressing out a lot. Feel like I might’ve quit too late. My friends say I’m tripping and it’s all on my head but I feel like it’s something worse. Preciate the response fellas.
Most likely it’s nothing serious, all of us here went through the same doom days you’re going through. For your peace of mind check yourself with the doc. The Nicotine will try its best to drag you back off the wagon.
Day 1172
Howdy Quitters, just popping in to encourage you guys to stay off the Nic.
Thanks for the post. You are an inspiration!
Day 2 this shit sucks!
Keep it going Bill – it DOES get better and you’re DOING IT!
Anybody wanting to quit, y’all got this. I’m a carpenter in the south, where dipping is huge. I’m 8 days away from hitting three months no dipping. I love not dipping anymore. More money, no bottles and healthier body. Anyone reading this don’t give up. I didn’t and not dipping is a game changer.
Congrats on three months – that’s HUGE!!!
I’m on day 7 of no tobacco but still using the patch. This sight talks a lot about embracing the agony. I bought a 14 day supply of 21mg patches. At first had a lot of “suck” but feeling pretty good. I went out and got 14mg patches to step down quicker than planned. I want more “suck”/“agony”! I can take it. Still scared to go cold turkey but hopefully I’ll be nicotine free sooner than expected. Looking forward to joining this group as soon as I’m off the patch. Got some fake dip (nic free) coming in the mail today. Stoked about that.
Completed Day 7. Today on day 8. Heavy heavy craving to dip . Fight between me and my mind. I will win. I promised myself to first complete 100 days and then take a call. Hope 100 days will remove complete nicotine from my mind.
100 days is a HUGE milestone and a great goal… but word of warning. Don’t set yourself up for failure. If you consider ‘cured’ not thinking about nicotine any more then you most likely won’t be ‘cured’ after 100 days. You’ll feel FAR better but believe me… you’ll still think about it. You’ll just be far better equipped to deal with those thoughts with 100 days of freedom behind you.
Been dipping for the last 12 years.. got pretty bad 2-3 cans a day sometimes.. reading some of yalls posts has me pretty fired up that I can do this! Tomorrow starts day 1..
YES!!! Congrats on an awesome decision – we’ll be waiting for you! https://www.killthecan.org/discord/ is the place to be!
Congratulations on the decision Nick. It will be the best decision you ever made, I know it was for myself and several others. Post your progress out here, the good and bad, everyone is willing to help on this journey, good luck!
-JP
07-15-14
I got past the first 21 days it still sucks but its getting better
Congratulations on three weeks of freedom Moose!
On day 5. No cravings at all, but awful anxiety. Normal?
100% normal. https://www.killthecan.org/anxiety-when-you-quit-dipping-dealing-with-stress/
Hang in there Keith!
Its been 84hrs im trying like hell I went from a can and a half a day to nothing. I just hope I can make it
You. Can. Do. This. Get into our Discord server and chat it out – you got this! https://www.killthecan.org/discord/
91 days today. My first post. For those just starting their quit, and in your darkest moments, please know that quitting pays off in so many more ways than the obvious. It has changed my life for the better in so many unexpected ways. Took me 5 tries over 8 years to quit. You can do it.
Congratulations on 91 days Randy – that’s a HUGE accomplishment! Way to go!
Been off tobacco for a few years now, but been on the Rogue/Zyn/Velo since then. Had my last one yesterday around noon and decided I wasn’t going to get anymore. Yesterday was strange and I definitely ate to fill that void. I’m chewing lots of sugar free gum and going to try to sip on coffee and tea throughout the day to keep me from eating everything in our home. I switched to the tobacco-less nicotine pouches thinking there was no harm with them, but my teeth/gums are starting to show otherwise. Wish me luck.
Congrats on a great decision to quit Jeremiah! No luck necessary… you CAN do this! Let us know how we can help!
Have you jumped into our Discord server yet?
Just completed day 6 after 12 years of a can a day. Today was the hardest so far because I didn’t have to work and had nothing else going on. I just sat around all day daydreaming about grizz wint. Stayed strong though and learned that if I stay busy, I think I’ll be able to do this. Sucks, saying goodbye to an old friend this way, but it’ll be worth it in the long run I know!
You’ve made an important realization today… saying goodbye sucks but it’s worth it. Keep it going!
Day 1
Welcome back… you’ve been down this road before. How can we help make THIS quit different? Have you joined our DISCORD server? https://www.killthecan.org/discord/
Hey Andrew, welcome back. I was there 3 years ago, the chew knocked me down, but not out. Just dust yourself and get back in the ring. fight it!.
