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.
Zach McD
I just ordered 10 cans of BaccOff Wintergreen. I will let you know how it goes. I dipped Copenhangen Wintergreen too… Im on Day 3 with out a dip but have only taken 3 dips in 14 days. Ill let you know how i like it.
I started my journey on Quitting Dipping on Christmas Day. Since then I have only had 3 dips… (1 dip on the 27th), (1 on the 30th) and (1 on the 4th). I had a scare on my tongue that made me want to quit. It ended up being “Geographic tongue” (odd discoloration on your tongue, but not harmful, but looks disgusting) and I thought it was something more serious so I wanted to quite. The hardest part was when the Dentist told me yesterday, that it was geographic tongue and that I was fine. “Which of course made me want to start dipping again, after I had only had 3 dips in 14 days”… I am 28 years old and have been dipping since I was 14. I averaged about a can of Copenhagen every other day.My side effects didn’t get kicked into full gear until yesterday and today. Side effects include; having trouble sleeping, odd dreams, very irritable, confused / foggy, have difficulty concentrating on task at work, ears ringing, sweating, depressed, and having weird thoughts like I’m going crazy is the main one. No headaches yet. Good to know that I’m not insane and that other people are going through this too.
Zach….all those symptoms add up to one thing, IMO, and that’s anxiety. We all suffer some form of it or another. Go see your doc if you feel totally uncomfortable. The longer you stay away from the chew, the better off you’ll be. What you’re doing is playing a bad game with your brain. You’re feeding it nicotine, then starving it for a bit, then feeding it again. Either quit, and stay quit or don’t. There isnt an in between option. That anxiety will go away, but not until the nicotine is completely out of your system and the quit “fog” lifts. I’d say give it a good 60 days to feel normal again. But go see your doc if it becomes too unbearable, your doc can prescribe you something to make you comfortable through the beginning stages. Good luck!
-JP
Day #177
Isaac,
Yes, it will be sometime before intensity of these cravings go to a point where it is more of a thought than a real craving.
To be brutally honest, 1 month is very short. In fact, it is the time when most physical cravings go away but mind games will start it’s ascendancy. You need to give at least 100 days. Check out this website that gives you a general idea.
Not to sound as if I am advising or something of that sort but you spent so many years in this habit. Can you not give at least 100 days to wean off? The recovery is for sure but it takes time. You need to be patient. Don’t start thinking like in 100 days I’ll be great and in 200 days I’ll be a superman. Take 1 day, 1 hour at a time. Don’t think about tomorrow.
If it makes you any better, check my older posts, Steve, Jeff, JayP, Rick’s.. We used to whine, bitch and curse when we were at your stage but it does get much better.
Shiva
Appreciate the kind words above Shiva. I will be around to help out where I can and to let all know my progress. I can smell 200 days of freedom already! In fact. Once I break that 180 Mary…it will he the longest I’ve went without tobacco since starting!
WINNING!
-JP
Thank You, JayP. I also intend to be here as long as possible to help out. I failed countless times and I have spent so much on this f*&^ng addiction and I believe I know most of its lures (there could still be some surprises) 🙂
Jayp, shiva
I also plan to stay here and help. I do travel allot, but will always be here to help anyone that wants to quit.
I am 1 day short of 150, thanks to Shiva, Jayp for staying around for me personally is motivating.
New quitters, Shiva nailed it, your quit will require patience. If you do look back on this post, we all thought about, ” when will the fog end?” ” when will I feel normal?”
Trust me, if you can take one day at a time, a week will pass, a month will pass, soon will be at day 50, like Rick
Come here allot and rant. We love it… Because as chewie says, ranting means your on your quit…
Steve. Good job. 65 already!!!
Jeff
149
Is there a point ever where the cravings actually stop? I have gone one month before without Grizzly, then the next thing I know I’m off the wagon. Is there ever a point where the cravings just don’t exist?
I don’t think so Issac. You talk to guys who are way ahead if me….years, and they still say they would love to take a dip. But….does the “chatter” quiet down? I think it does….probably around 70 days?? At least for me it did. That oral fixation tho….not sure it ever goes a way. As I type, I have a cheek full of sunflower seeds. I actually am into these things. I think the crave, calls down….but the oral thing, it stays for a long time
Just my opinion!
-JP
Just to add to what JayP said. It does get to a point where the cravings are no longer cravings but a thought or a wish. At my stage (200+ days), sometimes I feel like yeah it would be nice to have a dip/smoke. Just a thought not a craving. When that thought comes and I don’t dip, yeah nothing happens it goes away in 10 secs.
At around 3 week mark, give yourself full five minutes when a craving hits. You’d be surprised to see you won’t have crave after that five mins. Moving on and on the intensity and duration of the crave will go down.
As to exactly, how it feels like after a year or two, I honestly don’t have a first hand experience as I haven’t reached that point. We are still juniors here 🙂
isaac, im on day 2 too. im super itchy and feel like im in a fog. try taking a walk in the cold.
Walk and run folks… at least 30-45 mins a day… Sweat it out… trust me… it doesn’t cure withdrawals but helps immensely in reducing it…
I’ll echo what Shiva said, get some exercise it helps me a ton. In the beginning I would do burpees, jacks, etc. to fight thru a crave. It helped a ton to get my mind off the shit. It also helped me from gaining much weight I’ve put on 7 pounds in over 60 days, 65 to be exact. I don’t think I ever went 1 day before I quit in over 20 years.
