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 am on day 2 of my quit. The Hooch wintergreen I am using to replace my Kodiak is really helping. The mind games are wild though, I have to keep a can of Kodiak around (it’s empty) just so I can have the visual. I almost have a panic attack if I do not have a can. I wondered what you guys were talking about with the mind games but now I get it. This website and your posts have really helped me. I look forward to staying tobacco free with the rest of you.
I am 27 years old. I have been dipping for almost 6 years now. I played college baseball and thats where it all started. I am on day 12 right now. I’m not the avvid dipper I use to be while I was playing but I still use this stuff regular enough that I know its going to kill me eventually at some point down the line in one way or another, already my once perfect teeth are now cavity ridden. Never had a cavity until about 6 months after I starting dipping, now a large majority of them have a cavity. I don’t have any withdrawl from the tabacco, this part has been pretty easy honestly. The part that is drving me crazy is the physical action of dipping and spitting during certain settings. I always have a dip in while at Phillies games, playing video games, driving, golfing and not having one in for these events is what I am really struggling with. Today I bought some of the fake stuff from Jake’s Mint Chew. Im hoping this is my answer and is all I need to ease my mind. I’m proud of myself right now and want to continue to be proud of myself. You can do anything you set your mind to.
I am 28 years old. I have been dipping since the day I turned 18. My father has dipped since he turned 18. It is 1:09pm and I am now 65hrs Copenhagen free. This was a rough weekend, and quitting three weeks before my wife is due to give birth to our second child may have not been the smartest decision, but it’s too late now. I can’t go back now.
I’m only at 9 hrs now and I don’t know if I can go much longer. I’m sweating for no reason.
It’s not for no reason – you’re going through massive withdrawal which is totally normal. https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/symptoms-of-quitting-dip-chew/ HANG IN THERE. You CAN do this. Join us on our forums where we’ve got over 20,000 members who “get it” – we can help. http://forum.killthecan.org
Day 38 here. Still solid with my commitment on the quit. Spent all last week on vacation with an ex-dipper. I brought along 9 cans of various fake dips, each one was enjoyed thoroughly by the both of us. I will tell everyone, the symptoms above will pass, eventually you get to where I’m at today and begin forgetting how long it’s been since you used tobacco. When I do the math, it truly is inspiring to get this far. All I know is I am done with all tobacco moving forward. I still have the tinge of anxiety, the fog/dizziness, and even gained some weight, all worth it to be free of that mouth poison! Good luck to everyone doing the same, keep up the fight!
Day 26, its friday and gonna trip a trigger this weekend, I am going out and possibly have a beverage or 2 I know that is going to set of the Dip alarms, but I know I can stay strong.
Day 25, I seem to lose track of the days I have under my belt. Does that mean I am separating from thoughts about the quit? Seems like other things are taking priority and by briefly forgetting how many days I’ve quit gives me the sense that I am a step farther from my nemesis. I Can’t believe I let an insignificant and useless inanimate object develop such a strong bond with me to the point of craving it and wanting it to be near me at all times even when i knew the potentially lethal effects of it.
If you read above this message and if the message was for me, I been offered to be an author of a blog so this might be the last time i write here, if the message is not for me, then you might read more of my junk in here. I stumbled upon this page after doing a search on a popular search engine so I consider this page my starting point.
Stay strong, endure the journey.
DeepyDeeDont.
(I know the pseudoname is goofy, but there is a story behind it and I will share it in the future)
Set me up, I’d like to document this journey. I hope it can help someone.
Done – you should receive an email with login instructions. If not let me know. Sent to your gmail address.
Day 23, just nine days short of a Month, how time has slowed down, this really sucks, I am in the worst moods ever, every little thing seems to irritate the hell out of me, what the hell, I was sick but in better moods when i was doing that disgusting crap. I read something that scared the hell out of me from one of the people in here, he said he saw someone in the hospital dying of oral cancer and it was not a happy sight, from that perspective my ailments seem minute and yet they do prod and poke until they seem to be large enough to take my victory away. We are all going to die sometime, we don’t know when or how, but I know for sure that I shouldn’t be helping this fact of life. I guess I write these things and answer my own Inquiries, cathartic, maybe. or maybe find inspiration or courage from others in here, whatever it is that keeps me coming in here seems to be working because at least it gives me something to do. i could start my own blog or even a written journal with memoirs of this infamous journey, but there is something about coming back to this site and read new comments that somehow keeps me going. Thanks.
LOVE reading your comments! If you’d like we have a member blog located at http://www.quit4today.com that you could write on. If you’re interested let me know and I’ll set you up as an author.
Hey Dippy, day 8 here. 26 year vet. I hear you on the worst moods. I am incredibly easily irritated and can go from zero to 100 in an instant. I cannot believe how short my fuse is. It’s like I’m not even myself. Guess we all are not our selves. Not our old selves anyways. We have taken away part of ourselves. We have to rewire who we are and that process clearly is a challenging one. I look forward to the day when I no longer have this angry devil on my back looking for ways to explode. We all have to die someway as you write, but we all have to live someway too. Let’s live dip free, keep fighting.
