Symptoms of Quitting Dip and Chew
Quitting dipping is not an easy thing… if you’re like most of us, when you quit you’ll go through some withdrawal symptoms… These are completely normal. That being said… if you are concerned about a particular symptom, by all means go to a doctor and get checked!!! This will help both your peace of mind and may catch something before it gets serious.
Dip Dreams – you’ve been dipping for years sometimes decades. Your brain is used to thinking a certain way with a certain amount of nic in it… once that’s taken away many people have “dip dreams”. These dreams range from mild to incredibly intense. Many times people will wake up after a dip dream and feel terrible because they really think that they caved. Many have reported that they can taste and smell the dip. Never fear… it’s only a dream.
Sores In Your Mouth (lip, tongue, cheek, etc.) – you’re done dipping… why does your mouth hurt so damn bad? You’ve got more sores in your mouth now than when you were dipping. What’s going on?!? There are a couple of explanations for this one. First, if you’re like most of us, you’ve found something to replace your dip to get you past the oral fixation (See Smokeless Alternatives). If you’re chewing seeds then there’s a TON of salt in your mouth that wasn’t there before. Also once you get dip out of your system the PH balance in your mouth is changing. Bottom line is this – get to a dentist and get checked out. But unless something stays around for more than two weeks you should be good to go.
Can’t Sleep – you’ve quit dipping and now you can’t sleep at all. Never fear, this is completely normal experience. It’ll take a while, but your sleep patterns will return to normal.
The Fog – you’re dizzy… you can’t think straight… your head hurts… you find yourself staring at your computer screen for hours on end not reading anything. Welcome to the dip fog. Your brain can’t handle the fact that you’re no longer feeding it dip. It might last just a couple of days and it might last a couple of weeks. Do not fret… once the fog lifts you’re well on your way to being dip free. Check out this article that Chewie has written about The Fog of Quitting Dip
Headaches – you might have one that brings you to your knees, or you might just have that dull thud feeling all day long — this too shall pass.
Sore Throat – If you’re a dipper and you quit you’re scared of anything that’s “off”. Why when you quit dipping do you suddenly get a sore throat? We’re not sure why but it happens more often than you’d think. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. This will help flush the nicotine and will help with your sore throat.
Anxiety – for years you’ve been dealing with life while medicating yourself with nicotine — it’s gone now and your body isn’t used to dealing with life without it. This condition will pass though you may want to talk to a doctor about some medication to take the edge off.
Problems “Going” – whether you know it or not, nicotine is a laxative. It’s helped keep you “regular” through all of your years of dipping. It takes some people a while to get their body adjusted to going without their natural dip laxative. Drink plenty of water and eventually this one will be “behind you”.
Hot Flashes – This one has been reported as a real doozy. Face, arms, legs, etc. can be very “warm” with some intense sweats. While this is a “symptom” it’s also been quite the trigger for some folks. Drink some water, get to the site and talk.
Depression – Many people have dipped for years or decades. Removing such an integral (though deadly) part of your life can lead to some pretty serious behavioral issues including depression. Talk to the folks on the boards as this is pretty common. As with any health issue please don’t hesitate to see a doctor as well. For more details about depression as a quitter click here.
There are a variety of other symptoms that have been attributed to quitting dip. If you don’t see yours listed, contact us and let us know about it!
I am three days free of grizzly , my feet won’t stop tingling and my legs hurt , anyone else experience this ?
Believe it or not, this is a pretty common occurrence.
I’d suggest you go see your doctor… not because there’s anything out of the ordinary going on, but it’ll give you a remarkable sense of mental peace.
Day 4. I’ve had some moderate cravings. I walked by a pack of smokes in the station yesterday. Could’ve had one, but what good
is it really? I have 500k reasons riding on this quit. I read do for yourself. Well, I’d like my kids to have a great nest egg one day… That’s why. Better off than I was. Now it about me too. I just don’t want to anymore. It’s a challenge. To know I’m mentally stronger than some fucked chemical.
Quit dipping 20 days ago, the cravings are gone but I’ve had a sore throat for the entire 20 days and still have it, has anyone else had a sore throat this long after quitting?
Will be one month for me tomorrow! It’s getting better…..occasional cravings and random canker sores that really freak a guy out! Went to dentist said my mouth was healing nicely. Hope it continues to get better! The random sweats really suck though.
Quit cold turkey 4 weeks ago after 30yrs of heavy dipping. Withdrawal symptoms mostly gone. An occasional urge to dip or a rare fit of rage. My concern is my tongue is more on the white side than red. And a couple times a day it feels like my tongue swells up back by my molars and it gets like dry or leathery? I become very conscience of the tongue and it makes it hard to pronounce words. I’ve been brushing it more and using mouth wash. Nothing really helps. This started the first day I quit.
Hey Rino. I’m not a doctor but I wouldn’t worry too much about your tongue at this point. I had similar symptoms with my tongue for the first 6 months after my quit. I went to every doctor and specialist I could find and they all said it was nothing to be alarmed about.
Coming up on a month from a cold turkey quit after 30 years. Most of my withdrawal symptoms have gone away, still get an occasional flash of an urge. But, my concern is that several times a day my tongue gets dry and seems to swell back by my molars. I have a hard time pronouncing words and my S’s sound like Sylvester the cat. And my tongue went more white than red. I brush it and use mouth wash, but doesn’t really help.
Did anyone get the vibration feelings in legs
Not me personally, but I have heard it reported.
When did you quit?
5 1/2 weeks off…no more urges to dip but bouts of rapid heart rate, extreme hunger and hypoglycemia (I’m not diabetic). Normal? Unusual?
Heart rate and hunger are 100% normal. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of hypoglycemia, but that doesn’t mean it’s not related. I typically tell people that you can pretty much attribute anything ‘weird’ that happens to you in the first couple of months after you quit right back to you quit.