Hope all is well trying to catch up on the posts, looks like the board has been busy everyone quitting for New Years good luck.
Steve
Day 65
I’m on Day 2. My body wont stop moving, My mind is having trouble focusing. My brain is starting to lie to me.
Day 2, A little over 24 hours. Im cranky and my body wont stop moving. This sucks. My mind is already starting lying to me.
Day 4- I’m hanging in there, but my sleep is so messed up. I keep waking up almost in a panic. Anyone have any recommendations on a dip alternative similar to cope wintergreen? I tried smokey mountain and hated it.
Hate to say but smokey mountain wintergreen is what I use. Guess its different for everybody. Did you check out smokeless alternatives page on this website?. there should be something in there that suits your need whatever you do don’t go back to the real tobacco that is what’s causing all of your problems
Nice work Mike, keep fighting! The first week or two is no picnic. For a frame of reference I think my night sweats stopped around day 8 but man I would change twice a night. You will have different sucky stages As you progress but this is the worst and you’re almost thru it. Seeds, gum, fake shit, water and exercise all helped me out big time.
Unfortunately the mountain worked well for me as a kodiak user try them all till you find one you like, hell combine a couple different kinda if that helps I did at the beginning golden eagle and smokey mountain the combined taste and texture hit the spot.
No magic potion man also no rules except no nicotine.
Good luck
Steve
Day 65
Day 6 – Had a nice dream about chewing last night…thankfully it was only a dream. Waiting on some fake chew samples to come in the mail. Otherwise, it’s been gum, gum and more gum. Was driving home the other day and was trying to calculate which road to take to get to my favorite chew store…then it hit me…and I was sad for a minute…and then I wasn’t. It’s no party but it’s not the worst thing in the world either. My wife has been a tremendous supporter of my quit and has promised me “something nice” every day…needless to say, that has been a great perk…! Good luck to everyone else fighting the fight.
Jonathan you got this man. You be taken the hardest step……the first one. One foot in front of the other dude I promise you will get there. Those dip dreams are a sign that your brain is healing. It wants no Needs that nic but you ain’t gonna do it. Remember. The only tobacco is good for is keeping you addicted to tobacco it does not make us better people athletes or parents. It has no redeeming qualities, other than to quell the withdrawals it created in the first place. Keep us updated dude.
Day 50 today holy shit! All those +1s addup!
Rick
Day 50
That is so f’ing great! Way to go! I will think of your milestone today as I am trudging through Day 6.
Great going Rick.. You have lot of admirers here…
Congrats on day 50 Rick, that’s awesome man keep it up. How’s the wife feeling?
Congrats rick!!! 50 is awesome
Jeff
149
Day 11…
Hurting pretty bad… Looking for the fake stuff but can’t find it locally. I ordered some online. I just hope I can hold out that long. Seeds and gum just ain’t cutting it anymore…
Most WalMarts carry Smokey Mountain – it’s with the real stuff near checkout typically.
Hey Ed, just to piggy-back on what Chewie said, Walmart carries the Smokey Mountain, also, tobacco shops have caught on too and some of them carry it too. They usually “hide” the stuff…but typically carry it too…good luck!!
-JP
Oh boy…..day 17 and I have had literally 10 hours sleep in the last four days. I was doing great and then the bottom fell out. I really don’t want snuff. I want this inability to breath when I lay down to sleep to stop. I can’t sleep and the anxiety is becoming a major pain in the butt. I have tried the smokey mt chew and honestly it taste god awful. It either taste like red seal ( which made me gag when I tried it as real snuff) or it is too sweet and makes me gag because of that. I have yet to find a fake that tastes good. If I keep gaining weight it isn’t going to be cancer that kills me it will be a heart attack. I know my cholesterol level is over 400. But I just can’t bring myself to let a habit rule my life. My kids at school know that I am quitting. Honestly, the major reason I haven’t caved isn’t family or loved ones….it is that those kids would know I was weak and my ego wont let that happen. I fear that I am dying all the time now. I don’t know where this is coming from because during the day I actually feel great. It is just at night when I’m about to go to bed that the anxiety hits me. I pray a lot more now than I did before I quit. God is with me.
Travis, I would go see your doctor….especially if health is a concern. He/she can definitely prescribe you something to knock of this edge you are facing. The night time fits, sounds like true anxiety. I had it before I quit. You might need something temporary to get you by. No sense in killing yourself with anxiety when quitting.
So set yourself an appointment, let doc know what you’re doing.
As far as the fake dips, I too felt Smokey Mountain was a little too sweet. I tried several others. Give Hooch a try. there are several flavors (I liked the Spit Fire, a little Spicy and most were not real sweet). There are coupons here for samples. Baccoff is another that isn’t real sweet, but the flavor doesn’t seem to last long. Personally, I found Triumph to be my personal Favorite and continue to order. But its made with Mint leafs, so you might not like it. I think you should give the Hooch brands a whirl. Go to the “Tobacco Alternatives” page on this site, they are all there.
Good luck and go see your doc!
-JP
Day #176
Where is DDD?
Jeff
Lot of new comers here. Glad to see you have come to one of the best places :)..
In my initial days, I worked out 45-60 mins a day (moderate/heavy). It helped immensely with fog and fatigue. I used to work out in the evenings (around 6′ ish). The whole day I will be fatigued and literally down in fog. Somehow, I used to pull myself to Gym. But after I sweat it out, it helped me with a burst of energy and also helped to keep the fog out at least for the next 6-7 hours.