3 years quit. Friday 10-22-2018
Congratulations!!!
Thanks Chewie. Remember 3 years ago when you asked me “What is different this time?” I came back to this site after quitting my quit and gone chewing for another 4 years. Well, this time I was ready. That’s my answer.
Thanks to this site and guys like JayP, JeffJ, Shiva and others that kept in touch during the tough times I was able to make it.
Hang in there ya’ll
10-22-2018
DDD. Congratulations! I have not been here for quite some time… 3 years is legit. I’m still quit with you. Almost 7 years now. Any new quitters who are struggling right now keep going. Never go back. It CAN and will get better.
Thanks Franco, I started with you guys and I would have been 7 years quit also if I hadn’t messed up. You are right, I used to be here everyday, but lately I’ve been staying away more and more, the same with Shiva, JeffJ and JayP, I don’t know if you remember them, but we all started within the same month 7 years ago. Anyway, good to hear you still pop in and encourage the new guys starting out. Ya’ll take care.
DDD
Day 205, I’m still getting cravings, some fog and bouts of anxiety. Things are much better than they were. I even went a few weeks without any symptoms. But the past few days I’ve been feeling it again. Anyone else dealt with this? When should things totally clear up? I am really glad I quit and wouldn’t change a thing. Just feeling discouraged at times that symptoms have lasted so long, even though they come and go.
I found this site when looking for info about stopping Skoal. It has some accurate information on it and sorry for long post. I am 55 year old and been dipping a can a day for 42 years. The last 9 months the Skoal had been burning my jaw bad. So I swapped sides. In April/May I got ready to stop and stared taking Wellbutrin XL and cut back on Skoal. On June 1st stopped dipping. The meds, tooth picks and winter fresh gum have all helped. I saw my dentist at 60 days and he referred me to a specialist. I have white stripes on inside of cheeks, he called them pre-cancerous and would watch. He took a biopsy and he said it was not cancer, but the cells were not normal. That hopefully I stopped soon enough. He has prescribed me a steroid mouth wash and I have been using for 6 weeks. I see him again in a few weeks. My canker sores heal in one area and move to another around areas I dipped. I’m over 17 weeks since my last dip. Does anyone know the max amount of time it can take your mouth to heal?
Hey Don – thanks for sharing your story. It’s tough to say how long it’ll take for everything to ‘heal’ as everyone is different. It also depends on what else you’re eating / chewing on. Sunflower seeds? Fake dip? Gum? Etc.
Bottom line… you’ve done what you need to do to get your mouth healthy – you quit. Bravo!
The only thing I am chewing on is toothpick and occasional 1/4 stick of gum to help with cravings. My dad died from mouth cancers in Feb, he had been battling since he was 75 for 4 years. He had 4 surgeries, radiation twice and chemo. It kept coming back until it killed him. He asked me to stop before he passed away. He alway chewed pouch tobacco and stopped when he way 70. So hopefully I stopped soon enough. Will post update in a few months. Thanks, Don.
Update. It has been 29 weeks since stopping dipping Skoal. My sores in my mouth cleared up at week 28. I got a steroid injection in shoulder at week 27 and have been using a steroid mouth wash for the last 16 weeks. Not sure if the steroids helped, but thankful they are gone. I hope they do not come back. I still crave skoal, but it was time to stop after 40+ years of dipping. I figured I have dipped over 15,000 cans of Skoal, if I can stop, you can.
Good Luck.
Awesome Don. Yes, When you can stop after 15k cans , THIS IS POSSIBLE. How did you dealt with your cravings? Especially first 30 days? I quit now over 12 days now and still cravings are super high. Suggest some tips.
This site got me through a quit years ago. Chewed for 25+ years. Quit for 6+ years and sadly when I retired in 2016 I got depressed and started again. Finally done with the chewing nonsense again and on day 14 of freedom.
Sorry to hear your had a setback after all that time, but super pumped to see you back at it. Congrats on 2 weeks of freedom!
On day 187. Still using fake dip (SM Wintergreen) occasionally. Some days I don’t use it at all. At what point should I stop using the fake stuff?
whenever you feel the need to not use it anymore. I’m at 261 and recently bought some fake stuff for hunting season since this is my first hunting season dip free
I’d agree with mac – use it when you need to use it, for as long as that takes. Personally I used it daily (like a can / day) for 220+ days or so and then one day I went on vacation, forgot to take a can of fake, and didn’t realize it until I got home.
