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.
My quit date was this past Monday July 25th. I will say I’m at the 72 hour mark, so according to what I’m reading I’m now rid of nicotine in my body. I will confess that all these years as a dipper my appetite was always non existent. For the most part, I could go a majority of the day without eating and it didn’t bother me. Now that I have quit I have a voracious appetite. In the 3 days I’ve quit I’ve gained 8 lbs. Is this normal? I’m not really fiending for nicotine, but I seem to be craving junk food all the time as if I just smoked pot. I know its only been 3 days but I don’t want to go from chances of oral and mouth cancer from dipping to liver and kidney failure from junk food binges and develop diabetes. I guess I was having a nicotine withdrawal yesterday and then I ate 3 brownies that had milky way pieces in it and I felt better. Then after eating 3 of them I was like what the fuck am I doing. For dinner I ate so much food I got that “Thanksgiving Day Food Hangover” the one where you feel miserable and you undue the button on your jeans, kick off your boots and lay fully stretched out in the recliner and crash out. Any feedback would be great.
This is a little more info. I can’t afford to gain more weight. I’m 6’2″ 310 lbs. Most of my weight came from high school and college when I played football and ate like a beast and lifted weights everyday. I know I’m doing the right thing by killing the can. I am trying to eat good things and make the right choices. I just ate 2 butterflies chicken breasts a full bowl of broccoli and drank 2 bottles of water. Yet I’m having hunger pains still. Like I said before when I dipped I was almost never hungry.
I am the same way. Get yourself into a gym, pronto. I quit for 2 years, then started again 2 years ago…after breaking the 20yr habit. I’m back on day ONE of no tobacco, and im already almost begging for a vending machine full of food. The best thing that happened to me was that I got out and starting running…then go invited to the YMCA. Thats my advice. Do that and at least you’re burning off some of the intake.
Jeff, what you outlined is totally “normal”. At least it was for me during my quit too. The reason you’re eating so much is really two part in my opinion. One, you’re used to having something in your mouth…a dip. Food is now what you’re using to satisfy that “need”. Two, your body is searching for nicotine. By putting sugar in there, it’s giving you something for your craving. I get it, I was eating the same way early in my quit.
I would suggest finding something like sunflower seeds, gum or even the fake dips out here. I started really enjoying the seeds once I got used to them…it took a while. I’d stuff a cheek full of them…the work I put in, to crack the shell, spit it and eat the seed, seemed to take care of a lot of the oral fixation. I also tried almost every single fake dip listed on this site until I found one I liked. Now, just over 2 years free of the Tobacco, I still do take a fake dip here and there. I always have one around, In the event “I want a dip”. Just be sure you are only using the non-nicotine versions. Some offer nicotine in their products, refrain from using those ones. And I recently have stopped the seeds and use gum mostly just now…and that too is less and less.
You will battle the oral thing for a while…the trick is finding a substitution, that isn’t only food. I gained 20lbs on my quit…carried it around with me up until last fall, I finally shaved off 25! Got tired of carrying it, now I’m where I was, slightly lower, than when I first quit.
It’s been a journey for sure, but you can do it. Your story sounds a lot like mine. Wish I’d never started dipping, but all my teammates did it too. No excuses anymore, I’m done with it. The weight gained, was so worth it to be free from dependency.
I’m sorry, getting off point, go get yourself something to occupy that fixation, that’s my advice. Seeds, Gum, Fake chew. You said you were an athlete, get back to the gym! I found running and lifting weights helped tremendously with the anxiety that came back around the 30-60 day period, and it probably also helped me only gain the 20 lbs, instead of 40!
I wish you much luck on your journey. Use this site, it’s full of useful info for quitting and people will help if you reach out, I cannot stress that enough. Get into the forum discussions too. People want to help each other here, it’s a beautiful thing.
Take care
-JP
2 years 13 days free
Weight gain is normal bro!
18 years of dipping 1-1.5 cans/day. I’m on hour 24. It concerns me cause it seems I was dipping “above average” and I haven’t experienced much of the hell yall are referring to. I just hope I’m ready for it. Got Nicorette 4mg, Jakes Mint Chew, Seeds, etc. we’ll. Good luck to others trying to start/continue/stay quitting.
After 27 years and about 2 cans a day, I never thought I would make it past 2-3 hours, let alone day 70!. The Chantix for the first 30 days helped and Jake’s Mint Snuff for the last couple weeks have made life pretty good. Just a note for everyone out there, you can do it, stay vigilant and keep your head up. Life gets better every day.
I just ordered some cans from Bacc off. Going to try and quit when they come in the mail. I’ve been dipping hard for about 10 years, meaning dipping at all times, minus while eating and sleeping. I’ve just tried to see what it was like not having one for 2 hours and it’s definitely got me freaking out. Guess it needs to be done. Would be easier if I went to jail I’m thinking, but I’ll try it this way first.