You know it’s funny how I started working out when I quit. I didn’t know work out helps during quitting and I didn’t plan for any. On the first day of my quit, right around 20th hour I was down and out. I was cursing myself why I quit. I couldn’t take it any longer. I told my wife enough is wnough I am going to smoke and chew again. She literally had tears in her eyes seeing my suffering and was also heartbroken that one more of my attempt was on the verge of failing. I decided to put my quit but didn’t have any smoke/chew with me as I threw them out before quitting. In a rage, I forgot to take my car keys and I realized when I reached the car. I didn’t want to go back but thought I’ll walk to the shop (around 1.5 miles from home). There is a golf course right next to my apartment and it was kinda shortcut to the tobacco shop. I started walking to the shop. All the way, I felt miserable and hopeless as to how one more of my attempt is failing and without realizing a rage building up inside me and I was walking very fast. It was like putting all that rage into walking. As I came near the shop, I caught my breath and miracle or not, I suddenly felt as my brain cleared and I couldn’t feel the craving at all albeit for a short while. With a smile, I started walking back to my home without hitting the shop. I thought the only explanation for the intensity of the crave to go down and the lifting of the fog was due to my brisk walking and from then on I made it a point to workout everyday and it really helped to clear my fatigue and fog.
Apologize for too many posts today, guys. I absolutely don’t have any work in the office today 🙂
Great story Shiva. I have totally been there with my lady. I’d get her all excited because I went a day or 2 then disappointed when I told her I caved in again.(AGAIN!) Its nice not having to see that every couple of days anymore.
Dude its great hearing from you. I wouldn’t care if you had 1000 posts dude they’re always awesome. Plus your the most senior guy here!
So your a violinist? That’s awesome I play something close the guitar. I really like playing neoclassical stuff too.
Its guys like you Steve Jeff and jayp that keep me going some days….seriously. We all know how tricky it can be. And how easy one slip up leads us back. I’ve fallen back on tjiscwebsite and this here page to stay quit many times.
So thanks man.a lot!
Hi Rick,
Believe it or not, having you drop in and let us know that you are beating the habit, helps us too. You’re doing a great job out here. I know seeing you progress through each day, only helps me get through another. See his it works? Keep up the good work. And I really haven’t been out ton the forums here. I did make a screen name (JayP)…but haven’t spent much time inside the forums…posting. I’ve read through a few though. It helps me read others stories…guess you’d say I am a cerebral type. Like to read things, internalize them and get rid of the junk & retain the important stuff. This board right here has been my main visiting page. Though, I’m sure help could be used all over this site. I just prefer to visit here once in a while….but maybe I will venture out there and look you up!
Hope all is well…keep quit! PS….where has Steve been?
-JP
Believe it or not, having you drop in and let us know that you are beating the habit, helps us too —– +100 🙂
JayP my man I’m here took a day off just catching up on all these posts.
Happy new year
Great motivating story shiva! Every one should read your post each day!
Jeff
147
That was a great story Shiva, definitely shows the hold this shit has on us. I too run 3 days a week, about 9 miles a week. It was surely the best way to burn off that excess rage that comes with the quit. Great story, thanks for sharing!
-JP
That’s a fucking awesome story Shiva, thanks for sharing
Happy New Year to all my fellow quitters. Wish you all had a great Nic free time with your families.
I was mostly binge watching “Walking Dead” with my wifey these holidays. Man they are very good. But I have to wait till my 2 year old daughter goes to sleep to start watching but it’s worth the wait :).
Also, on a side note:
I always love music and I myself a Violinist. So, when I quit last June I started indulging into head phones. I wanted to gift myself an expensive headphone when I complete 3 weeks and I did. Those new headphones started showing me a whole new level of music and detail in the songs I used to hear. There’s this very good website (head-fi) for serious audiophiles and novices alike. So, to take my mind off I started reading lot of articles in headphones and acoustics and slowly I built my inventory as I cross certain milestones in the quit. Now, I have some serious inventory, not uber expensive, but things I could afford (put together everything it will still be under $2000).
Sorry for the rambling above, I just wanted to let you guys know that doing things one likes very much has helped to keep the *chatter* ( you guys know what I mean :)) down. The more you start moving away from the demon, you will realize how many wonderful things you can do and how life is a pleasure. But just a word of caution, don’t expect this within 100 days and you’ll experience only anxiety :).
Good luck.
Shiva (Day 219)
Starting day 3 right now. Couldn’t sleep for shit last night and only dreamed of dipping when I did. Don’t really know why I’m posting here. Just need to get some frustration out, I guess.
Hi Mike, great job on Day 3 of the quit. 72 hours and all nicotine should be out of your body. Then the mind games come out for a bit. Please come here, daily, let us know how you’re doing…use this board to rant, we want to hear it!!
-JP
Day #175
Jayp and Jeff if you ever got the chance look me up on the forum sometime. Not to sound weird but I’d love to talk to y’all sometime —-you guys really have helped me. You guys are stone cold solid quitters in my book.
Rick(Vinmoore83)
Day 49
Rick
What forum?
Jeff
well if you just go into the main website and do a search for my profile name you should be able to PM me or email me. try going into the quit forum.
Great to hear from you Jeff you are the man you solid ass quitter! So thankful for you dude.
Rick
Get it out man. You got this. One minute at a time if need be. That plant is tricky but only you have the power to keep it out of your body. We are all in your corner
Hi, I’m going to try and put the can down in the morning. I’ve been dipping for 5 years. I dip a little over a can a day.