I am on day 24 , I don’t know if I have gone through a day yet without a craving. It feels like most of my routine is trigger free, however there are always a uniqueness to my routine that allows me to find another trigger. From about day 15 to 20 I had the worst head aches of all time. Did anybody else enjoy there sensitivity to caffeine as I did, one cup of coffee left amazing. I cant wait to get to a month. For those of you who just started the quit path like me, hang in there you’ll start to feel good.
Day 22, almost a month. My victory has been rather quiet since I did not let many people know i had this disgusting habit, I guess you can call me a ninja dipper, only a few people knew about my secret, so now that I have quit, I can’t really go and tell people. it is my own private battle and victory for everyday I do not Dip. the few people that know though may be happy for me, but are not too articulate with words, then again, what do you tell someone that has quit the obvious. Why did you do it in the first place? they might think. Well it is not easy to answer, unless you admit that you are addicted to the poison. Guess that’s why I come here and share my stories.
Day 21, did not have a crave today, the blog says I am winning.
I quit dipping about 4 days ago, the reason is because I have had a cough for about a month dry with no blood but when I sleep on my chest or back I have a cough frenzy without mucus but it fills like there is something in there. And way I changed dip from skole peach to cope LCS for a week and my cough went away. So I tarted peach back ad the next day I got that cough again and had it ever since. This time it progressed to sore throat and my eyes hurting and feeling like sand and stinky and feels like soap in them when the sun hits them. The doc said it was anxiety I told him he was a dumb azz. So I just wante to know if this has happens to anyone else before
Day 20, first time I’ve gone inside a convenience store since I quit. It was so weird not buying another can, they were there (the snuff cans) sitting behind the counter, all lined up like soldiers ready for battle, shiny, colorful almost grinning at me, mocking and could imagine them saying “sooner or later you’ll be back”.
It was a strange feeling because before no matter what i would go and buy inside I always got a can, whether I had some left or not, which most of the time I didn’t have any left.
It felt incomplete as if I had not finished the transaction, something was missing from the list, the feeling lasted about 5 to 10 seconds, but it was torturing, so close and yet so far?, now i know what that means.
On the bright side i have saved over a 100 bucks on these 20 days that i been off the crap.
I am not going to lie and say I have so much assertiveness by saying I will never do this garbage again, because there are moments that i become weak and I start thinking as though this quit is just temporary and I am gonna start again at sometime in the future, but this time take it easy. I know these are very destructive thoughts, but they do happen and sometimes i agree with them, then after the moment pass, I say to myself, I can’t believe I am actually thinking about going back. Some people might tell me get mad at it, or you just aint ready to quit, but the truth is that we all live in the moment and we can all become weak at some point, maybe not to the point to physically act upon throwing that dip in your lip, but I know that other people at least think about it, hell I read that some guys dream about the stuff. But I am rambling, my point is just to see if anyone out there has justified it in their minds and made peace by thinking about going back to it, at least momentarily, then get back up and say no, this aint gonna defeat me? or am I the only one struggling and perhaps cheating in my mind.
Day 19, Again my bud was dipping earlier today and offered me some, I said no. I had one big craving right after lunch, but driving took my attention away from it. sitting here and not really craving it, but the thought of doing it still there.
Dipped in high school because it was cool & I stopped in college until I started coaching college football. Head buzz kept me awake watching find on those long nights. I feel like an amateur on here because I’ve only been back on it for 5 years. Today’s my day 3. Brutal. I’m leaving coaching and interviewing at a hospital that doesn’t hire tobacco users. Glad I found this site. Is there a unanimous tobacco-less chew substitute it’s more the oral stimulation than it is the nicotine. Thanks
I am using Hooch herbal snuff. It’s tobacco and nicotine free and it seems to work pretty good to satisfy the oral stimulation. Good Luck to you!
Excuse me, I did my Math when I was still going through the fog. Day 18 after 29 years of Nicotine and other harmful chemical components addiction. Incredible how the human body can continue functioning and even repair itself after decades of destruction.
Almost 3 Decades of this Disgusting, loser habit, powerful enough to engulf and addict anyone, and I can’t believe I still want to go back to it.
One Positive thing though, Today I saw my best bud doing the bandits, he tempted me by spitting and showing me the can, he even offered it to me, but I said No. There was no voice inside of me telling me anything or clouds parting in the sky, nor any kind of music in the background trumpeting my display of honor, there was absolutely nothing to indicate I had done the right choice. I simply said no. Now that I am sitting here typing this in and talking about it has raised a level of craving, maybe I should stop now. Take care.
Day #30 today. Everyday seems like another victory for this 25 year vet. I will tell everyone who comes here what has really driven me the past 5-7 days. I read what is in smokeless tobacco. Car Battery Acid, Lead, Nuclear Waste, Flumeldahyde? WTF? These are all things I never bothered looking into until I quit the can. That is all poison we are sucking on! That burn in your lip you get from the tobacco, is that the battery acid? That is some terrible shit I used for almost half my life. I am here to say, I am thru with tobacco and nicotine. I will not ever use that shit again. I’ve gained 10 lbs since the quit, but screw it, its worth it to stay away from the poison that is smokeless tobacco. Really….get yourself some fake chew, sunflower seeds and get thru the 72hour fit and anyone can live tobacco free. It isn’t really hard if you get mad at Big Tobacco and the shit they have fed you all your life. As always, come here often and vent, post and tell us all how you’re doing. Its a battle you do not face alone, God Bless!