Nothing wrong with talking to a doc to get checked out… if nothing else it’ll give you a great peace of mind.
I’d guess from the sugar in your chew could’ve kept your glucose stable.
100% i have been through the dip cycles 3 seperate times, once from dip, once from vaping and currently on day 80+ from zyn and vaping. i had the low blood sugar feeling really bad when i quit dip. In my current quit which i am never going back from i am dizzy all day, it then spirals into anxiety attacks.. I feel you stay strong and it will pass
Quit 5+ years ago, I chewed Cope from age 10-45 up to 2 cans a day. Hold on for 1 month it gets a lot easier. Now I don’t even miss it.
Congrats on 5 years! Isn’t freedom amazing?
quit 1 week ago today. Have had a sore throat for 4 days now….is it pretty normal to have a sore throat after quitting? Seems like odd timing to me.
100% normal timing. Not sure why, but it happens SUPER often.
Just hang in there it gets a lot easier
I’m day 5, I’ve “quit before” I’ve had the light headed, dizzy, always hungry. No more acid reflux. My tongue looks whiter which is weird and I always feel tired all the time. Very irritable, but I wanna fight the flight.
I’m quitting using Wellbutrin. On day 4 but feel like I have the flu and super lightheaded. Hope it’s related.
Im on day 70 been deal with like head sinus for over a month. Like my head is tingling. Doctor gave me the wellbutrin also but i never took it but yes quiting dip has had the worst moments ever. What day are you on.
Day 6 now. I quit last year for 6 months and then relapsed. Back at it again. Stay strong bro
312 day on quitting still having some issues neck pain from time to time anxiety low energy and throat a little soar and have to clear my throat. is this normal
Two weeks off…blurred vision in right eye…is this normal?
Didn’t happen to me personally, but I can tell you that you’re not the only one that has dealt with vision issues. It’s simply AMAZING to me all of the shit that our bodies go through when getting off dip. Nothing wrong with going to get checked out, even if its for nothing more than peace of mind. But I can tell you that the TWO WEEK mark can be a rough stretch. https://www.killthecan.org/2-week-weakness/
I quit 20 years ago and only had hot flashes & sweats. This time much different – in addition to poor vision, depression/anxiety and intestinal stuff.
More then likely yes my whole adventure has been the most intense thing ever. On day 63 can finally drive again head feels like sinus issues when i bend over or sit down fast. Just hanging in there waiting for it to be over. I went to er and doctor and thought i was dying.
Cody I can tell you that I’m 67 days in after 15 years of dipping a can a day. I’ve had all the things you’ve said. Jaw pain. Ears full. Eyes hurt. Heck I thought I was dying one night. Sounds drastic but the anxiety and random pains have been crazy. It’s not over, but it’s getting better every day.
O i hear you its been the worst. My fear was the head pains and chest pains. But still here seemed to have calmed down a little bit afraid of it all coming back though lol. I couldnt even drive far or i would panic. But stay strong theres been time i would go home and go to bed. And functioning at work was the worst.
How u feeling now dustin im on day 67 today. Im still feeling ackward weird pressure in my head still. I may be in the funk.
Day 78. Every day I feel a little bit better, but I still have some weird physical symptoms. They come and go, but I have zero want to chew anymore so I’ll just keep fighting. If I with after 15 years of a can+ a day then anyone that’s reading can do the same!
Hell ya im at day 75 been feeling way better. The thoughts come and go maybe a slight fog. Now just get a weird feeling in my left chest again. But hell been to heart doctor and everything all was good so just going to ride it out.
Day 0. Been in the army for almost 7 years and picked up dipping on a daily basis on deployment in 19. I’ve quit for a month or 2 in the past but I always end up dipping when the uniform goes on. What doesn’t help is the fact that nearly 70% of the others dip. Can anybody give me any ideas on how to make this quit effective? Thanks
Interesting forum I see here! I quit after on and off for about 15 years. I stopped in July of 2020. I just got sick and tired of going to the gas station at midnight to get pouches. I don’t even really think about tobacco anymore. You get to a point where it’s just something that you once did. It’s really easy when you can step back and realize how nasty it actually is. Then you know you’re done for good! Y’all hang in there, it gets easier. Btw, I did skoal mint pouches to zyn nicotine pouches, to 3 mg gum, to less frequent gum to stopping all together. No symptoms that way.
How long did your transitions last as you stepped down to less and less nicotine? This is something I’d like to try.
For those of you having digestive issues….
From what I’m reading you’re having anxiety as well. My educated guess is the digestive issue is from the anxiety. Read up on it. May just help calm you down.
a lot comes from anxiety also. what happens to for people with heartburn is that you esophagus mussel relaxes after you quit which also get acid reflux also i think 6 months is when that calms down
Anyone ever get a pain under their jaw after quitting?
Absolutely. ‘Jaw pain’ is a pretty common occurrence for quitters. Not sure why, but happens often.
Ya its random I don’t always have it just comes and goes.
Went to the doctor they gave me a antidepressent think im just deal with my lightheaded and anxiety after reading side effects of the pills. How long guys 90ish days ive read.
same my doctor gave me antidepressant i took one and felt weird so i just been dealing with it. i am 125 days and have still have anxiety but less so now then i did
Awesome actually yesterdag the fog was a little lighter and just like a little headache. Its been brutal im on day 37
that’s good I still get a little conative problems like fog headaches and lightheadness. but a lot less then it was I would say round day 105ish you will notice it to be less and you feel like head is all gonk up also what help i think is fish oil it has omega 3 in it help your thinking and anxiety
I’m at 1 month so far. Quitting cold turkey after ten years sucks. Thankfully I don’t have any physical ailments, but mentally it’s brutal. I’m constantly in this foggy state, I’m having trouble sleeping, and I keep standing up and thinking “it’s time to go to the gas station”.
