More Questions About Quitting Dip | #47

Questions About Quitting Dip – Episode 47

The Kill The Can Podcast
Recorded: July 22nd, 2024

Introduction

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Kill The Can Podcast.

Tonight is Monday, July 22. It has been about two weeks since I recorded an episode.

The last episode was another experiment where I answered YouTube comments and questions. I wasn’t quite sure how that format would work, but I’m happy to say it worked pretty well. I received some good feedback, and it allowed me to take some time to respond directly to people.

So, I’m going to do it again tonight.

Life has been kind of crazy lately. As I think I’ve mentioned before, I have three boys. Two are in high school. One plays travel basketball, and another plays travel baseball.

That means my summers are chaos.

I’m not complaining by any stretch of the imagination, but when I’m gone Wednesday through Sunday during many weeks, it makes it difficult to keep the schedule I would like for the podcast.

Meeting a Fellow Quitter in Louisville

This past week I was in Louisville, Kentucky, and I had an opportunity to meet a quitter I had never met before.

EDT3329 was nice enough to meet me for lunch at Mission BBQ.

It was awesome to meet another quitter face-to-face.

If you don’t know Ed, look him up on the Discord server. He is an awesome guy, and I’m incredibly proud to be quit with him. I believe he’s part of the November 2021 group.

I had a blast sitting with him and hearing his story.

One of the best parts of traveling—whether it’s for baseball, work, or anything else—is having the opportunity to meet fellow quitters.

If you haven’t done that, or if you’re nervous about meeting someone face-to-face, I strongly urge you to go out of your way to do it.

It will make your quit stronger, and you’ll meet some incredible people along the way.

Trading phone numbers and sending messages is one thing. Sitting across from someone, breaking bread, having a drink, sharing coffee, or eating lunch together is something entirely different.

Huge thanks to Ed for meeting me. The next time I’m in Louisville, brother, I’ll definitely look you up.

Approaching 18 Years Quit

My 18-year quit anniversary is Wednesday, July 24.

Being quit for 18 years is an accomplishment. It’s a day I circle on the calendar.

My wife will recognize it. My kids may recognize it. But in many ways, it is a day for me—a day to reflect.

I don’t necessarily reflect on the work I’ve done. I reflect on the work the Kill The Can community has done on my behalf to help me remain quit.

I’ll probably record something on that day to express my gratitude again, but as I sit here two nights before my anniversary, I want to offer a massive thank-you to everyone who has been part of my quit journey.

I would not be two days away from 18 years without you.

I can’t begin to put into words what your support, brotherhood, and sisterhood have meant to me.

Remembering My Father

Unfortunately, July 24 is also the anniversary of my father’s death.

My dad passed away one year ago on July 24.

As if the date wasn’t already meaningful enough to me, it will now also be a day of remembrance for him every year.

Previously, I would go to a local watering hole called the Annex Bar & Grille. Most years, I would sit by myself, have a drink, and reflect.

This year will be different.

I’ll raise a glass to my fellow quitters, but I’ll also raise one to my dad.

Cancer took him from me far too early.

I miss him.

It’s another constant reminder of the battle we’re fighting every day.

Answering YouTube Comments

With that, let’s get into some YouTube comments.

As I did in the previous episode, I’ll read each comment, pause to respond on YouTube, and also give my response here on the podcast.

People come to Kill The Can through many different avenues. Some find us through the website. Others come through Discord, social media, YouTube, or the podcast.

I’ve realized there is a growing group of people who listen to the podcast but don’t engage with us on those other platforms.

This is a way to bring some of those questions and answers to a broader audience.

Handling Negativity Online

The first comment comes from SacredSam6046.

He wrote:

“You have the right mindset. Keep your head up.”

He was responding to a discussion on a video I posted about Grinds Spearmint.

Someone had commented that the product was a waste of time, presumably because Grinds is a fake dip product containing no nicotine or tobacco—the same as every product I review.

I asked what they meant, and there was some back-and-forth about haters.

I want to thank Sacred Sam for the positivity.

I understand trolls and haters are part of social media. I accept that.

But kind words still go a long way.

Thanks, brother.

Eight Days Nicotine-Free

The next comment comes from AndyB2935.