Day 17. brushed my teeth for 30 minutes. never really paid attention to my gums, but I saw them last night and they have receded somewhat. Gonna have to visit the Dentist. Glad i stopped when I did. 17 days, I tell people and they think nothing of it. to them I guess 17 days are just 17 days, to me seems like forever. Though the cravings are few and spread out they Do not stop. I read of guys here breaking down even after 100’s of days and it makes me think how else I can keep myself from falling back into the clutches of this dreaded habit. I think about how sick it used to make me, yet I would still do it every time the craving would kick in, the vicious cycle never ended, reminded my of the sysyphus myth, yet very real in my everyday life. When I finally realized that I could stop rolling that gigantic rock like sysyphus sort of speak and alleviate the pain that came from it, again metaphorically speaking, I stopped. Strangely enough though, why do I want to go back to push that rock up the hill and have it come down on the other side once again? WHY? it makes no sense, yet that is what I feel like doing when these cravings come upon me. Perhaps I should get mad at the Tin can and declare war on it, yet that would only require energy that frankly can be used for other positive things, Should I then mount attitude of ignoring the issue? pay no attention to it and it will go away?, perhaps when I have more days under my belt, but I think for now it must be a combination of both Positive and negative energy used to stay away from the can. Be bigger than the can, but know that it is a strong opponent that can defeat me if I relax my guard. Be gone Tin Can, Be gone.
Day 16 I think my glory weak was, last week, I was feeling great, had a lot of energy, hyper sensitive to caffeine and the excess oxygen was amazing, I literally felt uerphoric….however you spell it. I found out later that is just what normal feels like. I am still prone to head aches especially if I slip up the tiniest bit of hydration, and have a sore throat. I don’t even know if I thought about having a chew yesterday. I cant believe how much this site helps me everyday. I really just want to get more days under my belt but one day at a time.
Day 15 after 37 Years. The Fog has lifted, blood pressure normal. Dizziness very, very sporadic. Cravings are still there but less in quantity. Went for a physical today and right away get the urge to buy the tin right after visit. Went and had a nutritious lunch instead. Physically the craving might be gone, but psychologically feels like a raging storm. Sometimes the crave comes in a different way, as if your best friend has moved away or died. Such a strange metamorphosis, it seems to attack you in every different angle until it finds your weakest spot. Perhaps it is the myriad of carcinogens and other elements sprayed onto the already dreaded nicotine that forms incorrect connections between your neurons in your brain. In any case the misfirings and firings in your brain become distorted from all the deprivation of oxygen, the sad rationalization of all this is that even though you know the consequences for your actions you still do it. I hope I can stay free.
Day 12, after 37 Years.
Day 24….no tobacco/nicotine. The fog is finally lifting slightly. Still the occasional dizzy spell here and there. Still get anxiety a little bit….but even that seems to be letting up. Bottom line, I know I am kicking this habits ass and I do feel very empowered. This is the longest i have went without any form of tobacco/nicotine in over 15 years. I thank everyone sharing their brave quit stories here and the owners of this website that have also been an inspiration for my quit. Everyone keep up the good fight!!
Today is my 12 day of quitting as well, I really want to try some of that none tobacco mint chew stuff, butt im in the middle of the Indian ocean right now. I had a log of tobacco in my room for the first ten days of my quit and the trigger of getting off work would really make me want to one….I got rid of the tobacco and the cravings intensity has drastically diminished. One day at a time but I am really looking forward to the two week mark. Yeah man I want to quit as well, it really helps, I could not have made it this far by not wanting to quit for my self.
Day12: Getting easier. Been relying on Bacc Off to fight cravings and it has been working. Staying strong and committed to the quit. I believe that is the biggest tool i have. I believe and want to quit this time.
I love copenhagen long cut chewed it for 14 years been 48 hours since my last dip oh man its good I miss it
i am 65 and i started to use copengagen when i was 15 ! 50 yrs. is a lot of snuff and i just started to quit yesterday ! if it was not for my girlfriend i doubt i could make it this far ! i am determine to make it if it,s the last thing i do ! i threw away everything that reminded me of tobacco, like spit cans and empty snuff boxes ! i use to drink back in the 1970s but i just up and quit with no problems ! i have plenty of moral support which i need ! it works on your nerves ! heck the other day in town i was about to punch the woman at the pharmacy but i am glad my girlfriend stopped me or i would be landing in jail ! reading all you guys stories gives me more power to keep on, keeping on ! thanks guys for all your support ! i will tell you one thing, when i get off this stuff i will never go back again !
Hey Lloyd. How is your quit….
I just turned 30 this June and decidied 12 years of dipping was long enough. Im on my 18th day today dip free. The first four days my stomach was in knots, had trouble sleeping and of course very irritable. Now cravings come every once in awhile but eventually pass. After the first four days its a total mind game and your mind will tell you lies and make you justify going to buy a can. I find myself not thinking about it as much anymore. The key is to stay busy. To help me quit my wife will go walking or play tennis with me which we never did before. Godd luck guys.
