Navigating Social Situations as a Smokeless Tobacco Quitter

Many people who make the courageous decision to quit smokeless tobacco products fall off the wagon at some stage of the recovery process. Although disappointing, it is perfectly natural to struggle with any addiction, especially one as socially acceptable as smokeless tobacco. This is why KillTheCan.org quitters are so successful… we instill brotherhood and accountability into every quit.

Navigating social situations as someone quitting smokeless tobacco poses unique challenges. Being in a social situation, be that attending a party, betting on the Kentucky favorites at the Kentucky Oaks, or just hanging out with friends, can result in being surrounded by others who use tobacco, leading to the temptation of starting to use tobacco products again. Thankfully, strategies exist that will help you confidently navigate social settings while staying true to your commitment to quit.

Social Situations – Understanding the Challenge

Let us get one thing straight before we delve deeper into this article: overcoming addiction is tough. Anyone who says otherwise is lying or has never tried to quit an addictive substance. Addictions to drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or chewing tobacco are socially acceptable, making these things difficult to escape, especially in a social setting where these products are commonly used.

The sight and smell of tobacco products, coupled with social pressure, can make it tempting to give in to old habits and set back your recovery. However, with the right mindset and preparation, you can successfully overcome these challenges and stay on track with your journey to a life without smokeless tobacco.

Plan Ahead and Communicate With Friends and Family

The saying, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail,” runs true when you are trying to quit chewing tobacco and have a social event on the horizon. Often, quitters are filled with dread when a social event approaches, especially one where alcohol is commonly consumed because alcohol clouds judgment and lowers inhibitions. Anyone who has attended a Super Bowl party knows these gatherings are usually fueled by drinking, smoking, and eating chicken wings; those three things go together perfectly.

If you are attending a social gathering where tobacco is likely to be present, take some time to prepare yourself mentally. Remind yourself of the reason for quitting, the benefits you have already experienced, and the benefits still to be enjoyed further down your journey. Visualizing yourself confidently navigating the event without giving in to cravings helps.

Don’t be afraid to tell your friends, family, and loved ones about your commitment to quitting smokeless tobacco. Communicating with those nearest and dearest to you usually leads to you receiving support and understanding from them. Politely ask them not to smoke around you because you are trying to quit, and you will likely find they adhere to your request. Furthermore, if your loved ones know you are quitting, they can stop you from using chewing tobacco products if you are struggling to keep your cravings at bay.

Bring Some Alternatives With You and Stay Engaged

Not knowing what to do with your mouth and hands when you are not using smokeless tobacco products is a common complaint among those quitting this habit. Having non-tobacco alternatives can be a game-changer in social situations. Fake dips (tobacco free and nicotine free only) can be an absolute game changer. Chewing sugar-free gum is popular, as are eating sunflower seeds or using flavored toothpicks; all those things help satisfy oral cravings. Such things provide a distraction and help keep your mouth busy.

Many people quitting chewing tobacco fall back into old habits when they have time on their hands, which is why people often state that the devil makes work for light hands. Keeping yourself occupied during social gatherings helps minimize idle time, reducing the likelihood of cravings.

Strike up conversations with others, participate in activities and games, or offer to help the host with tasks such as cooking or restocking the fridge. Staying busy and engaged means you will be less focused on tobacco and more present in the moment. You may even find that attending a gathering in a more mindful state will help you enjoy the event more than you usually would.

Have an Exit Strategy

Despite employing the above tips when attending social gatherings, you may find yourself in a situation when cravings become too much and are starting to overwhelm you. This is perfectly natural when overcoming an addiction and one of the reasons why quitting anything poses a challenge.

Having an exit strategy in place is ideal for when these situations arise. Excuse yourself, take a short walk from the event or party, or find a quiet space to practice deep breathing techniques. Telling a friend that you are struggling with cravings is worthwhile because they may go on a short walk with you, distract you from the cravings, or offer support in other ways. Removing yourself from the trigger environment can help you regain control over cravings.

Conclusion

Navigating social situations while attempting to quit smokeless tobacco products requires determination, resilience, and a degree of strategic planning. Implementing these practical tips and strategies will help you face social events confidently while staying true to your commitment to quitting.

Remember that you have already taken the first courageous step of retaking control of your life and improving your health by stopping chewing tobacco. Every small victory brings you close to a tobacco-free life. Good luck.