I chewed hard for about 20 years. I was able to quit a couple of months ago. It was impossible for me to quit until I truly made up my mind to do so. Good luck!
Agree with Mike Jay,
It is impossible to get away from this horrible habit unless you are truly committed to stay away. I wish you much luck in your journey. It takes a while to shake it.
Today, marks 2 years free from that shit. My nicotine quit date was July 15th 2014.
You just have to promise yourself everyday, “I no longer include nicotine in my life”.
Good luck everyone, stay strong and keep up the fight.
-JP
BTW Jay,
If that Baccoff doesn’t work, try another fake alternative. I tried almost all of them, even after I found one I liked. So many good alternatives to chewing tobacco these days, I will never return to that poison. Seeds, Gum… Excersise, also help curb the craves…good luck!
Jay, I dipped for a little over 10 years myself. Quiting was easier than I thought it would be…I had been wanting to quit for a while, one day I woke up and decided it was enough. Do it for yourself if you can..if not, then do it for your wife, kids, family, etc. It is well worth it. I am over 100 days and I can say I notice a difference in my overall health.
Sure did, July 4 was 100. Fully expect Indefinately future Benjamin’s lol.
Good look to all to stay away from queen bitch Nic.
John
Congrats on your first 100 John! This is a very important First milestone. You are definitely qualified to slap the cravings in place when they come along “been there done that”. Wish you well on your way to 200, great job!
-JP
Father of 2 boys. Been dipping since 16. Smoked since age 14. Started dipping really really heavy around age 24. Ican do without smoking, but I swear chew is killing me. I’ve quit several times. Yet, I keep coming back. I was in the navy and while working on the flight deck and flight line, I would gut Copenhagen long cut all day long and most the night. I’ve switched to grizzly long cut wintergreen since. Hated it at first and thought that may help. Guess what!! Now I’m addicted to that! So mad at myself sometimes. I just can’t quit. My family can’t have something bad happen to me. I just want to make this nasty habit go away! This stuff needs to be banned.
Been hardcore cope snuff dipper 30 years got 20 days been getting by using smokey mountain if you like wintergreen that is really good
I strongly recommend you try Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff. (NO tobacco, NO nicotene!) Several flavors. The “Classic” is the best I’ve found to compare with Copenhagen. The “Wintergreen” is just like the real stuff! Walmart sells it. Too easy.
It’s been a few months since I quit chewing. And yet my jaw still doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t hurt, but it definitely doesn’t feel right. I did get checked for cancer.everything came back good. If anybody has any advice, please let me know thanks.
m just a beginner,chewing since my high school age 17 now i m 23 made a plan to quit tapering of my doses and the spacing time between the dipping time listed my triggers all set to sail …
John I can honestly feel you on this, 45 days into my quit, my wife decided to throw 23 years of marriage in the garbage. I’m now 202 days. Always remember nicotine +problem = 2 problems. Hang tough!!! Come look me up in the quit forum under the community tab sometime.
The whole joining piece I’ve found confusing ? Not sure what area your talking. Went through all the free registration steps but then some error code pops up and it says I’m just a “guest”? Watched an online explanation on all the steps to post role ? Seems overly complicated and haven’t really had any contact with anyone until you. I just post role hitting “reply” on whatever the strand is that shows up in my email. Has been helpful reading all the others in the same boat. Definately some misary loves company in life at times.
Thank you
Today was day 95. Tough one since I’m thinking about divorce after 24 years of marriage. Wanted a dip – but still not breaking down. Figure if that can help someone out there, that’s a good thing.
Nicotine is just not an option is my mentality anytime I contemplate it.
Here’s the link to the quit group forum, http://forum.killthecan.org/forum/55566/, post roll in the month that has your quit dates and say your looking for wepdoc I will be informed and find you!!!
Started chewing at 16 and am now 34. I think the longest stretch of not using during this 18 years was like two weeks; I am at 4 days right now and want a chew so bad. I was never a huge user though, a tin would last me a week. I limited myself to two chews a day, but I really really looked forward to those designated times. I just want to quit for myself, kind of as a test to see if I can do it. I also do not want to die anytime soon.
I see July 4th will be day 100 for me.
Chewed from age 19 until like 32 years old. Quit at 32 to I’d guess 35 – and then started again unfortunately. Now at 46 I’m trying to quit it for the last time. Don’t kid ourselves that at 100 days were home free. Sure it’s a milestone, and I like the idea of us recognizing it – but it’s a life time battle.
Good luck to everyone.