“Do or do not… there is no try.” ~ Yoda
That little green dude is pretty smart. You CAN do this. Let us know how we can help.
Happy new year quitters!
Jeff
147
Happy New Year to you too Jeff, hope all is well and you have a great, tobacco free new year!
-JP
Happy New Year, Jeff 🙂
Happy Skoal free new year Jeff hope hong kong was fun!!!!
Hong Kong was ok.. I am in china 5 times a year. I was pretty happy I didn’t have any hard core craves. Happy new year shiva!! Rick you da man!
Jeff
147
Hey Jeff, good to see you back out here. Hope that Cali winter weather isn’t treating you bad. Wind chills in Michigan the last few days have made it around -15! How the Native Americans did it in tents, in Michigan, back then, is beyond me. Maybe it wasn’t this dam cold back then? Anyway…lol! Hope all is well!
-JP
Reading your trials is helping me. I am at 11 days. I quite because my wife was so upset finding out I chewed. Really peed since I lied for years to her. So quitting is not because I want to, but because I am a jerk. I tried in the past, but have gone longer than I have before. Thanks.
Good job David. But do it for you. Its your mouth, teeth jaw tongue. I’m in the same boat with my wife. When I got caught I just tried harder to hide it. I had to do it for me.
Thanks Rick. I tried hard to hide it as well but I think deep down I know I should stop. I quite smoking 7 years ago and used pouches. Now I will quit chew and use gum. I think so far it has been easier than quitting smoking after 25 years. I just like chewing. I think when I break the habit I will realize I never really liked chewing.
Day 12 and still good. a bit fatter. Probably get a clogged artery now.
12 days is amazing.a lot of people could never even make it that far but you did. nicotine acts just like a neurotransmitter when it’s inside the brain is has overridden the dopamine levels and basically decides when we feel good or feel bad. the tough feelings you are feeling is nicotine leaving the body and mind believe it or not you pass through the worst parts it’s all mental now. if you read back on this forum you will see that I called and scratched and pissed and moaned my way to 49 days it hasn’t been easy David but it has been so worth it I will help you anyway I can keep us updated we’re all here for you!
David, when you say you will quit chew and use gum I believe you mean normal gums and not nicotine gums. Remember, one thumb rule, to be a successful quitter no form of nicotine at all.
Good luck
Just normal gum. I have had no form of Nicotine. I tried that before and it does not work for me. I did buy a can of fake chew after 10 days of nothing. I feel like I am cheating. I have only used one can of fake and am out. Should I just stop that too? I am worried I will have a psychological dependency.
Oh ok cool :)..
The fake dips are fine.. anything that does not have nicotine in it. In fact, many of the successful quitters have used fake dips here to help them provide a psychological crutch. You can ask JayP, he will certainly help you out. I myself didn’t use fake dips but used bucket loads of Altoids and IceBreakers.
Hi David, fake dips are absolutely fine, in fact, i would encourage them, so long they are of the nicotine free variety. I chewed a can and a half of Skoal a day when I dipped. When I quit, I was slamming the same amount of the fake stuff too (Smokey Mountain). But I ventured out to see what was the best fake dip, for me. I tried almost all of them out there…minus a few. There is a page on this site called “Alternatives to Tobacco”…i wrote a couple reviews (need to do some more). But there are several options out there. All of the ones I tried, were the nicotine free versions, this guy is all done with Nicotine. Some of them actually contain nicotine, but are Tobacco free, be sure to keep an eye on that.
But really, today, 173 days into my quit and I am now only using 2-3 dips a day. I have all about cut them out. I still use sunflower seeds like crazy, but eventually (as I was told here too), around the 200 day mark, people usually just don’t use the fake dips anymore. I am rapidly approaching that second floor, and am barely using what I did, so I believe that you do give it up, eventually.
The second part is, I would of gone nutts if I couldn’t have something in my lip that produced brown spit, lol! I really did enjoy the nasty ass habit, that is chewing tobacco. But this fake stuff offers you the habit, without the chemical addiction. I personally believe there is zero wrong with the fake stuff….it has helped me tremendously!! So don’t feel like you are cheating, you are not….so long you aren’t mixing the fake and real or using the fake with nicotine in it. Chew on that fake stuff if you like it. There are several, good, options out there. Find one you like and enjoy. As I said many times here and I heard it from one of the owners of the site “I would gladly chew a can of the fake stuff, the rest of my days on earth, than go back to the real stuff”. So crack yourself some fake stuff, and continue on with your quit David.
Please let us know how you are doing, we’re all here to help you succeed at your quit!
-JP Day#173
Couldn’t have been said better. The quit is always for you.
Nah I didn’t quit quitting I’m still steamrolling the craves! They’ve def gone down a little bit still there though. Again the main thing I’m dealing with is the concept of being quit “forever”. A small part of my brain wants to “enjoy” some tobacco still. The bigger part knows that’s a Pandoras box if I do. S o I’m doing ok . I also spend a lot of time in the forums here looking at intros and speeches and stuff. You guys should look me up sometime. Vinmoore83 is my profile name.
Rick
Day 47
Hey Rick, JayP, Shiva happy new year!
Been busy as hell lately been able to stay dip free, will check in later. Got some dip free shoveling to do.
Steve
Day 63
Hey Steve,
Happy New Year to you as well. Glad to hear you are still remaining quit as well. Yes, I know the holidays can be hectic….a week had past since I had been here myself. Which, I feel I have a pretty good handle on my quit, but one thing I know i enjoyed when I was on my 100 day journey, it helped having a few people pop by to help, ones that had been through it…Shiva was one of those. He wasn’t here everyday, but did check in on this board, which helped me, Jeff and at that time DeepyDeeDont (DDD)…not sure what happened to the last guy.