I think I am on day 5 of no dipping. Not sure, cuz I was doing my last can and doing small amounts til it was gone. I stopped before this, but my son said…”mom, youre different” and not in a good way, I was so depressed and basically pissed, frustrated at any and every thing.
Then I vowed not to buy any more. I haven’t. But it’s been hard and I have snapped at my son and husband a few times.
I started dippin about 3 years ago, steady, but actually dipped earlier than that, while fishing. I love to fish.
But since 3 years ago, I’ve been doing it every day, probably 8, 10, 15 times a day. I don’t take much, but still it’s not good.
I am going through times when I have to talk myself out of going and buying a can. It’s crazy, my toughest times are after a meal, or just when I get frustrated with something, it used to calm me the heck down.
Maybe I’ll notice my circulation getting better again.
I am on day ten of nicotine free life, no chews, so I get a headaches and stomack pains and the worse trigger is at the end of the day when I get off work and park my ass on the couch. Anyways I am a merchant sailor so I am in the middle of the ocean, its not like I can run out to liquor store to get a tin though. I feel good the fact that I want to quit helps keep the triggers down, but the one at the end of the day gets me every time. Hey Robert around day 5 for me the space cadet trips went away and I was able to start to focus again. THanks everybody for getting me through this craving
I hope you luck man, It seems to be easier for me as the days pass but the sleepless days ( i work 7 pm to 7:30 am ) is hard and the tossing and turning is taking its toll on my mental status. I am not so much in a fog as say I am just mentally tired from not sleeping i suppose. Merchant sailor, thats cool man being in the ocean will help you at least! Don’t give in and I won’t either
I quit dipping July 31st 2014, this is the second time I tried to quit, the first time I made it all the way to 6 months with no problems no with drawls no nothing, as if it completely skipped me but then for some reason in the 6th month area it all hit me at once and i started to dip again, A few days ago I decided to quit again after my jawline was hurting and my muscles hurt bad in my mouth I was just sitting there on the couch and had a image a idea pop in my head, A idea of me having mouth cancer and in part it had to do with the fact I am a health care worker and I have seen mouth cancer so the idea popped in my head, So i quit a few days ago, my thoughts are every where and I have ADD for the time being, however i hope it goes through, one of my triggers is eating dinner or eating, I have the hardest time to not dip after i eat… Anyways wish me luck
I’ve dipped at least 3 cans a week for the last 6 years. Today is day 6 of my quit and I continue to experience brain fog and major fatigue. I quit cold turkey because I knew it would be the most effective method for myself. I work out for at least two hours a day, hit the steam room, eat healthy, drink water. No matter what, I will not throw in a dip again, but I am struggling to find the mental clarity needed to perform the functions of my job. I usually take adderall in small doses, but stopped when I quit dipping. The cravings for nicotine are much worse on stimulants such as adderall. I know everyone is different, but how long did this brain fog last for you all? Can you provide your timelines? Thanks, I appreciate it.
Hi Ashr, the brain fog is suppose to be gone within a week for some. Not with me. It is starting to lighten up some for me at day20. I still have it some though. I think it all depends “how long” you’ve dipped. For me, 25 years is a long time. I don’t think I’ve done anything for 25 straight years (except 1- 6 month break in that long span) like I’ve have dipping. But back to your question…I think it just depends on each individual. It WILL go away the longer you stay away from the nicotine…that IS a truth about it. Good luck!!
Its my first day of no dip. its only 10:45 and im starting to crave. i am eating sunflower seeds and chewing gum. its rough but I am goin to continue to work for this. I would like any help and advice. thank you
Hi Mason, congrats on starting your quit. The first day after I quit, I did mix a small, SMALL amount of regular tobacco with the fake tobacco when I wanted a dip. On my second day, I felt like in order to quit, I needed to just STOP all tobacco, so on Day 2, I used no tobacco with the fake stuff. This is where I have been since then. Today is day 20, and as I type this, I have a wad of sunflower seeds in my cheek. Its really tough those first 3 days, but honestly, get yourself a can of that fake chew and pop one in, it will get you by. Your brain will “think” you’re getting what you need, but you are no longer using tobacco or nicotine. I will say, in my opinion, those first 3 days were rough, but its what follows in the coming weeks that will be the big test. I highly suggest getting some fake dip and use it when you need some. I am partial to Smokey Mountain, I have tried the Hooch, the mint flavor is the best in Hooch. I am NOT a fan of the BaccOff brand, just too dry for my liking. And I just dropped an order in for some of this Elicit brand (zero nicotine)….we’ll see how it goes. Hang in there, those first 72 hours are a bitch if you don’t at least have something to simulate the dip….try thefake stuff and keep on quitting!!
i have a can of grinds right now im powering through. thanks man it feels better knowing it gets better than this. thank you for your help ill make sure to keep posting. thank you again.
I have never tried the grinds, I am not a fan of coffee, which from my understanding, that is what grinds are? Anyway, whatever works for you Mason, just keep that poison out of your lip (unbelievable the shit that’s in chew). I have dipped for 25 years….not sure how long is has been for you, but I am definitely adjusting to life without chew. Keep up the fight, you will feel better as time goes on and YES! Keep us posted how things are going, we are all going through this war together! Take care.