John
Truth! Hope you made it to the first floor and on your way to 200
Great words ..inspiring a lot.. going thru the worst phase at day 33..visited dentist twice
Congratulations to all. I tried quitting 2 years ago for about 3 months. I was a raging butthead for most of that time. My second go around for quitting. I am on day 3. I use nicotine gum to take the edge off. Maybe a couple of pieces during the day. But that still doesn’t compare to a can of chew a day. I exercise, drink water and try to stay busy to keep my mind off of it.
I quit dipping last week after waking up at 4 am in the morning and seeing a lump on my lip that looked exactly like the lump found in the lip cancer images. Luckily the lump went away as If I was given another chance to be dip-free life.
Will I get my sense of taste back up to “normal”? Or will quitting just stop further damage as far as taste goes? Dipping for 3 and a half years I’m 25 next month thanks for any help and keep fighting!
I am on Day 4 after having dipped daily for the last 13 years (I am 31). By far been the worst day so far. Headache, constant urge to dip. I bought a 10 pack of the Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff. It has worked wonders but today it just isn’t doing the trick. PURE TORTURE TODAY!
Hang in there CC1…i agree, the first 3-5 days are the worst, then comes the mind games from then to about 40-60 days. Just remember, you will NEVER have to go through this again if you stay the course and refrain from using nicotine. You can do it, stay strong through the hard times. I promise, IT WILL GET EASIER THE LONGER YOU STAY AT IT.
-JP
Good Morning all,
Can’t say I recognize many of you here on the board. I just wanted to announce that today, is Day #700 free from nicotine for me. And this is really the only thread I used along with a few other quitters I don’t see out here anymore (hope they are still quit) when I started my quit, 700 days ago.
To all of you popping through, thinking about quitting, you can. It just takes some mental will and strength, but if I could Kill the Can after 30 years of abuse, you can too. My suggestion, is to choose your date, make it about YOU and start counting down the days to 100. By then, you will have walked through the valley of darkness and will be able to beat down any crave that comes your way.
Sure, you’ll be bitchy, you’ll feel cloudy, maybe even some anxiety and a little depression. You may even gain some weight. I found that a lot of these symptoms, are all short lived and many can be combated with exercise. Get out, get active…you are changing your life without nicotine, time to change ALL facets of your life.
It can be done, I am living, typing proof you can do it. Use your tools, exercise, relaxation, seeds, gum, fake chew….just man up and take the plunge.
Because I never thought I’d be able to enjoy life the way I did with smokeless Tobacco, I am here to say that life is as good, if not better, without it. All of you quitters are heros in my book, get at it TODAY! By the way, I have also lost all the 25lbs I gained from my quit as well…a small price to pay for a huge reward.
Good Luck, see you at the 2 year mark!
-JP
Day#700 free!
Way to go JayP, that is a great milestone!….
Thanks Slick, I appreciate that!
Cannot wait to hit 1000 and beyond!
You take care
Congrats Jayp!
You and the other vets who come on here are an inspiration. I don’t check the site as much as I used to but saw your 700 today and wanted to say congrats and thanks. I stopped counting days after 1 year (4-12-16). Still quit and I’m never going to back. And you’re right. Life is better without chew. If any new quitter is reading this stick with it. It’s no joke early on but better days ahead for sure.
Franco
Thanks Franco,
I appreciate the reply. Glad to hear you are still committed to the quit and never plan to return to it, I am in the same boat buddy! Couldn’t agree more, life is great without the junk.
Thanks again!
-JP
Day #701 🙂
Motivating. Thank you for this post !!
You’re welcome Austin, it can be done. Every single one of you!
Take care
Thanks a lot for the inspiration. I am only on day four and it sucks a bunch. I just keep thinking about the times that I chewed and how great it was. I really want to go biking I believe that would take my mind off of wanting to use, but I need a new bike.
There are just so many damn triggers that make a guy just want to keep chewing. Even typing this message makes me want to chew because I know that it is about chew. It’s all good though, thanks again and congrats on hitting 700 days, here’s to your next 700!
Thanks Lucas…agree, everything I used to do, was done with a dip in my mouth. Triggers were plentiful. After a while, the longer you stay away…you learn that life goes on, even after you leave that old can behind. Then you learn that life can be accomplished without the aid of nicotine. Then you learn life is as good…and better, without the junk. As I said…if you’re really wanting a dip, get yourself a fake one you can live with. And don’t think for a minute you are cheating…you’re only cheating if you’re using nicotine. Its a tough monkey to shake, get serious, take the 100 day challenge, It can be done, one day at a time. Keep on keeping on!
-JP
I’m on almost 2 years. I quit dipping the day I got married and I feel alot better. I quit cold turkey after 8 years of dipping a can to a can and a half a day.