But this was my promise to myself, that I too would pay it forward to the new guys, which is why I stop in.
Look forward to seeing you and Rick making it to 100 and beyond and to help others move along. We’ll chat again soon, Keep Quit!!
-JP
Day#173
Happy New Year, Steve. Nice to see your post. Hope you had a great time with your family
Hey Rick, glad to hear you’re still winning the battle. You know, I too dealt with that “forever” thought. In fact, it brought on some anxiety when I thought about it too. But you know Rick, I thought to myself “you had your fun, you done it for a long time, you’ll be fine without it” and it passed. I actually got mad about it…about the thoughts and that too helped push me along. I’m sitting at 173 days now and have no problems with “forever”. If those feelings are there still…I barely recognize them these days. I went to the Bar last night with some friends….some of them, dippers. I offered my sunflower seeds (which had no takers) and some of my fake dip, which a 2 DID try, citing they “need to quit”. The 2 that did try it, said it wasn’t bad. But I honestly don’t think they’re ready yet….which is OK, they’re at least thinking about it and I am no hypocrite…I know its a tough one to beat. Anyway…glad to hear you are using this site and am staying quit. Its a wonderful place to explore as a quitter.
Keep Quit!
-JP
Day #173
Hope this is helpful:
Dealing With Craves & The Concept Of Forever
https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/dealing-with-craves-the-concept-of-forever/
Wish you a very Happy New Year, Rick 🙂
Fml day 2
JayP, Really glad to see your mail. Wish you a very happy new year.
Hey Shiva, good to see yours too and I hope you too have a Happy New Year! Things went quiet here, which can be bad. Hope the quitters didn’t quit quitting. Tough habit, I know things get hectic around the holidays…but hope we all stayed quit.
-JP
Steve? Rick? Where you guys at?? Haven’t read anything from either of you guys in a while. Hope you are remaining quit! I’m all about positive you are Jeff (better be).
-JP
Pretty important to develope your own reasons/motivations to quit…so, I hope the people that came here for “50” days plus remember the reasons why this site was started. If you relapsed, then you need to find the reason “why” and learn why you failed and move forward. I love this site and will help anyone with their addiction, where I can.
-JP
Quit Dec 31st at 2358 hours. Going crazy. Riding in a patrol car for 12 hours is tough. Will keep pushing
Hang in there Higgi – congrats on a GREAT start to your quit! Have you joined us on the forums yet? http://forum.killthecan.org/
Higgi how are you holding up? We’ve all been there let us know how we can help
2nd time here…20 + years dipping. tried to kick a few years ago and made it about 6 months. This site was invaluable in helping me get that far, unfortunately I was a weakling and couldn’t stick with it. I cannot stress enough what a blessing this site is. I will start each day coming here to get the inspiration I know I will need to kick for good this time around. Good luck to all the others going through the journey.
Welcome back Jonathan,
I’ve been in your shoes, I quit for 6 months back in the 90’s. And have just this past July, quit again.I learned a lot from my “relapse” and feel this time, I quit. Please come by often and let’s us know how you’re doing! We’re all here to help.
-JP Day#172
Hey Justin,
Welcome, I can’t say that I sucked on the inside of my cheek but I was definitely going crazy in the earlier days of my quit. Still go crazy some days
What you are going thru is completely normal. Think about this to make yourself feel “normal” you have to stick a fucking chemical that will eventually kill you willing in your mouth. Remind yourself of that when you have a crave or anxiety, the thing that you believe to be the solution to your short term problem is a chemical that will kill you. Try it, I hope it helps.
It worked for me, I had anxiety wicked bad one day thought I was having heart attack and thought for a minute that a dip would help me then realized how dumb that sounded.
Steve
Day 56
Steve your 2nd paragraph is well said! Its kinda crazy isn’t it? In order to feel better I need to stick a carcinogenic plant in my mouth and let it sit for hours. Yeah that’s complete craziness but that’s nicotine addiction for you.
So happy you joined our little group man by my calculations you’ll be to 100 days in 6 weeks and a day. Keep it rolling!!!
Hey guys how you doing, I am on day 4 right now and I am about to go crazy by just sucking on the inside of my cheek. Is this something that was normal for everyone else?
Hey Justin. Yeah I don’t know about sucking on my cheek but I will tell you that when I first quit I was chewing gum like crazy and I bit my cheek so hard it sounded like I crunched an apple. Ouch!! Also there really is no normal when your quitting something as powerful as nicotine. Everything felt fucked up off out of whack etc…. Its your brain and body recovering from years of abuse. Make no mistake this stuff is toxic and bad for you. You do not need it to survive. I’ve been there, we’ve all been there. You can do it man. Don’t be a slave to nicotine, kick her in the junk and tell her you want your life back!!!
Rick
Day 41
I quit December 19 in my sons 18th birthday. I had dipped since I was 18 and I am 45 right now. I reached a point where I didn’t enjoy snuff like I used to. I am getting older and reaching the point where one realizes their mortality. I also have a 5 year old daughter and I realized that I need to be around when she is 25 to make sure she doesn’t marry a asshole. The cravings I have aren’t for the tobacco so much as for the habit. I coach and it was a habit to put in a dip when I got to the office and keep one all day pretty much. The physical cravings for nicotine aren’t as bad as the mental cravings to be back with my frien, Longhorn Long Cut Natural. My mouth feels like I have bitten the inside of them several times and I seriously hope that goes away. I have gained 13 pounds in seven days and that really sucks. But in the end I am going to quit. I am taking the money that I used to buy snuff with and I am buying something I have wanted for years with it at the six month anniversary of me quitting ( which happens to be my 46th birthday) and this is my goal. I will make it …I have no choice….God is with me….