He wrote:

“I’m on Day 2 right now. So far, God has blessed me from having bad cravings. It’s been a smooth transition.”

First, congratulations on two days free from nicotine.

That comment was left six days ago, so hopefully you’re now celebrating eight days of freedom.

If you’re still craving-free after eight days, consider yourself one of the fortunate ones. It’s fairly unusual to experience no cravings at all.

Even if those cravings arrive, push through them.

Drink lots of water.

Get involved in the community.

Cravings don’t last forever, and everything you’re doing to gain and maintain your freedom is worth it.

Congratulations. I’m honored to be quit with you.

Do ZYN Users Understand Their Addiction?

The next comment comes from Caleb1 on the video titled “Sorry, Your Boyfriend Is Addicted to ZYN.”

That video has accumulated around 200 comments. For some reason, whenever I post anything critical of ZYN, the reactions can be intense.

The video shows a woman walking through her home with used ZYN pouches everywhere. I respond by saying something like, “Sorry, your boyfriend is addicted to ZYN.”

Caleb wrote sarcastically:

“Wow, you’re so enlightened. I’m sure no one would have guessed he was addicted if you didn’t help us understand.”

Despite the sarcasm, I truly believe many ZYN users don’t understand the depth of their addiction.

I believe there are people who don’t fully understand that nicotine is addictive, that ZYN contains nicotine, and that using it can become a serious problem.

That’s why I put this content out there.

I’m not telling anyone they have to quit.

I want reliable information to be available so that, when someone decides to quit, they can learn from people who have already gone through it.

Gum Recession and Soreness

The next question comes from James Sturkey.

He wrote:

“My gumline has receded after two weeks. It’s only on one tooth, but it stays sore all the time. I need to know what to do.”

Putting anything between your cheek and gum can cause irritation.

That includes real dip, fake dip, cotton balls, sunflower seeds, and anything else held against the gumline.

It’s also important to understand that receded gums may not grow back.

If one tooth remains sore, I strongly recommend seeing a dentist.

I’m not sure whether you’re still using tobacco. If you are, I urge you to quit. At the very least, don’t continue placing it against that same area.

Again, that isn’t a recommendation to keep using—it is simply harm reduction while you arrange a dental appointment.

It could be something minor, such as a toothache aggravated by irritation. But if it is something serious, you want to get ahead of it.

James, I hope you’ll respond and let us know how you’re doing.

Relearning Life Without Nicotine

The next comment comes from Seth Moxie.

He wrote:

“130 days in. Quitting nicotine was the single most difficult mental battle I’ve ever gone through. It’s a journey. It’s almost like you have to relearn how to deal with stress and live life. I’m so thankful to have a great support system. After 11 years of dipping one and a half to two cans per day, I’m finally free.”

Seth, congratulations on 130 days of freedom.

You nailed it.

Quitting is one of the most difficult mental battles you’ll ever face, and you do have to relearn how to live without being a dipper.

That comment came in 13 days ago, so you’re now around Day 143.

You’ll continue to face situations you’ve never encountered before as a quitter.

The 100-day Hall of Fame was a huge milestone for me, but I didn’t truly feel like I understood quit life until somewhere around Day 360 or 400.

By then, I had experienced every day on the calendar without nicotine.

You’re well on your way.

Congratulations. It’s an incredible accomplishment.

Why Didn’t a 6mg ZYN Affect Me?

The next comment comes from Ant248 on a video titled “When I Tried ZYN Pouches Instead of Dipping, They Really Messed Me Up.”

He wrote:

“I popped a 6mg pouch, and it didn’t do a single thing to me. I don’t know why.”

The short answer is that I don’t know either.

I don’t know whether you were already a heavy nicotine user. Someone who smokes two packs of cigarettes per day may not notice much from a 6mg pouch.

Perhaps you were drinking. Perhaps another substance affected how you perceived it. Or maybe nicotine simply doesn’t produce a strong sensation for you.

Without more context, it’s difficult to know.

What I can say is that if a 6mg pouch did nothing for you, there’s no reason to keep trying until you become addicted.

Quitting After 26 Years

The next comment comes from MZ2022.