Just ran across this site, I’m 17 years old and a senior in high school. I started dipping my freshman year because it was the, “Cool,” thing to do. For the first year I would only take a few dips a week, but then, the addiction really got bad and the habit eventually led to a can/can and a half a day routine. I loved dipping, whether it be while fishing, hunting, cleaning my car, playing baseball, video games, ect. It seemed that a dip of snuff made everything I did more enjoyable. Furthermore, all my friends also dip, so it became a social activity as well. Where I’m from, a small rural town, dipping is a part of life that nearly everyone does, and a must do, to be considered a, “country boy.” However, after a dentist appointment 3 days ago, I’ve decided it’s time to #KickTheCan. While during my appointment, my dentist informed me that I had produced scar tissue in my lip and my gums had started receiding fairly heavily. Along with this, he informed me that the issues I had in my mouth from dipping he usually didn’t see in patients until they were 28-30 years old. Keep in mind I’m 17, with a problem 10 years ahead of my age. Learning this alone has made the descion to quit fairly easy. However, that descion has been the only easy part. These past three days have been hell, and I have suffered from many of the symptoms above. I associate dipping with nearly activity I do, so the triggers, and keeping from falling victim to those triggers, has been a struggle. However, I’ve stayed focused on my goal of quitting and I’m not going to let anything stop me.
Reading this forum has helped me emensley and I respect all of you whom have decided to #KickTheCan. I can only imagine the struggles faced by those who have quit a habit of 20-30+ years. Knowing that you quit has kept me determined that I can also quit. THANK YOU!
For those whom may be considering starting smokeless tobacco that read this; it’s not a cool thing to do. Do not listen to false accusations that the harmful effects take 5 or more years to kick in. That is complete crap, effects and harmful damage of dipping snuff start immediately when you start. Also, do not listen to famous YouTubers in the dipping community that have less than qualified, “doctors/scientist” on their channel expressing how smokeless tobacco is not a risk to your health. Those claims are completely false, and are backed by BS facts that make them sound qualified. Smokeless tobacco can kill you. Cancer does not have a age. #KickTheCan
Austin – much respect to you. You are a very smart man and seem very mature for 17. I was just like you, started for fun, made me feel good and I thought it was cool. I’m 31 now and been chewing since I was 14. I’m on day 7 with out chew and holding strong. I think about it multiple times a day. It did make things more fun but then it just became an expensive, gross habit. I can replace that fun with saving $6.50 a day for a can of chew. I’ll have 2,372.50 saved up in 51 more weeks. I can think of a lot of things that I can spend that on and have some fun with. Not only that, I eliminated the extra risk of me not being around to enjoy LIFE. It’s a disgusting habit. No girls want to see chaw in your teeth or taste your tabaccer when kissed or see you spat a bunch of brown spit all over the baseball field. Stay strong and good luck to you! You are not alone.
More than a decade of being a “every waking minute” dipper……..36 hours in.
Can’t stay asleep at night, cant focus, can’t get work done, and everyone needs a fist a to the face. ARRRRGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Quit chew 3 days ago and omgggggg the headache is annoying
I totally agree day 5 and omg
Father of 2 boys. Been dipping since 16. Smoked since age 14. Started dipping really really heavy around age 24. Ican do without smoking, but I swear chew is killing me. I’ve quit several times. Yet, I keep coming back. I was in the navy and while working on the flight deck and flight line, I would gut Copenhagen long cut all day long and most the night. I’ve switched to grizzly long cut wintergreen since. Hated it at first and thought that may help. Guess what!! Now I’m addicted to that! So mad at myself sometimes. I just can’t quit. My family can’t have something bad happen to me. I just want to make this nasty habit go away! This stuff needs to be banned.
DAY 14!! feeling pretty good so far . Still get thee crave .. last for about 10 min or so then goes away . not as bad as day 1 to 5 .
Same exact spot you are in right now
Today makes a week. I used nicotine gum & lozenges so those who quit cold turkey you have balls of steel. But even with that day 1 was fine. I think it was because I was pumped and eager to quit. Days 2-4 thought I was going to break. Sluggish and could not concentrate. Day 5 I started to feel better and was able to sleep through the night. Dipped on and off for 6 years went to the dentist last year for a pre-cancer screening (annual thing my dentist does) my gums were good and no abnormal tissue growth. But I continued to dip until last week. Eventually I thought man you are going to have to quit one day do it why you are ahead of the game. I’m pissed at myself for not doing it sooner but dip is addictive and the amount of nicotine we absorb far exceed smokers. The thought of cancer and dying or worse having my jaw removed scare the hell out of me. Worse is who I would be leaving behind if I died (My wife) and possibly kids in the future. My advice if you have trouble quitting cold turkey, get the gum and/or lozenges to help. Heard some people use the e-cig which I used as well but there are reports those may not be a safe alternative.
Starting on day 2. I’ve been doing the Wintergreen since about 1977. I am moody as hell. The day is dragging on. I am fighting thoughts about how I’m never going to be able to do this, so why even try and I have the urge to isolate to avoid anything that might stress me out or send me into a rage.