Hi Travis, you also have this board with you on your quit. Congrats on what I call the “wake up” call. Your reasons quitting are almost exactly.in line with mine…not so much the family (although I too have one), but I simply got sick of the shit. It was time. And its this realization (also the others you mentioned) that help push you into a successful quit. I loved the comment about being around for your daughter…I can relate!! But really, it sounds you have come to a “you” crossroad and I strongly believe that is the strongest motivation for quitting. Don’t bang your head on the wall about not having the dip in. Get yourself out and get some of the fake dip. The stuff these days are so much better than the stuff back when i tried (and failed) quitting back in the 90’s. Not sure where you live, but Walmart carries the most popular brand of fake snuff, Smokey Mountain. No nicotine or tobacco in these products. I am partial to another brand that I found on the “Tobacco Alternatives” page on this site. I’ve tried about almost all of them. Some say that’s substituting one habit for another…which, in the beginning, maybe it is. But I chewed a can and a half a day when I dipped. I take 1 to 2 dips of the fake stuff these days. I chewed a fake can a day at the start. But I went on record here, I would chew a can of fake stuff a day, therest of my life, than ever go back to the tobacco. I use sunflower seeds everyday as well….anything to help with that oral fixation you are talking about.
I hope you will continue coming here and sharing your quit with us all. Having God in your life also helps! Good Luck!!!
-JP
Day #165
Hey Travis,
Welcome to the group, you’re in good company here as we are all quitting the same shit so we know what you are going thru. We are all at different stages of our own personal quits but we’ve all been where you are right now. Like JayP said and anyone on here would agree with you need to get some fake dip/seeds/jerky/fruit anything to keep the dip out. I used flash bursts of exercise when I would get a strong crave it helped the crave pass and kept me from packing on the pounds.
Congrats on the first 7 days, those were the roughest for me but it hasn’t entirely been easy since then but there were some good weeks. Days 7-14 were pretty good but I hit some bad anxiety during week 3, also recently I’ve been struggling and I’m around day 50. Otherwise it’s been better than expected.
We’re here when you need us to vent, to know if what you are feeling is normal or just to shoot the shit.
If you think you’re going to cave jump on here first.
Steve
Day 55
My smokey came in today, long couple of days….exhausting
How is everyone doing?
I’m doing good Shiva thanks for asking.
Always makes me feel good to hear everyone is doing so well in their quit!
JayP enjoy Hong Kong
Rick you’re an animal
Steve
Day 54
Ho ho ho no nicotine today! You guys are all my heroes.
Rick
Day 37
Merry Christmas jayp, shiva, rick, Steve, and DDD, if your around !
All of you guys helped me throughout the year on my quit…
So. Eggnog, turkey, pies, cookies, family and seeing my wife open her presents.
And no Copenhagen!
I fly to Hong Kong tomorrow, the nic bitch does not have a ticket anymore on my long flights!
Jeff
137
Hey Steve, How you holding up?
JayP, How is it going? You are nearing almost at the 6 month mark :).
I’m doing great Shiva, thanks for asking! Yes! Approaching 6 months free of that shit. If I can get past the 180 day mark (confident I will), it will be the longest I have quit since I started.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas Shiva, we’ll be around.
-JP
Just dropping by to wish all you quitters a Merry Christmas. This will he my first tobacco/nicotine free Christmas in a long time. I wish all of you and yours a wonderful holiday and keep quit!!
-JP
Day #163
Thank you guys, I tried a couple of places Wal-Mart and Circle K that they mention on their websites and a bunch of tobacco stores, no dice yet. I figured one tobacco store would have at least some form of the fake stuff. Thanks Rick, I will try the tea bags if it comes down to it I’m hoping the tins I ordered express ship a couple of days ago get here soon. I guess I was going to have to kick the oral addiction at some point just wasn’t sure it was now.
Thanks Shiva and JayP, I’m surprised it got this bumpy around day 50 I really thought it was smooth sailing I guess with the holidays falling around the 50 day mark as well probably didn’t help the situation. On a “lucky” note I got a cold, I say this is lucky because I didn’t really dip much before when I was sick so that’s taking the edge off a bit.
Well guys and girls, I hope you all have great tobacco-free Christmas’s. I will try to check email as much as possible over the next couple of days if anyone is looking for support.
Steve
Day 2 of the 2nd half (52)
Hey awesome job Steve. 50 days is really something! As far as smokey mountain goes I would just check out all the local tobacco shops in your area as jayp said. That’s where I found mine. Tiny little display hidden by tons of tobacco! If they don’t have it maybe they could order it in? Hopefully this helps dude if that don’t work maybe try tea bags if your really scraping. I honestly did that one day at work real early on and it did help.
Hey fellas, I am on day 4 of quittin dippin. I had the fog really bad days 1 and 2 but I don’t have it anymore and I sleep fine at night and well rested. I get really bad cravings throughout the day but I eat jolly ranchers, sunflower seeds and whatever I can go keep my mind off of Copenhagen. My mind is definitely not on my side, it keeps trying to talk myself into just having one last one but I’m holding off. I am doing this for a job interview I have where in order to get the job, you have to be nicotine free, so I’m using that as my quit forever plan. Is it truly completely out of your system for a pee test after only 3 days? Any info would be great. Thanks fellas!