What really sucks is that my buddy and I were supposed to quit together, but he recently told me that he’s been dipping whenever he plays golf. I’m honestly not mad or disappointed in him, I know it hard for everyone. But it’s definitely easier when its a team effort
In on my 5th of quiting and feeling like im going to die. Been to er then to doctor did qll bloodwork came out good. Still feel dizzy light headed chest pains more the likely the anexity is the worst.
5th week
Hang in there Cody it will get better!
I am going to doctor again tommorow i cant even function at work due to anxiety but tired of dizziness and lightheadedness i cant function lol
I’m on day 33 of my 2nd attempt. Feeling better in some ways and worse in others. Hang in there dude.
made it to 4 mouths now what ah fight I just started having dip dreams and the sensation of have a dip in my mouth… weird. still have heart burn and digestive problems and anxiety but it seem a little less every day but still hurts a lot. hope month 4 I will see positive improvement
I can totally appreciate what you are feeling. I’m on DAY 107!!! The dip dreams are the craziest thing & im not gonna lie, I do feel that I do want a dip from time to time. But saying “no” to myself is so much easier these days. I’m going through everything you are. Making all kinds of dr appointments for digestive issues & saw a dr for the anxiety which really got bad around day 80-100. We got this!!
yeah we do if have any questions for digestive or heartburn problems I probably got the answers I went crazy in month 2 and keep reading up on every thing from why is this happening to me which in self is bad if you have sever anxiety lol.
Day 30 for me again. Can’t believe I made it to day 70 before and caved lol.
I’m noticing this time around, I can actually drink caffeine and not be really bothered, which is good because I love coffee and diet coke. Last attempt, caffeine even in tiny amounts drove me nuts.
However, I still have all of the bad stuff that I had my last attempt, and this time I feel even more irritated. Probably because I had to restart.
I got some fake dip, smokey mountain mint dip pouches and stuff like that to help in those moments I feel any cravings.
Im 24 and I was dipping for maybe 1-2 years, and quit almost a week ago. I went from dipping grizzly wintergreen pouches, to 3mg zyn, to 1mg velo lozenges and now I’m constantly chewing on mint gum to keep the cravings at bay. I’m proud of myself. But the one thing I’m worried about, is that a few days ago I found what looked to be a white blister on the inside of my lower gum. It hurts, yes and I wanna say that it’s from the withdrawls, that I had ate or ingested something that caused it, but my anxiety is going haywire of thinking ‘what if its something worse then that’ I tried to get a peace of mind, and google is only making my anxiety worse.
Any ideas as to what it can be? It doesnt hurt as bad as it did a few days ago, but the white marking doesnt seem to get any smaller….
It’s most likely a canker sore. They are INCREDIBLY common for quitters.
I used to get them regularly, more often when I quit. Wanna know one of the things that triggers a flare up? STRESS.
Hang in there… you’re on the path to freedom!
https://www.killthecan.org/canker-sores-in-the-mind-of-a-former-dipper/
So while I was in the military and during my time as a professional athlete, I drank hard, smoked and dipped. Then, after several years, I just dipped. Sobered up, dropped the smokes, just couldn’t quit the dip. I’m at 6weeks and holy hell…I tried cutting caffeine at the same time…couldn’t get out of bed for two weeks, literally… I was sick. I’m still having severe cravings – associate so many activities with ‘just having a dip’. I think dipping is the toughest to quit bc someone can tell you ‘oh I only dip a half can per day…’ REALLY? bc those 4or 5 dips that you’ll have in for an hour apiece; that much chew delivers nicotine the WHOLE TIME. One can is like 2-3packs of cigs. At one point I was a 2can per day chewer…oh yeah, so much nicotine that I’d feel sick. Brush the teeth, chug water for a half hour, and I was back at it again. Uggghhhh….feels good not to have that hangin over my head but wow…it’s tough. I spoke with Kurt Schilling like 6yrs back (a few years after his jaw cancer diagnosis, that’s why he stopped). He said there days he would even eat, he’d chew so much. Yeah, I could relate to many days like that. Anyone here able to kick caffeine and nicotine at once? My E just goes through the floor 😔
Hello all. I’m 35/F, I’ve been dipping for about 15 years, I started when I joined the military and kept telling myself I needed to quit so I don’t end up killing myself. I’m also an alcoholic, I’m 5 years sober from that thankfully and 12 days free from dip. I know that if I can quit drinking I can quit this and stop killing myself. I was dipping grizzly wintergreen for the longest time, switched to camel snus, then to zyn 3mg, then finally quit chew 12 days ago. I do still vape, (I was vaping (3mg) and chewing at the same time, even smoking cigarettes and chewing during my drinking days) I don’t think I’m strong enough yet to quit altogether, although that is my end goal. I’ve been using the grinds chew here and there for the oral fixation and also tried the green leaf chew. I’ve noticed I have a blister inside my mouth, not sure if it’s from grinds or green leaf, or what but it freaked me out, never really had a blister while dipping. Anyway, this is the longest I’ve voluntarily quit and I hope I can stay the course like you all. I’m glad I found this site, it has a lot of useful information.
Congrats on your progress thus far Chickensandwich (and thank you for your service!).
The blister may be from the Grinds / Green Leaf as those are pouch products and if I’m reading you correctly you used Grizzly Wintergreen which isn’t in a pouch. That said, using Grinds / Green Leaf is FAR better in the long run as they contain no tobacco / no nicotine.
As you have realized, if you are going to continue to vape, I’d urge you to get down to 0 nicotine ASAP. That’s when you true ‘recovery’ can begin.
Example… when you quit drinking, you didn’t go from six shots of Jack Daniel’s per day down to 3 Miller Lites a day (insert your drinks of choice there) did you? No… you ABSTAINED 100% from alcohol.