Thanks man. I had to think for a second, it’s been about the same amount of years for me. Since I was 15. Tried cigars last year but it lead right back to the Skoal. I’ve tried the Smokey Mountain in the past and will try again. Thanks for the support.
No problem Eric. Been a long time dipping for me, think I started “tasting” the stuff at 10 or 12, and actually fully dipping at 15, so its been a long habit. I am doing totally fine with the fake stuff and suggest anyone trying to quit use it, it does help. I never could do the Cigar thing. I did smoke a little, usually when having beers…but gave that up about 2 years ago and only dipped. Now its no nicotine and no tobacco….just done with that chapter in my life. Keep up the good work and use the fake stuff, sunflower seeds, gum, jerky…whatever it takes to keep the quit going. Goodluck!!!
I am on day 5 of about the 5th time I have tried to quit. Last year I quit for about 2 months and started back during one of my sons baseball games. It’s crazy but i did not plan to quit this time. I have been asking for a sign or motivation and believe it or not it came via a dream which i am thankful. It has been tough. Days 1-3 are extremely difficult. Cravings are still there today but for everyone i counter with Double Bubble. Jaw hurts daily but it is working. Had night sweats last night and really couldn’t sleep but it is getting better. My biggest challenge is going to be during hunting season. That would be around day 35. This page is great and thanks to all for your stories. I will be reading daily to stay on track. Good Luck to all.
Hi Eric, keep up the good fight! I am on day 16 myself and the only real issues I am still having is the foggy head….dizzy spells. I will tell you, if you get the urge, try some of the fake dips out there….the Herbal Stuff. I have tried 3 different brands thus far and I will tell you, they definitely help the urge when you want a chew. I have dipped for 25 years, quit about 17 years ago for about 6 months (using the nicorette gum, not this time, cold turkey), but regretfully, started again and kept rolling for 17 years up until 7-15-14. I can honestly say, j have been fine without the Skoal, this Smokey Mountain /BaccOff and Hooch, all fake (no tobacco or nicotine) have helped me thru these past 15 days. Get yourself a can of the fake stuff when you know you will be pressed for a pinch, it works. Its not the exact same, but it does provide some relief for a dip when you are about to pull your hair out! Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your quit. We’re all dealing with the same issues here!!
From what I have found out quitting chew/dip takes more effort in these last couple days then it did for me graduate college.Im about to go to sleep with day three about to be complete, I have a feeling all the nicotine is out of my system, since I made huge cutbacks in my tobacco use before the day I stopped. I feel like I am borderline about to lose control at every moment, then I tell myself I am in control, am I really though? This website is such a great tool to help you find your motivation….I just want to say thanks
I’m 25 and I’ve been a regular dipper for 5 years. I joined the Air Force when I was 19 and for some dumbass reason i let my buddies that I work with convince me dipping is the coolest thing since sliced bread. I decided to quit last week, and it has been a bitch trying to stay positive. No headaches, but my ears have been ringing and that has been keeping me awake at night. The cravings are there, but I’m determined to quit, esp after I read how it killed Tony Gwynn. Plus, if yall that have been dippin 20 plus years can quit, then i sure as hell don’t have an excuse. Stay positive guys and get her done.
Today is day 2 for me. Yesterday was really weird towards the end of the day my focus just vanished and felt slightly. The head ache is creeping in and its only hour 1 one of my 12 hour day.
Well the 21st was my quit date. So far I am doing well. I smoked since I was about 15 and iv been dipping for about 3 years now and I’m 25. I have to say the first 3 days weren’t as bad as I thought but the oral fixation is the b*#&% I have been using the fake stuff but seem to be able to forget it and channel my craving to jolly ranchers but they are doing a toll on me with all the sugar. But believe me when i put in a dip of fake its like “ah” then I’m thinking “oh yeah not my grizzly 1900” but within a few min. i go about my day and for a little while its “normal”. Now as of today I have noticed frequent headaches my teeth are hurting and I’m sick to my stomach but I still have my heart in this. My wife and mother and family have rode my ass about quitting forever now and I always told them that I would have to want to quit to stop and at that point I didn’t want to but this time in was ready and trust me if you set your mind to it you can quit. There are plenty of things to help fakes candy coffee distractions.
Hi Dan, congrats on finally getting the balls to quit the habit. I’m on day 14 without the tobacco/nicotine. I have been using fake dip too. It really is all about the oral fixation. I also use sunflower seeds (which I am growing fonder of by the day), gum and jerky. I am trying NOT to eat bad, but I have put on about 8 lbs in 2 weeks….which is alright for now. I do work out 5 days a week….so what ever weight I gain during my quit, I plan on losing once these fixations vet under control. I promised myself and loved ones I would quit when I turned 40. That happened on the 14th and I quit on the 15th. Really….my only side effects are “brain-zaps” (My term)…small, short, dizzy spells. I gather from my research, these are common when quitting the nicotine, since your brain is now getting more oxegen…which is good. I haven’t had any other side effects….and I am hoping these dizzy spells pass. I want to wish you all the luck with your quit. Come here often, we are all dealing with the same issues as you with our quit….its good to talk about it. Keep up the good fight!!