Kyle most places test for cotinine which lasts for 7 to 10 days in your system.yes nicotine is out afyer about 3 days.its awesome youve gone 4 days without but Make this quit about you dude. Your mind will try to rationalize using more chew After you get the job. You have to really want it. Me I was tire of being a SLAVE. Tobacco was constantly on my mind. I know now it was just nicotine poisoning my subconscious, hijacking my reward/pleasure centers in my brain. Remember this is the only life, jaw and face that you get. There are no do overs. We are all in your corner brother keep us posted.
I am still here fellas! The can keeps calling but I keep hanging up! No updates here…. just looking forward to a Skoal free Christmas – first one since 2007! Definitely feeling better these days.
Rick
Day 34
Keep crushing it dudes
Hey Brendan, how are you holding? How are the eyes doing?
Rick, it’s been a while since we heard from you, everything good?
I’m halfway to 100 today, it was smooth sailing for a few weeks but is has gotten bumpy lately! If anyone knows where I can get some smokey in MA please let me know. I went to 3 places on their website no dice, haven’t had a smokey in over a week.
Steve
Day 50
Hey Steve,
I had the worst between 50-70 days and looks like you are going through the same. This is a clear symptom that your mind is trying to heal at it’s best and one last desperation from nic bitch that enslaved your mind.
Good luck and keep posted.
Hey Steve,
Congrats on 50 days!! Half way there. Things were bumpy for me too at 50 Steve. I think things didn’t get really easy until probably 70+. You are pretty dam qualified to fight off those demons at 50 though.
Regarding the Smokey Mountain….the only national retailer I know of is Walmart. I’m in Michigan and I know another chain here sells it. Other than that, its ordering online. I have never ordered it online, since Wintergreen was the flavor I usually chose…but I found others I liked better. The tobacco shop that I bought my Skoal from, also sold Smokey Mountain. He just got Arctic Mint in too…I have been telling a lot of dippers to try Smokey and some have quit. I tried the Arctic Mint after a friend of mine told me it was in this store…..not bad! Actually think its better than the Wintergreen. Different feel than the mint leafs Triumph uses. Anyway, Walmart is the only national distributor of SM I know of.
Hope you can find some and keep quit Steve…halfway there!!
-JP
Day# 160
Hey all, I’m on day 2 of quiting. Can’t sleep at all, this is definitely hell. I am committed to quitting this time, but I need to rant for a bit. This headache feels like death. I’ve only chewed this long, since fall 2008, because I said college was stressful and I’d quit once I graduated. I graduated a year ago today and this past year I’ve chewed the most I’ve ever chewed in a year. Hence, quit time. Day 3 here I come.
Monty how are you doing? The first week is brutal man and you probably won’t get a good night of sleep for a few weeks.
You still dip-free?
Steve
Day 55
woops…renman is me, Brendan…still figuring out posting stuff
Thanks to all of you guys…it really is a relief to hear that these symptoms seem to be normal…and I don’t remember it being this bad the first time I quit so maybe that’s what got me worried. Thanks for the insight on that, JP. The Fog really is a bitch to overcome! Kind of feel like a zombie most of the time… I cannot wait for it to lift! But the feedback from all of you gives me hope and motivation. Happy Holidays
Typed up a post then lost it, will write again on train ride home tonight. Hope everyone is good
Steve
I am on day 12 of my quit…This is my second quitting attempt…I made it 90 days on my initial attempt and caved for stupid reasons…I have some concerns about “The Fog” I am experiencing this time. I’m wondering if I am just experiencing normal withdrawal symptoms or if I need to get checked out for sleep problems. My eyes are always squinting and I find myself staring into space. I have good vision so it’s not a sight thing. I just feel like my sleep is not good sleep no matter how many hours I get and everyday, I have to fight to keep my eyes from constantly squinting. It’s like I’m trying really hard to read something in the distance but I’m actually not, it just happens. I hope it is just nicotine withdrawal but wondering if its a sleep issue. Anyone else have these “stare into space” symptoms?
Hey Brandon I definitely stared into space but not like you are explaining but different people react differently to sleep deprivation. Day 12 seems a bit early to be getting quality sleep, I would give it a few days to a week and see how u feel. If it’s causing you anxiety then by all means get to the doctor.
Steve
Day 46
Sleep, at day 12? I didn’t get a real good sleep until day 30 or so. I think you are in the fog on your quit. Hang in there Brendan!
Jeff
Day128
Hi Brendan,
Congrats on 12 days of freedom. I’m with the others here….”good” sleep didn’t come back to me until around 30-40 days into my quit. I also agree with Jeff, this just sounds like the fog messing with you. Sounds like you’ve been through this already, day 90 you got to. I read on here, if you slip up and start again after a quit like that, after a long period away, the fog is double what it was the first time around. Honestly, that fog was such a bitch to me my first 30-40 days, after 25 years of dipping, no way in hell do I want to deal with it “double” time. But clearly to me and to the others, this is definitely what you’re dealing with. If it does become too much, I would do as Steve recommends, to see your doctor. Tell hinnwhat you’re doing, he can vet you something to knock off the edge and get you through this transition. If not, just hang in there….it’ll lift on its own for sure!
Hope you and everyone else has a great holiday….we’ll be checking back in on you all!