To truly be successful quitting dip you’ll need to ABSTAIN from all nicotine. 100%. We’re here for you… let us know how we can help!
Thank you for your response Chewie! You are right! I did quit cold turkey from alcohol so I should be doing the same with no nicotine! Solid advice, thank you. Good to know about the blisters, how they may be from the pouches. Quitting this sure is hard but I know I can do it, mind over matter! Has anyone else found a good substitution for the oral fixation? I’ve tried sunflower seeds, but they dry my mouth out. I’m definitely snacking a lot more.
Last dip was 12-10-21 for me. I hit the seeds hard too, and I am at the park 5-6 days a week, so now I am looking for a quitting seeds forum ,lol. I have found that the reduced sodium seeds are way more gentle on my lip (and heart). I also have gotten by with soft peppermints, but the low so seeds are where it’s at. https://www.amazon.com/Davids-Sunflower-Seeds-Reduced-Sodium/dp/B000K2GM82
Hey, Chickensandwich, I feel your pain. I was an alchy while I was in, as well. Just quit the dip cold turkey 6weeks ago and still having cravings. Just cold turkey is the way to do it. You’ve just gotta SNAP and start counting the hours to yourself…12, then 18, then 24, then 36…48…..72….go to the gym to get rid of that nervous energy and impulse shit for awhile….sure it’s easier after two, then there, then four weeks…but it’s still HARD. Hell, I still want to dip every damn day. My motivation is purely ….I don’t want to have to keep wondering which sore, leukoplakia, or abscess is going to be ‘The One’. Tired of that shit. Now to get back in top shape and just live clean with no vices… you can do it, Chickensandwich!!! You’ve gotta quit ALL the tobacco products, though!!! ALL!!! You’ll know when you’re ready to put them all down. Hopefully, it’s not too late and you have to get something cut out, but many do. I was just sick of waiting for that shit to happen…aggghhh like waiting to die…we’re all doing that anyway; why not live some more first, ya know???
Day 5 of quitting after 11 years. The fog is what’s hitting me the hardest along with blisters in my mouth from devouring sunflower seeds. I have no desire at all to open up a can of Grizzly but I can’t wait until I feel normal again instead of dizzy and spaced out.
Keep it up, Jer!!! Lotta Grizzly (wintergreen, I’ll assume) chewers on here. That was my first, too…man that first can was TASTY. I’ve got 6weeks without anything now…yeah that brain fog’s a bitch, isn’t it? It’ll subside, just takes some weeks…remember, us chewers were consuming several times the nicotine that smokers did…remember how you could chew so much that by afternoon you actually felt sick? Oh yeah – that’s the nicotine. KEEP IT UP!!!
Yessir that fog only lasted a few days but oddly enough I didn’t have any urge and still haven’t had an urge or want to put another dip in. I’ve wanted that feeling of something like Smokey mountain since it feels like some chew but I’m mainly just bored. Glad that it’s officially over 2 weeks but I feel great! Congrats on 6 weeks!
Going into day 19. Just got my 2nd dose of the moderna vaccine yesterday, and it hit me like a truck.
I feel like absolute shit. I was worried the side effects of the vaccine would be even worse since Im going through nicotine withdrawl symptoms too. And sure enough, its rough.
Has anyone else gotten fully vaccinated during their cold turkey quit?
Right now I have a freezing body, fever feeling on my head, body aches everywhere, chills, etc. I can only sleep like 30 minutes at a time and am having wild fever dreams.
Hey Steven – just checking in a few days later… how you feeling?
Hey Chewie. Thanks for asking.
The side effects from the 2nd shot went around around the 36 hour mark, but it was brutal. It made everything you go through during a cold turkey quit even worse. I could only sleep for 20-30 minute naps for about 24 hours straight. Then I slept 3 hours, woke up for a couple hours, thrn slept 4 hours, and woke up 90% better from the vaccine.
Anyone planning on getting the 2nd vaccine dose while going through nicotine withdrawl needs to prepare. I drank probably 225-250 ounces of water and other fluids the day of the vaccine and felt dehydrated still. It was terrible.
Now its back to dealing with the nicotine quit. Starting day 24 today. Fog is intense.
I was sick for 48. Felt like garbage.
Hey chewie it’s me again. So I been using grinds and Smokey mountain pouches, trying to quit vaping all together. I started with Smokey mountain love the taste and helps me not think about taking a hit. But also 2 days later after a couple pouches where I had it my lip hurt is that normal?? And then is most herbal pouches saliva safe to swallow like grinds, Smokey mountain and fullyloaded no nic ! Please get back to me !
Hey Angela –
I think it’s probably safe to say that putting ‘anything’ between your cheek and gum may cause irritation. If you went from not using pouches to using it’s entirely possible that you may see some irritation.
And I think it’s safe to say that ‘yes’, most herbal pouch saliva that is produced is safe to swallow – not the pouch / product themselves, just the saliva.
I switched from 6mg zyn to 3mg, to try to quit. The symptom im having is tingling only on the left side of my head/brain, which gets very, very, severe without a zyn pack in. Is this a normal withdrawal reaction?
Short answer… yes. You’ll be surprised all the symptoms that are completely ‘normal’ when getting away from this very powerful drug. The sooner you’re nicotine free the sooner your true ‘recovery’ can begin.
OHHHHH, yeah….and you know why these headaches are so bad? It’s all the new chems they’re using to get the nicotine into your bloodstream faster!! They’re updating them all the time…they want you to stay and keep lining their pockets… DON’T GIVE IN!!!! Fight that good fight!!!!
Does herbal snuff or anything herbal show research that it is bad for your gums. Only found things with nicotine and how it effects your mouth. I’m wondering what no tabacco and no nic and just having a couple pouches in a day would do? Please let me know
See full answer here: https://www.killthecan.org/fake-dip-one-dentists-opinion/
Hey, Angie…anything you put between your cheek and your gum and suck on/chew for hours is going to cause mechanical wear and many inert substances can cause cancer while it wears away at live tissue..