I am using all of this discomfort to convince my rational mind, ( what is left) that anything that has such a hold on me is total bullshit.
I keep biting my tongue and cheek ALL the time
… is this normal…. le I am talking and my tongue just gets in the way
I’m about a month in from quitting and I bite my tongue and cheek all the time … but its slowing down.
I have the same.. after day 3 I bit the same spot on my cheek twice… it bled. Not sure why
Having the same issue, does anyone know why this is happening ?
So…3 days ago i got my wisdom teeth out…i used that as my starting point to get rid of the can…i started in college in 2000. So far it has been easy, mostly due to the pain in my mouth. but the pain is starting to recede and i feel the little cravings. Staying strong though…
I am curious…on June 7 th it will be 9 months dip free for me…I still wake up a lot and my mouth feels like I’ve dipped where I used to keep it for 30 years…anyone else still get that sensation ?
I’m a month out and I’m still waking up after 4-5 hours of sleep with a metallic taste. Freaking out about it a little. Any idea when the taste in my mouth will be normal?
Day 3, and the anxiety is becoming pretty overwhelming. The first day was the hardest, and now it’s simply mind games that I’m dealing with. I keep asking myself, is dip really that bad? Isn’t there a bunch of other things way worse I could be doing? But, I know that this is an addiction and I’m fed up with it. I can do this, and so can you.
I’m on day 18 and I’m feeling good about my decision to quit. Definitely still want a huge hogger from time to time, but I know it’s not worth it. I’ll just be pissed at myself afterwards. Keep holding strong, my friend ✊
started dipping in college 1990.(kodiak) i quit cold turkey december 1st. first week was pure hell…now it is easy. it is nice having extra cash and not worrying about cancer
Been dipping since 1986 since i was 16… been off it for 7 days now and yea… mind games BIG TIME! like my damn brain isn’t even working right. I’m the type of guy that could land the Space Shuttle half asleep without a worry in the World but lately I’m double checking to see if I’m spelling my own name right at the bank I’m so hair brained and foggy! Trying to stay the course please send me positive vibes guys so i can escape this dip demon once and for all!
Hang in there Scott. Believe it not you’re right on track. If you haven’t, check out this article about “The Fog”: https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/the-fog-of-quitting-dip/
Im on my 4th week as of today and I never thought I would have made it this long to be honest. Using this system having seeds and gum in the car and ready in case an urge come while in traffic has really helped. I use the fake stuff when i golf on sundays with my friends because they all still chew and your right it can make you want the real stuff more. Hang in there it is getting easier but i srill have many urges. I have been trying to remind myself that it will pass and it does. I stay as busy as possible and have been using this stuff called blackout at night to sleep. Stay strong it is getting easier but I believe we are always in for a fight. Stay away from beer or alcohol for awhile too.
Joe
I’m 16 and dipped like 4 times already noticing my gums reducing… does anyone know hoe ling it takes for them to come back in?
They do not come back in. Gums do not regenerate.
Unfortunately after dipping even once your gum line recedes and in about 7 months your bottom teeth will start to fall out. Because you’ve already done it 4 or more times and you’re only 16, it’s only a matter of time before you start to notice your teeth getting very loose. (That’s why the age limit is 18 yrs) It happened to a friend of mine who dipped 3 times when he was 15. My advice to you, throw away the can and stay away from tobacco.
Haha good call!
Iiv been dipping since i was 15 and im 26 now still have my teeth just saying though
I think Aaron is being a bit dramatic for the sake of making a point, but his point is valid. Stay away while you can. Don’t be like me and the thousands of others in our community who’ve gone decades before getting smart enough to quit.
Been dipping for 5 years in the military. I quit 3 weeks ago and it’s easier than I thought it would be. The first 4 days were really bad tho. I was like a walking zombie. I was a real asshole to everyone. Yes I know but I couldn’t help it. After the first week it got easier. Now In my third week I can do things like drink, go to the shooting range, and video game without Having to dip. I am a mentally strong person and can really fight going out and buying another log. As for withdrawals I just have stomach pain every now and then, anxiety and frustration that is going away. I run ALOT which really helps out. My main support is my girlfriend, she is very encouraging. Also I’m going through a police academy that is very demanding so it definitely helps take my mind off of dipping. Good luck guys.