They wrote:

“I’ll turn 40 on July 19. I’ve chewed since I was 14. I’ve made several attempts to quit, including three that lasted two to four months. My last attempt was seven years ago. For the last year, I’ve said I would be done by 40. I use between one and two cans daily. I want to quit cold turkey on my birthday. I’m ready, but it feels literally impossible.”

You turned 40 three days ago.

First, happy birthday.

I’m here to tell you that quitting is absolutely possible.

I can’t count how many milestones I allowed to pass—birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and other meaningful dates—while telling myself I’d quit eventually.

You can do it.

Don’t try to do it alone.

Join the Kill The Can community at:

https://www.killthecan.org/discord/

There are thousands of people quitting one day at a time who understand exactly what you’re experiencing.

Look me up there. My username is Chewie, and I’m in the October 2006 group.

You’re not alone.

It is possible.

Let me know how I can help.

A Very Creative ZYN Comment

The next comment comes from Kyle Hammond on that same “Sorry, Your Boyfriend Is Addicted to ZYN” video.

Kyle left an extremely detailed and colorful comment explaining his ZYN use, smoking habits, work routine, fishing cabin, cigarette litter, alcohol use, and what he called “ZYNspiration.”

Kyle, I appreciate the effort that went into that comment.

I honestly don’t have much more to add.

Thank you for chiming in.

Withdrawal, Anxiety, and Chest Pain

The next comment comes from DieselOutlawTruck8374.

He wrote:

“I’m on Day 4, and I’m wondering when the feelings of having a heart attack start to go away.”

The good news is that, in all likelihood, you’re experiencing withdrawal and anxiety rather than a heart attack.

We have an article on KillTheCan.org called “What to Expect When You Quit Dipping.”

Days one through three can feel like pure hell.

Nothing feels real. You’re in the fog. Your brain is wondering what happened to its nicotine supply.

Days four through twenty involve a great deal of mental struggle.

The nicotine is out of your system, but now you may experience cravings, irritability, insomnia, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and anxiety.

I took myself to the emergency room several times early in my quit because I believed I was having a heart attack.

It turned out to be anxiety related to nicotine withdrawal.

I can’t tell you exactly when those symptoms will subside for you.

Since your comment is already a couple of weeks old, I’m hoping you’re feeling much better.

If anxiety, chest pain, or shortness of breath persists, see a doctor. Medical professionals can evaluate the symptoms and discuss treatment options.

Do not reintroduce nicotine.

Don’t return to dipping or start using nicotine lozenges simply to relieve withdrawal. The nicotine is already out of your system.

You’re free.

Please respond and let me know how you’re doing.

Using Despite Nicotine Poisoning

The next comment comes from VileDemony.

They wrote:

“I use until the point that I know I have nicotine poisoning, but I continue even past that. I survived two years of benzodiazepine withdrawal, but I can’t beat a little pouch.”

I’m not reading this to mock or minimize the commenter.

I’m reading it because it demonstrates how powerful nicotine addiction can be.

It may feel impossible, but you can do this.

You must decide that nicotine is no longer an option.

Don’t worry about forever. Forever is too big.

Quit for one day.

If one day is too much, quit for one hour.

Then repeat it.

Again and again.

You can do this.

Quitting With Bupropion

The next comment comes from VishalPMO.

They wrote:

“I’m quitting using bupropion tablets. Day 7 and counting.”

Congratulations.

Seven days is an amazing accomplishment.

Bupropion is also sold under the brand name Wellbutrin. It is an antidepressant that may also be prescribed as a smoking cessation aid.

Keep working with the healthcare professional who prescribed it and follow their instructions.

You’re building a strong foundation for a nicotine-free life.

Should a Non-User Start ZYN?

The next comment may be a joke, but perhaps it isn’t.

A commenter wrote:

“I’ve never smoked a cigarette, but I want to start doing ZYN.”

I cannot understand why someone who has never used nicotine would intentionally begin.

There is a growing narrative that nicotine is good for you or offers certain cognitive benefits.

I’m not here to debate every potential scientific claim.

What I can say is that, as a nicotine addict, I cannot enjoy any possible benefit without facing the consequences of addiction.

For the overwhelming majority of people who experiment with cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, or nicotine pouches, addiction is a real risk.

Once addiction takes over, any potential benefit is quickly overshadowed by the downsides.

If you’ve never used nicotine, stay far away from ZYN and every other nicotine product.