Hey guys. I startee my first quit attempt and went 70 days cold turkey. I felt tons of anxiety, occasional panic attacks, heavy fog, and depression amongst other very strange symptoms. I just felt very off like others have reported. For some reason I thought using tobacco/nicotine would make me feel “normal” again, so I went back to using tobacco and nicotine again on and off for about 40 days.
I realized quickly that using tobacco and nicotine products again was only making my anxiety and other symptoms even worse than before. It was a mistake to start again.
Anyways, I am now going into day 11 of my second attempt of quitting cold turkey. Im having a hard time getting good sleep and wake up multiple times in the night. Some times I jolt awake possibly from the anxiety.
And im still experiencing the same symptoms as my first attempt at quitting.
Has anyone had a similar experience of stopping for over two months, starting again for about a month, then quitting cold turkwy again?
Overall Im on day 120-121 since my first quit attempt, but currentlt only 11 days nicotine free.
Does the “timeline” of withdrawl symptoms restart all over again or will it be less severe this time around? I already had the intense anxiety and fog and depression, so will this be extended or what?
The only difference I have noticed in this second currently attempt is I am much more irritable. Im getting angry way easier and just feel annoyed by everything.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Unfortunately, it is like starting all over again, and each time the physical symptoms are going to vary based on psychological factors. It sounds like frustration may be a factor this time, but, man, please stick it out. It will pass, and you will thank yourself. This is all normal, and it is tough, but you can do it, brother.
Thanks for replying Adam. Im definitely quitting for good this time. I wasnt prepared the first time around. I want to be done this time.
Do you have any tips for me?
Currently this is what Im doing –
Im going to the gym and working out 6-7 days a week. Lifting 3x and doing cardio 3-4×. Using a steam room and hot tub 15-20 minutes before or after working out.
Taking multivitamins, amino acids, vitamin d, probiotic drinks. Also putting an effort in to eat healthier and get tons of real fruit/veggie juice.
Using a good brand of full spectrum cbd oil as I have read about this assisting with quitting nicotine and reduxing anxiety/inflamation.
Stopping by to visit family every so often. They know I recently quit and they know its tough on me.
Trying my best to sleep but my sleep is just recked at the moment. During my last attempt at quitting I used melatonin to help me sleep but I noticed it made my fog way worse, so I dont want to use it again.
Also, Ive noticed being in the sunlight helps me tremendously. Ive been going to the local pools a lot, swimming and getting a tan. I feel like the sun improves my mood and helps me chill out with the racing negative thoughts.
Other than that, I play video games, try to watch funny movies, and listen to podcasts or music just to have something to stay busy.
Any advice will be appreciated guys.
Hey Steve, this site is a cold turkey site, but the American cancer society recommends stepping down on nicotine with nicotine replacement therapy before your full nicotine quit date.
Example, I picked a full quit date a month from when I decided to quit. I dropped my consumption down 75% after 2 weeks. After that I switched to Zyn pouches in conjunction with fake chew pouches.
I moved it all the way down to 6 mg of nicotine a day before my “cold turkey” quit date.
It made the quit 10x easier & don’t feel bad that you failed the first time. Quitting cold turkey is only successful 10-13% the first time.
You’ve got this man.
Thanks for the reply Findin. The symptoms are just scary man. But Ive already learned the hard way that going back to nicotine only makes you feel worse.
This has been the hardest thing Ive ever gone through before. Not because of cravings for nicotine, but more on the psychological side of it.
Bizarre what nicotine withdrawl can do. The fog, depression, and feeling almost like Im in a dream state at times.
I hate that other people have to go through this too, but Im happy knowing Im not the only one thats felt this way.
Yep! And the ACS is funded by big Pharma, big tobacco… oh yeahhh… they’ll recommend nicotine patches for a few months to get a squeeze outta ya
Steven,
Your road to recovery sounds exactly how my journey has been. I relapsed to dipping much in same manner, I wasn’t ready. I too also noticed increased irritability during first 3 weeks of my second attempt at quitting. It was a fickle B to say the least. I have several dents in my upright freezer outside to prove it. I found what calmed me down, as stupid and easy as this may sound, is deep breathing and counting to 10 and going for a walk. I had people telling me this simple stuff and I was thinking to myself no way in hell will that work for me. But I gave it a real concentrated effort during that 3 week period and found it to really help. I’m now at day 68 of my second quit. All of the walking I was doing because of my irritable ways actually manifested into myself enjoying walking. Never before would I have been one to walk as a hobby or exercise regimen. Now that I’m walking almost daily, my kids are wanting to walk with me. Now I’m more involved in their day to day routines and I have learned a lot of interesting things from my kids by spending more quality time with them. I’ve actually lost about 15 lbs and went down a pant size. Nothing in my diet has really changed. I still eat my crawfish and fried seafood and have a beer every now and again. I definitely made this quit about me first and now my wife and kids say I’m much more relaxed and mild tempered. So I hope my story can help aid you in your journey to being nicotine and tobacco free.
I was 2-3 cans of Red Seal per week user. I’m now nicotine and tobacco free and I don’t miss it at all.
Hey Jeff. I just now noticed your reply. Sorry for the delay. I appreciate the comment and feedback.
How are you feeling now? Should be say 74 for you.
I just cant seem to get past the fog and turn off the negative thoughts man. Its tough. I just keep trying to power through. And this time around the added anger/irritation is making it a bit tougher.
I just want to feel the way I was feeling before. I was feeling good before trying to quit.
it does suck I had really bad anxiety and brain fog the brain fog does go away i still get really quick bouts of anxiety but its less crazy when I first quit and I did it cold turky I am almost 5 months in and still deal with a lot but not as much that I was
Good to know it eases up eventually. Thanks for the reply.