I have been chewing C-hagen Snuff since 1978. I am trying to quit a 2-tin a day habit. Receding gums and a 6 month long cough have told me it’s enough. I am 36 hours into this I am reading all your posts; it helps
Tim, I too went down the C-hagen snuff train. That is all I chewed. If it was not Cope, it was ground up horse shit. I got a virus at the beginning of May. Doctors don’t treat virus’s, they tell you to go home and rest. I was down and out for 2 weeks straight. Did not touch 1 dip. Mind you, been chewing Cope since the late 80’s. When I got sick, I threw my opened can in the fridge freezer and 2 unopened cans in the chest freezer in the basement. I got better from the virus but developed Thrush on my tongue and throat. It is basically a yeast infection of the tongue. babies get it from breast feeding and women get yeast infections if their yay yay is wet and dirty. Well, i was not sucking milk or eating yeasty yay yay. I had a break down over Memorial day weekend, I grabbed the opened can out of fridge freezer and threw a dip in. It tasted horrible. I could actually taste the snuff (which i have not been able to taste in years). It gave me that buzz. made my mouth water like crazy. I spit it out and threw the can in the trash. I was disappointed in myself and felt like a failure. I was spaced out for hours. The next day, I had an Ulcer on the side of tongue (same side I put the dip on)… My tongue turned white, Got 2 big blisters all the way in the back of my tongue. Called the doctor today. Can not see me until the end of June. Called another doctor, can not see me until August. Called my trusted Certified Nurse Practitioner. She wants me to go get checked for oral cancer. So, i am. The sad part is…. all of us think , I brush, i floss, I rinse, I switch sides, I take care of myself. i work out. I am invincible. ——- no you are not.
On another note, so you guys don;t think that I am some kind of nancy pants. I embalm bodies for a living. that is right, I work with the deceased on a daily basis. I rebuilt an old man’s jaw today. he dipped. He was dead from oral cancer. They cut out half his jaw bone, reconstructed his top plate of his mouth. I do not want to end up laying in a hospital bed in my house with my wife and kids watching me drool on a folded up hand towel that is resting on my shoulder because my mouth will not close and I was not man enough to kick the can. I am done for good. I got too much to live for and I am a bigger man than to let a tobacco company think they have a customer for life. They had me from age 14 until now (age 39). I never really had a reason to quit. Now I can think of so many.
Great post Slick. If this one doesn’t give a person thinking about quitting, the motivation to start their quit, not sure anything will.
I wish you much success on your journey!
-JP
Well done bro.
I am on day 20, and it is kind of hard. I have found that chewing on green tea is really helpful for me. Maybe you can try it too.
Way to go J, you can do it. All the best.
6 days in on a 25 year habit, I took advantage of a flu on days 1 through 3 of quitting. I had no desire to chew snuff or eat food in those days. And since then cravings have been in the back of my head but not to bad as of yet.
Brother I chewed for 31 years and am on 8 months dip free…it’s easier but I still think about that shit every day. I woke up this morning and felt like I had chewed last night cause my cheek felt nasty like I had chewed…shit is just ridiculous but it does get easier just stick with it
Bat crap crazy is an understatement right now! 1 week and ready to throw furniture at squirrels.
36+ years of dipping and kicking this monkey sux beyond words.
I started chewing when I was 12 years old. My grandfather had a tobacco farm. Started dipping 35 years ago. I am on day 16. To be honest I just got sick and tired of being a slave to a habit. I wanted to be free of its grips on me. It’s been tough. Cravings. But I am sick and tired of being a slave to this stuff. Hand in there guys. I am not going to fail. It’s time to free myself. It’s time for you to free yourself.
I just dipped a small bag for the first time today. The buzz was great, yet I didn’t expect I’d be throwing up an hour or so later. This shit sucks & is not worth it. I’m 20yrs old. Never doing this again. I don’t wanna end up addicted. Ya’ll are an inspiration to all. #KillTheCan/Bag
Good for you Ruben.. Very smart choice….
I’m on day 68. If it wasn’t for this site I would probably still be chewing! Lol I’ve been having numb feelings on my tongue and stomach discomfort for a few days. Is this the healing process or should I be worried about it?
I had tongue issues on and off for the first 5-6 months. I think this was related to jaw clenching/TMJ stuff. I also had stomach stuff start 6 months in and last 1-2 months. Looking back I think most or all symptoms were caused by anxiety. Once that was gone all the other stuff went away. Hang in there and if you need to see a dentist or doctor then go see one to get peace of mind.
Day # 376
I thinks it’s all in your head. I had to go 4 months without it. Certainly wasn’t physically drained, I strived through OSUT training. Picked back up and had to quit again for infantry school, and once again I had none of those systems. It’s all about perspective
It’s absoulutely not just in your head….I assume, based on your post, you are probably in your teens-early 20’s? Which also, I again, am going to assume, you haven’t been on this habit very long. I dipped for almost 30 years….and I had about every symptom outlined above. I think the longer you’re on the shit, the larger the side effects.
I had zero effects when the quit (and failed) in my early 20’s…that would of only been about the first 10 years of my habit…this is why I think you aren’t maybe experiencing all of the above.