Nicotine Addiction Is a Major Accomplishment

The next commenter wrote:

“Congratulations. Keep going. They say nicotine is worse than drug addiction, and we’re killing it. We got after it and overcame.”

I can’t compare nicotine addiction to other drug addictions because I haven’t personally experienced those substances.

What I can say is that nicotine addiction should never be underestimated.

Because nicotine is legal, accessible, and widely accepted, people often minimize it.

Beating nicotine addiction is a massive accomplishment.

It deserves to be celebrated.

Replacing Addiction With Healthy Habits

The next comment responds to an earlier discussion about whether addiction becomes easy once you understand the brain and dopamine.

The commenter wrote:

“You can replace the addiction, or at least do something healthy that helps with the consequences of addiction.”

That’s a very good point.

The Kill The Can method teaches coping mechanisms and strategies that can be applied to many other areas of life.

I’ve seen people use those methods when addressing alcohol, weight loss, fitness, and other challenges.

Many of us have addictive personalities.

Trying to eliminate that aspect of ourselves completely may be an uphill battle.

Sometimes it’s more productive to harness that energy and redirect it toward healthier pursuits.

What Happens When You Use ZYN?

The next comment comes from Timmy Tones.

He asks:

“What happens if you use ZYN?”

I’ve never used ZYN, so I can’t answer from personal experience.

What I can tell you is that, for many people, using nicotine repeatedly leads to nicotine addiction.

That is true whether the source is smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, or cigars.

The prevailing narrative today is that nicotine itself isn’t harmful.

I’ve discussed many times why I disagree with minimizing it.

Even if nicotine has potential benefits in certain contexts, a nicotine addict cannot separate those benefits from addiction.

So, what happens if you use ZYN?

You may become addicted to nicotine and to ZYN.

Celebrating Long-Term Quitters

RichSr2794 wrote:

“I dipped for 24 years. I was using more than two cans a day. My last dip was Sunday, May 12, 2024. I appreciate the support videos.”

Rich, congratulations.

Quitting after 24 years is an enormous accomplishment.

It deserves to be celebrated.

Quit Today, Not Forever

AmericanChevy616 wrote:

“I smoked for 15 years and have chewed for 12. I’m 39. You do the math. I’ve tried to quit so many times I’ve lost count. I can quit drugs, but I can’t stop chewing.”

You’re not alone.

Don’t worry about quitting forever.

Quit today.

Deal with today, and tackle tomorrow when it arrives.

Forever is too big.

I’m an addict, and even after almost 18 years, I still take my quit one day at a time.

I won’t tell you I’m quit forever.

I’m quit today.

Make your promise and do whatever it takes to honor it.

Before long, you’ll look back and see an entire collection of quit days behind you.

You’ve already overcome drug addiction.

Nicotine is a drug.

You can do this too.

Black Buffalo Nicotine-Free Pouches

The next comment comes from TheBrewhaha on a video titled “Can You Swallow Your Spit When Using Black Buffalo Nicotine Pouches?”

I need to correct that title.

The product I reviewed was the nicotine-free version. I don’t use or review nicotine products.

The commenter discussed the effects of swallowing while using nicotine pouches, but that doesn’t apply to the nicotine-free product in my video.

Black Buffalo’s nicotine-free pouches are among my favorite alternative products.

Their taste, feel, and texture are some of the closest I’ve found to traditional smokeless tobacco.

For someone seeking a realistic nicotine-free substitute, they’re an excellent option.

Inspired to Quit in His Twenties

The final comment comes from Mark Atkins on Kill The Can Podcast Episode 40.

He wrote:

“Your videos have inspired me to quit. I walked onto my porch tonight and threw my last two cans of Copenhagen into the weeds. I’m quitting because my mouth is torn up. I’m only in my twenties, and I just got married, so I know this is the right decision.”

Mark, I apologize that it took me two years to get to your comment.

Congratulations on making that decision—especially in your twenties.

I wish I had quit that young.

Your wife will be grateful to have a nicotine-free spouse, and your future self will thank you.

I’m honored to walk this nicotine-free path with you.

Congratulations, my friend.

Closing

That wraps up this episode of the Kill The Can Podcast.

I’m honored to be quit with you.

We’ll talk again soon.