Man I know exactly what you’re describing. I’ve had so many long term quits, the cravings aren’t even a problem at all after a certain point. Its all the other psychological and physiological stuff that I’ve failed bc of. For me I’ve identified the stages of the quit.
0-2 weeks: adjustment of not having a lipper in all the time, cravings are bad in this stage but the confidence and optimism of maybe finally unshakeling myself from the chains of nicotine dependence is usually enough to push through these cravings. I also have an extreme energy burst in this time, I crank out all kinds of projects that I’d been putting off, start a daily workout routine. I feel Great and as healthy as I was in my early 20s.
2-4 weeks: insane insomnia, terrible anxiety, my muscles actually starts physically twitching. Terrible moods swings, intense anger randomly. Bad fights with my wife, lack of patience with my kids, basically I turn into a complete asshole, my wife has almost divorced me multiple times bc of this stage
4-8 weeks: depression, lack of motivation, questioning of all aspects of my career, life and everything else. Find it hard to find joy in almost anything. Time slows down to almost a complete stop. Everyday routines feel like agony, days and weeks at work go by so slow they seem to almost go backwards. This is the stage that lures me back into dip. I start thinking about how much happier I used to be back when I used to chew, which at this point feels like about 2 years ago. Back when I chewed feels like a different life where I was a completely different person, a much happier version of myself. I start to think, well I’m healthier have less of a risk of dying of cancer now, post quit but I’m absolutely miserable and feel like I’ve lost who I am bc of it so I might as well start back up so I can at least enjoy my life again while I’m still alive. Being quit is better for my health but life is so much more dull and depressing without nicotine.
I have no idea how to get past this stage. I think that quitting chew is one of if not the hardest things that anyone could ever do, and the more years you’ve chewed the harder it gets. I dont know how to do it lol. My longest quit was about 9 weeks.
If anyone has any advise on how to punch through the last stages I’m all ears bc I’m starting to think it’s something I’ll never be able to pull off
Hey Chad. Thanks for the reply. How long is your current quit run? I’m at day 24 again. Feeling like shit all day. Foggy, anxiety, anger, grinding my teeth, negative thoughts.
It still sucks, right? I’m at 6weeks and still getting cravings…when I quit smoking like 15yrs ago (a year later I went back to dipping, I dipped before, anyway), it was tough but not nearly as difficult as this (still) is… we consume several times more nicotine than the smokers. Still counting days and weeks…grrrrrr
Keep it up, Steve!! You’ve got this!!! Yep, you’ll pass 70 again, then 100, then 150….. it’ll happen!!!
age 27 quit jan 2021 cold turky did 1 to 2 cans a day. 5 days in got hit with huge anxiety when to ER after that heart palpitation for like 2 weeks then feb 8 I got nicotine gum I only had 2 paces but had it in for to long and swalled the spit then I got sever heart burn when to ER for second time thought I was having heart attack. they check my blood and did a x-ray every thing fine. after that my digestive system been out of wack heart burn all the time bloating, gas and constipation i am still having problems with heart burn and acid reflux and bloating I just started a PPI for that. I also never had a problem with eating before or acid reflux. also got a lot of post natal drip never had that ether till I quit it been hell for me I am almost 5 month in and I hope I feel better when I get to month six that’s when I herd that all the bad stuff go away.
Aquateam, hang in there it will get better. I am 50 years old dipped for around 35 years, went through pretty much the same things you are going through. I have stopped now for about 11 months and can tell you I still have some struggle with this addiction. The game changer for me was turning my life over to GOD and praying, this was the best change in my life! Give him a chance, you don’t have anything to loose just a lot to gain. I will keep you in my prayers! Good luck!
thanks Greg I thank god every day. when did the stomach problems and heart burn for you stop I feel like that’s the one that bothers me the most
Aquateam I still have both from time to time but nothing like when I first stopped dipping. If it is to bad or to frequent I highly suggest see your primary C
care doctor just for a checkup.
I have my doc he says it because I quit and gave me a ppi for heartburn he said that since I did not have theses problems when I was chewing that the withdraw was the cause. only thing that sucks is that I can’t see a gastro doc till July 30 because of corvid
??
I’m almost 6 weeks nic free….only problem I’m having my sugar runs low… anyone else do this? This sucks
Day 75 & last night I had a dream that I was dipping. Felt so real & I could literally smell the wintergreen. As I heard people coming to my area I quickly threw the dip out, but I couldn’t find the tin…weird man. Anyway, Anxiety is rough right now. But Im staying strong.
18 months quit after chewing Copenhagen for about 35 years. You all can do it, whether one day or a hundred. I never in a million years thought I could do it. It is so tough, but there comes a time with it – and nobody understands but you – the pride you will have in yourself. Even after this long I still have cravings. The seasonal triggers are the worst. Like spring ok nice weather go outside and have a chew. I stiil will just stare at the rack in the convenience store at the silver top can calling my name but then I walk away. Day by day.
Hey everyone, I’ve been chewing since I was 16. I’m 29 now & decided I want to quit chew before I’m 30. I chewed a can of pouches a day (switched to pouches 9 years ago when I noticed they didn’t hurt my gums as much).
2 weeks ago I moved to 4 chews a day, 2 in morning 2 at night. I’m having anxiety, random jaw pain, & thinking that I have the big C. Schedule an appointment with ENT this Thursday.
Noticing mouth is dryer than usual, feeling like my cheeks are swollen. This sucks so much. Any help would be appreciated.
Believe it or not, you’re right on track. What you’re experiencing is INCREDIBLY normal. Checking with your ENT is great to give you peace of mind but in likelihood he’s going to find nothing. Two weeks is a tough stretch… keep pushing through. If you haven’t yet, I’d urge you to join our forums: https://ktcforum.org/ where there are THOUSANDS of quitters just like you, quitting one day at a time.