I’ve often said, I’d rather chew a can per day of fake for the rest of my life than to ever have another single dip of Kodiak.
Fake is a tool… use your tools when they need to be used.
By the way… HUGE congrats on 187 days of FREEDOM!
You will hit a point one day and just won’t need it anymore. It was about a year for me. I was like wow, I don’t feel the urge to use it anymore. Cheers to 187 days!
Thanks Mac, Reed and Chewie. Feels really good to be quit. Really thankful for this site. I use the fake stuff, I like SM wintergreen the best, when I get cravings. And it really helps. Driving and sitting at my desk at work in particular. Thanks for all the support guys! Proud to be quit with all of you today.
On Day 5 of no nicotine after 13 years of chewing. This is rough but day 5 is much better than day 1 and 2. Still have a fog and hard to concentrate but things are looking a little better.
Congrats on 5 days of freedom Derek – awesome accomplishment.
If you haven’t yet, I’d urge you to get on our forums https://ktcforum.org/ or our FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/killthecan for some additional feedback / accountability. Keep up the great work!
Did anybody have back and side pains around day forty
3 year into my quit and this website really did help.
I am on day 4. I was up to 14 cans a week and quit cold turkey. I replaced all my cravings with a fruit of my choosing and switched out all my sodas for water. Quitting dip is very hard, but it becomes insanely easy (so far) once I switched up my diet.
I sincerely believe that drinking a ton of water and eating a little bit healthier has made all of the difference. I have experienced little to no side effects (besides some irritability).
Good luck to everyone!
Hello folks, I am close to 3 years quit, at this point, I really don’t have those initial craves or physical symptoms anymore. The only thing I can’t shake off is the Anxiety attacks, but I think it’s more because I am getting old and cranky now. Whatever it is, i get by and I am really glad I am off the NIC. I am really curious though as if the number of quitters have increased or decreased. I do not visit the site as much as I used to, but I notice, there aren’t many comments as before, not sure if I am perceiving incorrectly, but could it be that there are less addicts due to heavy anti-tobacco campaigns or are the numbers still the same? Just wondering.
Stay quit everyone.
Day 1024
Did your anxiety start with your quit? Mine got worse with my quit. Although I had it before quiting. I was probably self medicating with dip. It’s also the only withdrawal symptom I have left, but I did some anxiety before quiting. It just flared up with the quit.
Not sure about how many people still use dip? There are a lot of nic alternatives out there, like vaping. Which is way worse than cigs.
Hey Doug, I believe I had normal anxiety like everyone else I suppose, but after I quit, it seems that those episodes went into overdrive. I never knew what panic attacks were until I quit. They scared the mess out of me and sent me to the emergency room thinking I was dying. I still have some mild episodes, but I am learning to control them. And you are correct, we use dip to cope with all kinds of situations and once it is not there, it seems like out of nowhere or a certain situation triggers a shot of adrenaline into our bodies that produce those anxiety attacks. I tell you what though, life is much better without that nasty crud.
Thanks. I experienced the same thing. Went to urgent care early in my quit thinking I was having a heart attack. Turns out it was just anxiety. When did your episodes start to calm down? I’m at around day 170. And although the anxiety has gotten better, it’s still there. And I’m still getting cravings. Been using the fake stuff, that seems to help with cravings.
Hello again, we are all different of course, but for me, they started calming down once I realized what they were, i had never had anxiety attacks before, so around days 200 through 300, they started getting fewer apart. Now I’ve learned to recognize them and basically by just breathing and counting the seconds on my watch or saying a prayer over and over distracts my mind and it passes. Like I said now they are almost not existent, but every once a while they come up.
I just really wish I had never started doing this stuff to begin with.
Thank you. This is really helpful. Glad to know I am not alone in this. Prayer does indeed help.
How you doing Doug?
Better. Was symptom free for awhile. Then it started to come back again. Mainly cravings, fog and bouts of anxiety. The anxiety doesn’t scare me anymore because I know what it is. But it’s still unpleasant. I’m at day 205. Really glad I quit, wouldn’t change it for anything. Just wondering when all of this will be behind me?
You doing good, hang in there, during those first couple hundred days a whole new way of living is getting established. It is normal that force of habit drive us to do what we are used in doing. The body and brain kick us to get that fix in, but as you already know, those episodes only last a few minutes. As I mentioned before in an earlier post, give it another hundred days and you’ll be close to a year, at some point between then and now the major cravings stop, you’ll see. Keep posting.