-JP
Day #655 free of the junk
I quit 1 year ago yesterday. I wanted to thank everyone that helped me in the first few months and everyone who runs this site. Haven’t posted in awhile but I’m on the site everyday. Life is great now. First 7-8 months were tough with anxiety.
It is good to see all the new quitters. Stay vigilant and use the resources and people on this site for help. Join a quit group if you need help that way.
The quit continues to get easier and you will enjoy life so much more when it’s not dictated by a can of junk.
Again thanks to all who helped me.
Jeff
Day 366
@jefft, thanks for checking in and congrats! Seems like I hear good words just when I need them most… Day 47 anxious as hell… Mind just races towards everything negative… I’m in for the fight just nice knowing better days to come?
I’m day 48. Anxiety has been horrible last couple of weeks but feels like its getting better. I miss the dip at times but I’ll be danged if I’m giving in now
Congrats on 1 year free JeffT!
Agree70 and Rob, keep plugging away fellahs, that anxiety and fog will lift. It may not feel like it at times, but trust me, it will go away the longer you refrain from using the shit, stay strong!
-JP
I wouldn’t do it. I was on my 6th day and had a pinch on the gof coarse and failed the rest of the week. Started over again Sun and on my 3rd day again. Sucks.
Just began today and it’s kind of rough (been craving a lip all day) but I know it will be well worth it when I don’t have to rely on my nicotine addiction.
Quit officially on Easter Sunday, so think it’s officially day 30. I still say a successful quit boils down to just taking off the skirt – and getting it done. Anyone with any brains knows your blkilling yourself with your teeth digging your grave with that crap. Yea it sucks, it’s uncomfortable, your going to be crabby. First 2-4 days are awful. If I can do it there’s no reason for anyone else to be dipping. Cut big tobacco off at the knees and let’s celebrate putting them out of business lol.
Be well everyone
John
Officially on day 26. Here’s how I look at it. You have to simply admit it’s going to be absolute hell the first 1-4 days. No way around it. Once you get to a week I just keep telling myself I never want to go thru that 1-4 period again. I’m feeling way better now.,still cravings for it but it’s a more manageable will power now. But those first couple days, boy they are the battle. Good luck everyone
John
I can’t believe i’ve been dip free for 5 months now after dipping for the last 23 years! Having forums like this one surely helps in trying to kick the habit. Those initial 2-3 weeks were absolutely brutal. Good luck to all those out there trying to quit this nasty habit.
Today is day 5. The first 2-3 days I can’t even tell you what I did those days the fog was so bad. It is clearing and feeling great. Keep strong.
Day 2 of my quit right now and i can tell you that after my 10 year anniversary of being a grade a jackass with copenhagen, typing this is a real struggle. The fog right now is like someone turned on 3 smoke machines in the smallest room on earth. My homework is going nowhere fast and my sentences fade off at the end when I talk because I have no energy. Trying to be a man about this feels ironic since the only thing immasculating about all this was not being mature enough to quit before this. Staying vigilant and not about to give up. Thanks for this website the support is great.
My roommate and I really enjoyed reading your post, we feel like you’re honestly an awesome and cool person. Had us laughing too. Hope you get through it! Best of luck!
I’m 16 I’ve dipped the past 2 years 3 cans a week. Been clean 3 weeks. Will one pinch make the withdrawal worse?
that one pinch will inevitably lead to another one. I tried so many times to quit but all it takes is 1 casual dip to start down that path again.
Yes it is, it’s like going through he’ll all over again, and you feel like you failed yourself when your really committed to quiting. Kick the can be a man!!
I ordered some stuff called grinds feom online. Filling the void it does but it is still really tough. I mean really tough. I never knew how much this shit plays with your head.
I am also currently quitting after many years of chewing, and god damn is it hard. I notice in the article it talks about “the fake stuff” do you guys know what it is referring to or do you have any experiences with things that have helped fill that void in your lip when you are watching tv, etc. I heard a guy say that it helped him to use used tea bags as something to pack in. This didn’t do anything for me, seeds don’t do much either since I have already ate seeds for a long time as well. If their was something that I could just mimic the chew with it would be so much easier. It isn’t so much the nicotine withdrawal that’s killing me, its just breaking the routine especially watching tv before bed without dip that is the hardest part.
Hi Scott – the “fake stuff” referred to are smokeless alternatives / fake dip. These products contain no nicotine and no tobacco: https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/smokeless-alternatives/
I just quit Copenhagen and I found stuff from smokey mountain herbal snuff not that bad
Hey Scott I’ve been chewing Copenhagen for 27 yrs now I’ve tried to quit many times I’m day 2 right now and dying. I’ve tried all of the fake stuff and personally non of it works it just makes me crave it more.
Cold turkey is the way to go. The fake stuff just pissed me off!