-JP
Day #156
Rick
All is good on my end, your motivation is awesome, keep up the fight, kickin ass and taking names!
I agree with you on DDD.. But, I think Jayp also made a good point, he might have caved, and just doesn’t want to shoot the shit anymore. I am happy he helped me thru my hard days of my quit, I wish him well.
Happy holidays all my quit friends!!!
Jeff
Day 128
How’s everybody doing! Hope your all kicking Nicotines ass. It kicked my ass for 6.5 years now I’ve been kicking its ass for 28 days. Steve Ben Skippy any updates. Jeff and jayp I know you guys are solid thanks for the inspiration. I still read my first post in here back on October 12-13 Im a much better clear minded person now. You guys gave me the original inspiration and for that thank you. Wish deepydeedont would come back and let’s know what’s up. If you read this DDD come back tell us your quit or that you wanna try again. I liked your rambling posts!
Rick day 28
Hey Rick how are you buddy? How is the wife feeling? Sorry for the radio silence lately. Everything has been good but busy. How are the new guys holding up? Seems like Ben has a week under his belt but no update from Skippy.
Next few weeks are going to be challenging for us all, I will make sure I’m checking in regularly to both support and be supported.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas.
Steve
Day 46
Hey guys whats up ita Ben today is one week for me chew frew first time is awhile i feel good atill not sleeping great but there ia progress really been kinda tough seeing frienda dip in front of me and not asking for a pinch but i didnt so heres to one week!
Ben
Day 7
Congrats on one week of nicotine freedom Ben! Each day moves you further away from the poison. I know what you mean about being around dippers. Its tough, especially in the early phases if the quit. I mentioned I quit in my early 20’s but went on a fishing trip with my buddies. They were all standing in the river packing their cans….I ended up taking one….worst mistake I made. I came home and started all over. I learned something wayyy back then, no dipping after you quit! Quit is Quit!
And one last thing, secretly, your buddies DO envy your quit. You be got the balls to change and they don’t….rememeber that as you continue!
Congrats again and KEEP QUIT!
-JP
Day #152
Great job Ben! Know that as long as you don’t put nicotine in your body you’ll never have to feel like you did last week again! One little taste of nicotine will “wake up” dormant nicotine receptors that have been shut down. Within a couple days you’ll be back to normal use. There is no “just one”. If you wanna stay quit you must abstain completely. We are all in your corner keep it up!
Rick
Day 26
Just checking in again Fellas! I have been battling the flu, I “think” (HOPE!) its on its way out.
Looks like we have a new quitter here, congrats on 4 days (now 5) Skippy. Great choice starting your quit…you are almost a week free of Dip!!
Ben, congrats on almost a week free yourself! BTW, it IS normal to have your sleep patterns disturbed when quitting. You are re-wiring your brain to be nicotine free and it’s looking all over for any left over Nicotine in there. I was a fucking ZOMBIE for 30-40 days. I had anxiety, dizzy zaps, sleepless nights, overall, my thinking was distorted! It certainly was a real tough time and when I look back at the WAR I went through to get where I am today, it is what keeps me quit. and it’s my hopes that this is what will keep all of you guys quit, 100 days and beyond. No way I am going back now!!
Feel free to come here often and ask questions, reach out to the people here. Rick and Steve both have been offering up wonderful support for all new comers, proud of them both! This will help them get to their 100 days as well, as it did me, Jeff and others!
Keep quit Men and have a great and Nicotine free weekend!!
-JP
Day# 150
Day 4 almost over for me… Still wanting a dip after doing just about damn near anything, but then I remember how kick ass it feels to wake up in the morning and be nicotine free. My perspective on everything is quite different without the nicotine. I feel more energized, like being a kid again. I’m getting more excited about the little things that make me happy in life. Those moments are my reward, not the dip. I can honestly say that the dip holds me back from a clear though process. I can’t say that is true for everyone, but it definitely is for me. BTW Rick, I’m a seasoned veteran with the green… not to worry partner!
Glad to hear it brother. 4 days that means the nicotine is completely out of your system. Sounds like your feeling a little better which is cool. Its gonna start to get mental now. Remember dude nicotine is a poison that also overrides your dopamine levels. We’ve trained our brains to expect regular dopamine boosts at specific times places certain people. So it will take time to readjust everything. Keep it up man your doing awesome
Rick day 24
Nice work skippy, keep it up. The first few days are straight awful and the worst for me. Week 1 was hell especially day 7, week 2 seemed easy and week 3 was some heavy anxiety. Everyone is different rhough I hope yours is smooth sailing
Steve
Whats up guys another night of not much sleep im pretty tired and i feel like im getting sick like a sore throat or something i dont know if that is from quitting because i don have any other cold symptoms but yeah today is day 5 longest periode of time i havent diped since i starte last year around this time but yeah ill probably check back in later has a blessed day guys!
Ben
Day 5
Ben
I had sore throat, then to some of my friends delight, even lost my voice for a few days. Sleep? I know my experience was, I didn’t get a good night sleep until around day 30. Others might have gotten sleep earlier. On weekends I would take a nap, napcar ( NASCAR) was the best nap ever.
Keep the battle going
Jeff
Day 123
Ben sore throat for sure, I banged down a lot of zinc drops over the first week.
No thanks rick i apprciate it those cans were calling to me but i was doing the same thing i was saying when the semesters over when i sign for football when i do this or this is the reason i do this because these thing stressed me and i turned to dip but i cant do that forever!