Thanks. Its really helpful to hear that. And to know that I’m not alone in this. Probably the best thing about this site is that others share their same experiences. Looking forward to 365. Take care and thanks again!
What up!? Day 6 here. 15 year off an on dipper. Ready to lay it down for good, but damn it ain’t easy.
Congrats on 6 days of freedom Patrick – off to a great start. Keep it up!
Day 4. It’s the worse so far. First 3 not terrible. Today just sore, irritated, and annoyed. I want to drink beer or whiskey. I know what that will lead to. Lots of stress on life. Too many things going bad at once. But I’m done with this shit. It’s one thing I can control. One thing I can be in charge or.
And that’s the PERFECT way to look at it… you ARE in control. Keep it going!
I would say try to find the positive in the smallest things. I’m no expert by any means, but even when times have been horrible I have been able to find positive influences in the darkest times. I believe it has what has led me to finally trying to quit for good. I wish you the best
Today is Day 30 of quitting cold turkey. Had my dentist appointment and the only thing is my wisdom teeth need to come out and a good cleaning. Still suffering from headaches, trying to stay hydrated. I am sleeping “ok” but nothing to write home about.
I feel like shit. Just want a dip. Or cigarette. Or cigar.
Yep… all of those things will ‘take the edge off’. They’ll also take your recovery right back to step 1. DON’T DO IT.
Drink water. Exercise. Fake dip. etc.
Keep pushing forward.
I’m on day 4 without a dip and I gotta say, I didn’t think depression could be a side effect for me. but it definitely is hitting me.
Congrats on 4 days – you’re officially 100% nicotine free!
You’ve completely changed your routine and removed a toxin that’s been with you for a long time. Keep at it… as you heal your body will re-regulate itself. May take a while but you’ll get there and it’s SO worth it!
Hello everyone,
I wanted to drop in and give an update on my quit. As of today I am (19) days cold turkey. There have been some good days and bad days and of course “off” days. Today is one of those, yesterday felt pretty good, but today it is a headache, mild chest pressure, stomach pain, tingly arms and just feeling off. I try and push through every day with “this too shall pass”. My jaw also hurts, but I am contributing that to having a wisdom tooth and the molar next to it pulled last month and it is still healing. Still working at staying strong and pushing through.
Congrats on 19 days – keep pushing forward – you got this!
Coming up on month 5. 140 range. Things are much better. But I’m still having some rough days. Some days are totally fine. Then some are rough. Is this normal and when should I be past this back and forth thing?
Dam im about to hit 90 days soon was also hoping when it would be over guess more to go dammit. Mine has been rough now just sinus are aweful and head tingles. Some times get panic while driving. And for sure cant drink alcohol will be the worst.
Cody, I wouldn’t over think it bud. I’m now realizing that the HOF is really just the beginning. It probably takes the better part of a year to recover from nicotine addiction. That doesn’t mean your miserable every day for a year. But there will be some ups and downs as we continue to heal this first year. I used tobacco for almost 25 years. Makes sense that it takes a while to recover. I do know that it will never be easier than it is right now to stay quit. And each day gets easier and easier. Hang in there bud. This too shall pass!
Thanks its crazy how intense the withdrawls have been hell may as well do herion lol.
It is crazy. But we will recover. I also get a little more stressed (panicked) while driving these days. I think it’s part of cravings because I used to dip a lot while driving. Now I just chew gum or seeds in the car and that helps. But this too shall all pass. It does get easier as the days go on. Take care and hang in there.
Congratulations on your 7 Years JP and Hello to everyone else.
Today is 7/17/2021 and ONE THOUSAND days ago I started my quit, just wanted to post that and encourage all those going through the quit to stay the course.
Like JayP said, our group had a saying during those beginning days, this too shall pass, remember that when things get tough.
Good Job Jayp I am again on your heals…Aug 4th for me 7 years? wow That went fast… DDD Shiva hope you are well. wish I was hear more, just busy with life it seems. I did finish my classic car,,,anyone wants pics,,,let me know…
Jeff j
8-4-14
Hey Jeff, Great to hear from you. Heck yeah, I for one would like pics of the car, you worked forever and a day on it.
Thanks Jeff, yes sir, I knew you were close to me.
Yes! Email some of them pics, I definitely a car dude 👍
JP
Shiva. How is he doing? By the way my bro stayed his quit today. Let’s hope he kicks the nic bitch ass like we did!
Hey Jeff, I think Shiva and his family were hit by COVID pretty harshly, but they’re ok now. I have not seen him posting in here in a long time, hopefully he will soon.
And for your bro a big shout out to stay the course, the first days are the worse, hope he makes it.