Here’s a couple of articles you may find relevant:
https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/what-to-expect-when-you-quit-dipping/
https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/symptoms-of-quitting-dip-chew/
Thanks Chewie, I appreciate it. Just verified my account on the forum last night.
Findin12 I’m on day 65. Been through & going through all of that. Stay strong. I dipped for 30+ fn years, had a long quit & started again & again. DONT START AGAIN!!! Three are gonna be some bad days & my anxiety gets bad, but know that’s it just that & anxiety can’t hurt you as bad as it may be at any moment. I’ve had some good support here. Use this place, it helps. Don’t fall for you mind saying “I’ll only have one dip to prove to myself I can quit & wont miss it”. You can do this!!!
Who’s quit and after, say 70 days, dipped again for about a month? That’s what I did and I am now 5 days into my second quit. Already feel like I’m experiencing sleep issues and general lethargy again, BUT, no cravings!! Who’s done this and what did you experience? …BTW, when I was on 72 days, I had NO cravings whatsoever, and then it just hit me hard. Weird. Cheers!
Day 60!!! I still get cravings, but they only last about 30-90 seconds. Anxiety is subsiding. Looking forward to May 17th…that will be DAY 100. Stay strong everyone! We got this!
Day one. Got several cans of mint chew.
A can of real chew lasted me at least a week before.
Congrats on a great decision Bob – proud to be quit with you!
I’ve quit now for I feel two weeks it’s been hell and rough but trust me it’s a bigger light on the other side I had to quit when I saw a sore in my mouth I was scared it could be cancerous and trust me I dont want to leave my loved ones and my kids so I took the decison to quit it’s been a rollercoaster but I hope for anyone who reads this please dont use tobbaco cause sometimes it’s to late
I’ve been chewing for 20yrs. This last year or so, up to a can a day. Tonight I’ll be at 48 hrs. Using zyn. Not sure if it’s helping. Grumpy as all get out.
The Zyn is giving your body what you’re addicted to (nicotine). It’s awesome to be away from tobacco, but you won’t be ‘free’ until you knock out the nic as well.
I chewed for 25 years. At least two tins a week. My daughter made me quit 15 years ago. It was not a fun experience but lying to her was not an option. I had cravings for a long time but they go away. I think i tried it again a couple years ago but got so dizzy i was like why did i ever do this? I have no desire to ever use nicotine again. The panic attacks, the high blood pressure. It just wasn’t worth it anymore. I wish everyone luck but understand you can do it and there is life without a chew.
Thanks for posting Dave. Hearing other people’s experience helps me on my own.
Hey! I have been on and off, mostly on for about 10 years minimum 2 cans per week. I am 18 days in cold turkey. No real issues except that my breath is bad. I can’t find much about this online. I’m just wondering if this is sometimes normal?
I think it’s fair to say that bad breath is a pretty common thing when it comes to quitting – after all, you’ve FUBARed your mouth for YEARS. Brush and floss up and before you know it between that and your mouth healing it’ll feel GREAT.
Congrats brother. Glad you haven’t had any bad symptoms from your quit.
Hey guys. Day 62 here.
Cravings over the last 3 days have been extreme. I feel most of my anxiety has gotten under control but I have some days where I feel almost entirely fine, then I’ll have a couple days feeling mostly depressed and having racing thoughts.
Trying to sleep a lot, eat a well balanced diet, and get tons of sunlight to help. Also talking to friends and family helps.
Did anyone else experience depression, anxiety, and racing thoughts this far in? Day 62.
I’m tempted to cave and begin using zynn again if I can’t get this mental fog and depressed feeling to go away soon.
This forum has been a big help. Thanks guys.
I’m almost on day 90, and, yeah, man, unfortunately, it’s part of it. My fog lifted between month two and now, so, hopefully, you are close too. I still get cravings from time to time. I also still get that voice that says, “just one pinch”, but, we already know what the leads to. Hang in there, and fight back.
ahh… the ‘just one pinch’ thought courtesy of the Nic Bitch. She’s a trick devil isn’t she? Keep rocking Adam!
https://www.killthecan.org/one-dip-wont-hurt-will-it/
I ordered some grinds that came today to hopefully help with wanting something in my lip.
Chewie, how long did your “funky” mood last?
Nice for Grinds – some of my favorites! Will be interested to hear your thoughts.
Tough to say exactly how long… I chewed fake a can/day for a couple of hundred days and then I just didn’t need it any more. I’d say by the the majority of anything I’d call a ‘symptom’ was gone. I’d still have a foggy afternoon here and there for a couple of years, but it wasn’t anything more than a passing thought. I’d have a dip dream every now then for a couple of years and then I didn’t have one for like a decade.
At this point, I actually sort of a like a crave or dream every so often – it’s a good reminder that no matter how many days I put between me and my addiction I’m still just a bad decision from throwing it all away.
Thanks for replying Chewie. The support here is great.
Thanks Adam. Do you remember when the depressed feelings went away? It’s strange for me. I’ll have a good day then a completely bad day. Some days I don’t feel depressed at all, then I’ll have a day where I feel hopeless lol. Been like this for about a week and a half.
It was around the 9-10 week mark for me. I started sleeping better, and the fog got significantly better. I have also noticed that alcohol makes things way worse, so I backed way off of the cold one’s, and, yes sir, it has felt way better. I have also noticed that the busier I am during the day the better things get, so I have doubled down staying moving even if we aren’t busy at work.
Thanks dude. Hopefully I’m right around the corner from feeling good more regularly.
I’m only at day 32 or 33, but I’m having all that anxiety crap still. I was in a simple easy rec board meeting yesterday & my heart started racing out of the blue. I kept my cool, but all of this if for the birds! Just keep strong!!