Dear All,
I want to write a bit on what is happening to me and get a bit of advice as well. I was a smoker for 12 years and was dipping together with smoking for the last 7 years. After multiple attempts with cutting down, loznge, patch, gums etc I finally quit cold turkey this June 01st (my wedding day :)). When I quit, I was either 20 cigs a day or about 10 Cigs a day with around 10 dips.
The first 2 weeks was very tough and it got much better there after. I am completely nicotine free since I quit except on one occasion around 4th week. I was in a drinking party and casually took a Skoal pouch (rationale being I never used a pouch during dipping days and just 1 wouldn’t make me go back). Around 5th minute into my dipping I realized my stupidity and spit out. Ever since I have never touched any form of nicotine. Today is my 53rd day of nicotine free (or around 25th day if I consider the earlier lapse) and was going great until last 2 days.
The problem that is happening for me in the last 2 days is that all the memories of smoking/diiping is rushing back and is causing a deep craving. Like those memories, when you used to smoke when stuck in traffic, going on a long drive, when it rains after continuos hot days and so on. I am not sure what is going on with me. It suddenly feels like day 1 with all the fog and so on. I was doing absolutely great until 2 days back with hardly any cravings but all of sudden it is worse. I’ll try to explain this is in a different way:
If someone very close to you dies or leaves permanently, then usuall the next 2-3 weeks will be emotionally very bad (you would be a ship wreck). But after that point time slowly heals you with grief pangs starting to lessen. By around 3-4 months, life starts to feel normal but out of nowhere the grief hits you back and all those wonderful memories with them comes again adn before you realise tears start flowing.
It ‘s the same kind of feeling….. š
Please let me know if any of you have faced anything like this and would be glad if someone couldhelp me out.
Thanks,
Shiva
@Shiva, I wasnt ever really a smoker, so i cant give you a lot of good-quality advice on how tough the battle is without smoking. I do think the two things are alike in that they are addictions of the same drug, nicotine. However, i was told just tonight that a smoking habit takes at least 4 months to get the nicotine out. I tend to agree that what is here on the site (72 hours) is what the smokless takes. But the mental and “habit”…of packing your cheek (or possibly puffing a cig)takes much longer (probably depends on the individual). As I mentioned to others on here, what’s been working best for me, is using alternatives. If i want a dip, i take a one, but its a fake on, no nicotine, no tobacco. Im done with that, i made my mind up. Sounds like you did too 53 days ago. It’s very encouraging to hear how far along you are in your quit…don’t quit-quitting! There are plenty on this site who are trying to get where you are today, keep it up!
Thank you, JAYP. I am starting to feel bit better now and will keep the forum updated.
Not so long ago, I was browsing through all the comments, on this site, thinking about how amazing it would be, to be free from that little devil in my pocket, called snuff. I am now on day #73, cold turkey. The withdraw timeline is extremely accurate. Although, I will say that it has been a hell of a lot easier, than I ever could have imagined. If you make it through the first two weeks, you can make it to a hundred. Just stay strong, and be prepared for how you will handle a strong urge to dip. I found it best to stay busy, and always keep my mind on something else. But, DONT LET YOUR GAURD DOWN. I almost had a slip last night. I had a few drinks with friends, and someone offered me a dip. I took one hell of an urge, which surprised me, because I haven’t had any lately. So, It has caused me to refocus, on what’s important, and Im just as determined as ever to get rid of the junk. I will not let something control my life.
Read the timeline, and know to expect. The first three days are terrible, and I suggest you limit the amount of time you have to spend around other people, on these days. Be a hermit. Other than that , good luck to you all !
I was on this site over a month ago, registered and found it difficult to post roll call Daily but was and am completely committed to my quit. I had been dipping since 15, and and am 36 now. I ran through 5-6 cans of Copenhagen, per week for the last 13 years.
Being cool and playing baseball got me to try it. It tasted like shit and I almost puked every time I took a dip. Before I knew it, This bitch stole my soul. I always convinced myself that because you seldom hear bad about it, compared to smoking, that I’d be fine. So I justified this Nasty fucking habit… Cope was my best friend. Always there for me through the good times and bad.
I’m on day 33 now and I sincerely thank KILL THE CAN crew and members for your testimonials, time and care for people like me, addicted to nicotine. This shit is no joke. We’re in this together and together we will fight!
I’ve been dipping off and on for about 17 or 18 years just quit 6 weeks ago for the third time I’m 41 and tired of the bleeding gums receeding gums sores and the ha and teeth just hurting. My jaw on the left side is hurting and popping all the time since I quit. Is this normal I am chewing a lot I mean a lot of gum the nicotine and regular sugar free anyone else experiencing this? Your feed back would be great?
Greg – Jaw pain, especially when you’re chewing that much gum, is 100% normal early in your quit. That said, I’d strongly suggest you drop the nicotine gum as it’s prolonging your pain. Once the nicotine is out of your system (72 hours) your recovery can truly begin.