Thanks DDD!
1,000 days, wow! Man does time fly by. Im glad you stuck around after all this time, sure nice to see your commitment has stuck.
Thanks for all your encouragement DDD, especially to others here. You’re definitely paying it forward.
JP
What’s happening KTC? Long time reader, long time poster.
Just wanted to post my win today. Today, marks my 7th year clean of nicotine. Doesn’t seem that long ago, I stumbled upon this site by shear accident and decided, “you know, I’m tired of this shit, these guys did it, I can too”. I took the plunge, beat off wave after wave of cravings that held me as an addicted hostage for almost 30 years.
I met a lot of great people here and I owe many thanks to all of them.
The first one to ever keep me on the task was Chewie. After 3 days I was about to completely lose it and he encouraged me to keep going, thanks for that Brother!
A few others, Jeff, Rick, Steve, DDD and Shiva… A really great group of guys who were going through it with me, thanks Hombres!!! There were several others along the way, but I stayed in close contact with these ones.
And to all you guys reading this with a big fatty tucked deep in that cheek and are thinking about quitting? Do it, just do it. It’s been the most selfish, yet rewarding thing I ever did. Selfish, because I did it for ME and no one else. Rewarding because I was able to break free from something that had my life on lock. I’m telling you, if I can do it, anyone can.
When things are bad in those early quit days, always remember…
This Too…Shall Pass! It always does, I promise.
Keep quit
-JP
07-15-14
Nice jayp.
don’t forget my motto. Embrace the suck. It is hard and it sucks to quit. Just take it on and get it done!
At 10 years jayp. We go play some home. Hopefully with ddd and shiva
Embrace the Suck… Yes! I remember that being your staple. I used it several times. It totally fits the narrative. It does suck, if it was easy we’d all be able to break the habit. But it’s painful, people are afraid of the temporary pain. Embrace it!
And I agree, we’ve got to get a plan to meet up. The 10 year anniversary (which I will absolutely achieve) sounds about right 👍
-JP
07-15-14
Sounds good to me, when you guys hit 10 years, me and shiva will be at 6 years. one year shy of where you guys are right now. Take care.
So I quit dipping on the 8th of this month, has anyone one else noticed their pee smell different? I’m not dehydrated but ever since I quit it just has a strong chemical odor to it. Also I tried SM fake dip and it’s been tearing my jaw up like regular wintergreen dip so idk if I should quit that too.
After 47 years of chew, I’m now at 144 days free and the cravings are finally under control. I’ve come to the realization that I cannot give in to nicotine anymore! If I’m going to stay free I’m going to have stay off the mic-bitch from now on. I cannot go back.
Great job D-mart! That “realization” you have will push you ahead with your quit. From here it’s all up to you and nothing or no one else. Great job👍
-JP
07-15-14
Congrats D-Mart! You and I quit around the same time. I quit March 2, 2021, Texas Independence day. I started to despair a little once I reached the HOF because I still had some withdrawal symptoms. Mainly fog, anxiety, and cravings. The cravings were the worst, I think they brought on the fog and anxiety. But the past week I have been feeling much better. I am very thankful for that. I started using the fake stuff (SM Wintergreen) and that has really helped me with cravings, and it hasn’t made me want to buy the “real stuff”.
Hey Doug, how are you doing? I’m just now feeling like I’ve made it. I see you and I had similar quit dates. Are you still free?
Okay, how about chest pressure when you quit? Anyone else? Happens every time I quit, although this will be the last quit for sure. I’m done. High BP, severe reflux despite having surgery done, etc. July 4th was my first day again Independent from chew.
I can tell you that, believe it or not, what you’re experiencing is pretty normal.
I took myself to the ER twice early in my quit because I thought I was having a heart attack: tightness in chest, arms tingling, etc. Turns out it was just anxiety brought on by nicotine withdrawal.
My reflux actually got WORSE when I quit for a while, but over time it’s gotten so much better that I don’t even take OTC medication to treat it any more.
Congrats on your INDEPENDENCE!
Thanks Chewie, good to hear. I’m on day 6 and the burn continues. I already had reflux surgery and now back on meds. Hopefully things will settle down. One thing I know, I’m not gonna stick a frigging plug in my mouth cause of it!
It’s been 120 days since I’ve had
a chew, and each day gets a little easier! I have used tobacco for 47 years. I’ve quit twice before. This time I’ve got people from this site who know what I’m going through to help me through the rough spots. Keep it up if you are trying to give up dipping. It can be done!