Congrats on a MONTH of freedom Poorjoe – keep fighting. Those bouts of anxiety will become further and further between and less and less intense as you move forward in your quit.
Hey Joe,
Stay strong dude. The anxiety for me capped off somewhere around day 40-45. That’s when it got the worst.
Then the anxiety chilled out and I felt more depression and racing thoughts.
But I notice every few days that go by, I feel more and more back to normal.
Pick up a new hobby, chug ice cold water, talk to friends and family, watch funny shows/movies, get SOME SUNLIGHT.
Thanks for replying dude.
Day 68 for me.
Steven- for me the anxiety is the worst. On the good side, I don’t go to store and want to buy a tin. When I see people dipping or see a tin on someone’s desk at work, I think to myself that I’m so happy that shit isn’t in my mouth. To think of the time I wasted talking to people/ friends only to “hang on a sec” while I looked for something to spit in. I really believe I’m not going to dip any more. It’s not really about the cravings or the good angel on on shoulder & the devil on the other. For me it’s about getting passed the anxiety & fog. Keep up the good work!
Hey Joe,
Hang in there dude. I noticed when the anxiety started getting really bad, drinking A LOT of ice cold water helped. I mean I chugged an ice cold 30 ounce bottle of water, then slowly sipped on another one. Within ten minutes I would feel way better.
Try it out if you haven’t already.
Keep posting here man. I’ll reply when I can.
My last dip was 2/6/21. Then I got Covid a week later!!! Anyway I had been dipping on & off for close to 35 years. Quitting is easy. I’ve quit lots of times. It only takes one dip to immediately un-quit again. I’m glad I found this site. I don’t want to dip ever again. My biggest issue, which started this week is the panic/ anxiety attacks from out of nowhere!!! It sucks!!! I hope this part passes soon. 24 days & counting!!
Congrats on 24 days! Glad to hear that COVID is behind you. Panic / anxiety is very common – nothing wrong with going to see your doctor to get something prescribed if it continues to be an issue, but for most people it’ll subside in time.
Here’s a few article you may find helpful:
https://www.killthecan.org/anxiety-when-you-quit-dipping-dealing-with-stress/
https://www.killthecan.org/using-attitude-to-reduce-anxiety/
https://www.killthecan.org/cbd-for-anxiety-relief-is-it-right-for-you/
Awesome! I had chewed for 14 years and I had my last dip on 2/5/21. I used zyn for a week or so but just quit cold turkey. Some days are better than others. Today marks one month since I’ve chewed. I still feel foggy and like I can’t focus so I am seriously hoping that I start to feel human soon. Hang in there guys!!!
I have been done for about 2 weeks after 12 years and my mouth is more sore then ever. I’m glad to be saving money tho. I used on of the hemp alternatives.
Congratulations Tyeson! 2 weeks is AMAZING! Watch out for the ‘two week weakness’ and keep on pushing through! https://www.killthecan.org/2-week-weakness/
There was one week where my bottom gums in front were dry as could be. I guess it was just part of the healing process but it’s gone now thank God!
Yep… remarkable what our bodies go through when we quit isn’t it?
Day 40. I never really noticed if I had tinnitus before, but for the last several days it’s really noticeable. Can’t think of any other reason for it to suddenly come on and I only notice it when it’s dead quiet and I focus on it, so it’s faint in silence, but I notice it.
Anyone else have or experience this? I have an appointment with and ENT last week and had my ears cleaned yesterday.
Thx.
Did you notice this before the ear cleaning yesterday? Maybe a side effect of that?
Yup. It’s been going on for about a week or so. But for all I know it’s always been there and I never noticed it or gave it much thought, but of course my anxiety is focused on it. It’s weird.
I’m on day 3 for my quit and I’m raging out!!!! Tightness in my chest and my neck tenses up and then stops for a few minutes….
Believe it or not… you’re right on track. KEEP FIGHTING. https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/what-to-expect-when-you-quit-dipping/
You’re on day 3… that’s 72 hours… the NIC is out of your system!
I have that same thing happen to me, I’m also on day 3. I get the tightness in my jaw too. I have been using nicotine free and Tabasco free chew to help me.
Give it time, it all goes away. The damage takes time to set in, time can heal it too.
UPDATE: 31 Days today. Haven’t had any major issues with urges since the first day I quit. 6 year habit, every day user, two cans a week. …I seem to have inconsistent days of brain fog and restless sleep. For a while during the 31 days my sleep was deep the best in a long time. Now it’s back to restless the last few nights. Also, some days I have superhuman powers and feel amazing and other days I’m waking up funky with brain fog.
So not horrible, could be worse, but the inconsistent part sucks because just when you think you are making progress, you wake up the next day feeling crappy.
I thought the brain fog would be gone by now based on the 2-4 weeks I’ve read online in various places.
For me, the fog lasted quite a bit longer than that… but off and on. I’d have a bad day or two and then a couple of weeks of clarity. https://www.killthecan.org/im-really-dizzy-foggy-how-long-will-this-last/
One thing to consider re: sleep – alcohol intake. It REALLY affect the way I sleep and was even more noticeable when I first quit. Hang in there!
Hey Chewie, thanks for the reply. What specifically did you experience regarding alcohol intake and sleep? I don’t drink except occasionally on the weekends and even that is rare these days, but I am just curious about your experience. I notice that even just two beers can give me restless sleep, so I just don’t do it on weekdays especially. Cheers!
MG – here’s a quick article re: sleep and alcohol. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20130118/alcohol-sleep
I have sleep apnea and wear a CPAP – back when I quit I didn’t have this and snored like a dump truck. I found when I drank my snoring / apnea was worse and tended to sleep MUCH less soundly than when I wasn’t drinking.
In general I’d suggest staying off the booze early in a quit as alcohol and decision making (IE resolve to quit) don’t really go all that well togehter.
Keep up the great work sir!