@Greg, I concur with Chewie here, don’t prolong your quit, drop the Nicorette gum and grab a can of fake chew (if you’re strong enough).. The first time I quit, which was over 15 years ago and it only lasted 6 months, thanks to a fishing trip with a bunch of dippers, I used sugarless gum and Nicorette gum, mixed. And YES! My jaw muscles hurt from all the chomping. Even after I quit the Nicorette gum and just used sugarless, my jaws were always sore. “TMJ” I think is what you are experiencing..Google it! I have been off the nicotine for almost 7 days. I have been using Fake Chew, pretty good stuf these days, not like the old shit that tasted like plastic in your mouth. Smokey Mountain and been dabbling with Hooch, both seem to be close to my Skoal Wintergreen. I am also using Sunflower Seeds, Beef Jerky and a little gum. Anything to handle the oral fixation us dippers face. BUT NO NICOTINE OR TOBACCO….I am done with that shit!
Let us know how the quit is going Greg, but drop the nicotine as Chewie says, you are only prolonging the addiction, GODSPEED!
Also, just in case you wanted to try the fake stuff, Meijer (if you’re in Michigan) sell the Smokey Mountain fake chew. It is tasty, you do get juice from it, a great alternative! And if you’re not in Michigan, I know there are Walmarts all over America, they too seel the stuff. Hooch has to be bought on-line, at least where I live. There is only one store that sells it in Michigan and it’s about 250 miles away, I like the Smokey Mountain better anyway. But that’s just my taste buds (what is left of them after chewing for 25+ years). Take care and good luck!
I’ve been down this road at least 10 times in my 25 plus years of dipping. Well I’m at it again and have been sitting at my desk feeling pretty useless, dizzy and constipated. Soory Guys! Anyway I’m glad I stumbled into this site and will read every post and listen to all the words of encouragement. I’m on day 3 without my mint Skoal long Cut but I am using the Lozanges about 3-4 times a day. As crappy as I feel I know I have to man up and show up. Gave up the booze almost three years ago and never thought I could live without a cold beer. I actually told my wife I would get sober if I could dip for the rest of my life. I have been knocking back 2+ cans a day for at least the last 10 years. After reading about Tony Gwynn bascially using the same amounts as me and dieing from mouth cancer, it got my attention. My goal is to be off the Nic lozanges in the next 3-4 days. Please keep sharing your stories. And whoever came up with this site, CONGRATS and THANK YOU!!
Best,
Fran
Telling all you out Herr quitting…supplementing with the fake dip helps. I have been using the Smokey Mountain….I just ordered some of the “hooch” brand as well. Anything has to be better than the tobacco and nicotine. 25 year vet…on day 3, getting it! Its tough, but whatever, shits getting old, time to start a new chapter.
15 year 1.5 tin a day Copenhagen user just hit day 99 cold turkey. This last week seems like I just quit as the cravings have been strong. But I will never go back. The thought of chemicals controlling my mind and body are no longer acceptable.
36 hours in. I’m feeling it. I’m sitting at work, distracted, and fighting myself to buy a can after work. I have a pretty good headache going, but nothing I can’t handle. Reading the things on this site have shown me it is possible. Thank you.
Day#2, been awfully tough. I feel like I am cheating with this smokey mountain, but I suppose it doesn’t have nicotine and tobacco in it, so it IS better. But I sure am an ornery SOB, lol! My wife (I sent here to see this forum) has planned to leave me a lone and let “me” do it. I have been on the Dip “hard” since I was 15, I just turned 40 2 days ago…..time to quit.
I will check back in and give you all my progress, I will do it…just going to be a battle, so worth it, I know!
Congrats on 2 days of freedom Jay! Definitely don’t feel like you’re cheating by using an alternative like Smokey Mountain – you’re not. It’s a tool and in my opinion should be used liberally. Keep up the fight!
Will do and I will keep you all posted out here as well. Day#3 still kicking the cans ass! It seems to be getting a little easier, I definitely don’t feel as “spaced out” like I did in Day 1 and 2. So I will keep on keeping on and let you all know where I go with it, thanks for the support (Lord knows us dippers need it!!)
@Chewie, hey, do you know if the “zero strength” Elicit is nicotine free? I am trying to verify. Ordered a can and it came today, very good taste, and lasts a long while….but I just want to be sure it IS nicotine free. Wondering why it tastes so good, LOL! Let me know if you know, thanks!
I am 23 and have be a user basically all day since i was in highschool. I have tried to quit and i dont seem to be strong enough. After seeing this website i am going to try again. It seems like a great place to come and read success stories and to push myself. if anyone has tips and tricks to it id welcome dang near anything. Thank you and God bless
Shoot me a PM in the forums (nickname Jubella) and I can help you out.
Im twenty four and i have been dipping since i was sixteen. I have been dip free for seven months and its been awesome. I ordered fake dip from jakesmintchew.com and got the variety pack. Wintergreen and cinnamon are the best in my opinion. Thats what helped me along with will power. Dont quit for your family or anyone else. Make the quit for you. Its hard but if your here reading these stories then you are taking the first step. God bless
Hey man. I’m around your age too and I just quit about a week ago. It is tough , but I suggest that fake dip. Not to do all the time , but when you feel like you have to have one , throw one of those in. Smokey mountain is the best Brand I’ve found. Stay strong y’all.
I have had a dip in from the moment I wake in the morning until I lay my head down to sleep at night…. for the last 20 years.. I am now in day 3 of cold turkey stopping and I have to say, the mental crap is the worst part.. “Should I quit my job? Am I appreciated at my job? Ups and downs emotionally of wanting to kick a hole in the wall one minute, to verbally assaulting the poor woman at the dry cleaners, etc.. Today should begin to be the point where the nicotine is almost out of my system but Jesus, it takes its toll… I went through yesterday feeling like I hadn’t slept in a month… groggy, irritated by anything…. felt what must be a little bit of depression because I was doubting everything that is great in my life … Sad how this drug consumes your mind when its starving for more.. but…. I will get through this… It won’t whip me… I will whip the can’s ass!
Hey Paul, congrats man.
I quit last Wednesday night and was surprisingly feeling pretty good this weekend — could have been because I quit while my pregnant wife was away and she’s home again. But the mental crap is hard — I am feeling extremely distracted at work.
Good luck to everyone!
Hey Paul…
I’ve been dipping for the past 30 years. Today is my first quit day….and I’m going crazy – hours seem like days. Just wanted to ask….was the first day the worst or are they all pretty much the same amount of torture? Trying the cold turkey route as well. Take care and good luck.
I’m on day 5 they have all been tough but… I look at my 6 yr. Olds face and that is my strength to fight the can … days are getting better a lot of gum, jolly ranchers, Jerky chew help. keep fighting, it sucks I’m still not sleeping the best, as I post this at midnight lol just know your not alone good luck! NO YOU KNOW WHAT F*** LUCK !! GOOD FIGHTING!! Take your life back;) I’m fighting with you.
Paul your story sounds exactly like mine. After 20 years of constant dipping I am now on day 8 if being dip free. It’s been tough as hell but we are gonna win this one. I’m kicking the cans ass with you guys. Didn’t think this day would ever come. Let’s do this
Well, I’m 32 and been chewing snuff since I was 13… I know too young. But I wanted to be cool and the life I lived in North Central PA consisted of hunting and fishing or prepping for it. Meaning, it was the thing to do while growing up. After bonding with our uncle Sam for 6 years I decided to quit. Well this seemed to work out for 2 months then Hunting season came back around and I was back in the saddle again… being cool saddle. Few years later I was chewing and watching TV with my gorgeous wife and she asked me to quit… well I did…for her. This did not last long, revenge prevented my consistency to maintain tobacco free. Well now I’m on day 10 and everything listed above I experienced this go around. WOW, tough few days for me… I mean tough. Wife is out of town and I planned this time would be best for all, plus I’m doing it for me/us this go around. Well I don’t feel much better about telling my story so I’m going to eat chicken and hit the gym to stop the cravings. Good luck to all!!!
My wife hates it, but im lucky she doesnt bust my balls at all…But I know she hates it. Its digusting. Hell, I dip at work, office setting, no one knows (at least I dont think they do)..I just put in a smaller one, but the point is..unacceptable. But this shit owns me…37 yo, been dipping or smoking for the past 20 years…I no longer smoke, stopped that over a year ago, and actually smoking to me now is disgusting-the smell, the taste..Im hoping dip eventually, hoping I’ll have the same aversion to it. You guys are great those who have committed..even 1 day. You’re my inspiration.
Your post sounds a lot like me. I unsuccessfully tried quitting many times but eventually grew to know that unless something drastic happened to me I wasn’t going to quit. My addiction to dip made me care about it more than my job and my family. I thought it was going to be cancer that “helped” me to quit but instead I lost my job two and a half months ago and my dip was a major factor. I’ve been fortunate to have my wife stay by me and support me despite this. I saw the dentist a couple of weeks ago and everything looks good. It’s been hell to get clean but it’s been worth it. Look around you and see what you might lose because you want to put that dirt in your mouth everyday. You are just like us and you can quit too!
I’m on day 3 and it hasn’t been too bad. I chew gum when I get a craving and it seems to help, but my jaw is always sore from chewing gum and clenching my teeth a lot.
Hi glad to hear your doing well. I am 36 and dipped for about 16 years. It was the hardest mental and physical struggle I had. It was prolonged and painful. I remember day 60 and it felt like it was day 1. Those first days are the most pivotal days. Once I got to a week I had something to build on. My motto I lived by was ” NOT THIS”. I kept telling myself this isn’t going to be the thing that ruled my life or killed me. I during this time dealt with other addictions as well. I also quit smoking I wasn’t a heavy smoker but I just gave it all up, I am 4 months dip free and it seems like I never used. I quit smoking on a horrible night about 2 months ago I was having an anxiety attack went and purchased a can of my ol pal timber wolf. Put in a big dip it made me sick tasted foreign. I was looking for satisfaction. Lol none was found that night I quit smoking as well. So even if u break or fail don’t stop. Just don’t have a pity party just dust yourself off and say ” not this” it’s really not that good. I am currently off gambling for 2 weeks next is beer. As you can tell I am a highly addictive person but quitting dip tonight me how to overcome other things. I hope the best for everyone reading this. Reading others stories on this site helped me tremendously and I’m now able to return the favor. God bless