Day 102!!!! Can’t believe I have made it this far…….. I chewed two cans a day for 15 years and a can a day for 3 years before that. New Years Eve, about 10 mins until midnight I looked over at a picture of my mom who passed in 2012 from lung cancer. It hit me right then and there that not only was I on the same destructive path but it was also the ultimate insult to her, to my wife and kids and most importantly…. to myself.
When I woke up New Years morning I was pissed that I quit lol, I knew the hell that was about to happen but I never tried to think too far ahead. Just get through the hour, make it until lunch, one meal at a time…….. little steps that I hoped would cumulatively make a huge difference. Even now, I do not think too far ahead, just keep it small.
Even in 102 days, I have noticed some major changes: I sleep EXPONENTIALLY better, not staying up late to get that last dip in. With chew being a laxative, I’ve noticed that my….. bathroom usage is much more calm, nonexplosive and regular lol. Food tastes better, spitters aren’t laying everywhere. My dental hygienist wife (yes, you read that correctly) isn’t busting my balls all day, my kids aren’t disgusted……. the list goes on and on.
It’s not easy. It flat out sucks. To me, giving up chewing was like giving up on a buddy who, although they may not have always been the most positive influence, they were always there for me. Day and night, no judgement, no busting my balls. Perfect for any situation: long car rides, movies, sporting events, outdoors, indoors, early in the day, late at night………. didn’t matter.
Lastly, one little dumb thing that REALLY helped me was I would always try to remind myself that X number of my fellow friends, or of the general population didn’t chew and they didn’t explode from not having any so although I may have some anxious moments, just anything it will pass. On to the next goals, 6 months.
Good luck everyone, stay positive and remember………. the funk only lasts for so long but the reward is a lifetime!!
Congrats on making the first floor Justin…great story, great examples, so true, all of it!
Keep on keeping on!
-JP
KTC… Chewed 25 years and celebrating 1 year. I went cold turkey and read a lot of posts. Thanks Chewie, JAYP and all of you. My advice would be change the radio station in your car and do not chew. It’s a life changer.
Franco
364
Congrats on 1 year Franco! I do remember you posting on this thread back when I was here more often. Good to see you gutted it out and remained quit. I agree, very rewarding to quit and reach that 1 year make. Great seeing you post again, beleive it or not, you too helped me by popping thru, so I thank you as well.
Keep on fighting!
-JP
Great post Justin extremely motivating! Was there any time in those 100 u felt the fog lift… Get better? Curious as in the 30’s
Hi everyone, my name is Zack. I have tried to quit dipping a hundred times and every time I have gone back. But not this time. I am on day 30 and I will not stop the fight. I am in the Army and have done it the whole 4 years that I have been in. Hiding it and lying about it to my wife and family. The harm I have done to my body has gone on too long, and I want to have a good life free of nicotine. Not to mention I have a two year old son. Do you think we want our kids following in our footsteps. Hell no, I hope he never tries the dumb things that I have. Either way I need to be a good role model for my children. I’m 23 and I have dipped since I was 15. Stay strong and know that no matter how many times you try, eventually you will quit as long as you keep trying. Don’t ever stop trying to quit. Sore throat sucks and I have had it two weeks now. But it doesn’t matter because I have quit the can for the last time. 30 days down, and on the way to freedom forever.
Thanks Zach. Been hiding it and lying to my wife for 3 years. My name is Mike and I’m quitting for my wife and my son.
I feel you Mike. I have been dipping for the past 10 years…going back to my old college days. I have always smoked cigarettes and dipped, but last year I quit smoking cigarettes because of my family history with lung cancer and my wife pretty much demanding that I do. So I did, but I was dipping the whole time. Now I am going to try and tackle dipping. I have been hiding my dipping from my wife and 7 week old daughter and she just recently found out that I was still dipping. Needless to say, she is thoroughly pissed off at me. I know it is gonna be hard. I just have to think about my beautiful wife and daughter…I want to be around to experience everything that life has to offer and not relying on a sick habit that is really disgusting. Wife starts bitching about dipping…there is no comback or pros to add to it. Hahaha.
man thats awsome im on day 8 and ive chewed for over 9yrs.i am just glad i decided to quit and i can come online and read stories and have hope in my freedom of choice to quit.
Ronnie,
Keep plugging away, those days turn into weeks, weeks to months, then years.
Day 637 today for me….it gets easier the further the habit is in the rearview mirror. Just stay true to your quit, you’re definitely on the right track.
Good Luck!!
-JP
Day 12 here. Those first 2-3 days were where the battle lines are drawn. Once your at a week – you just have to keep living wout the habit.,,at 47 habits are hard to break but can be done. I’m all about using the fbombs internally against society. That’s really what it takes,,you have to rebel against society to make changes. Have took the caffeine out also so I’m really putting self through the ringer. Pounding a good gallon of ice cold water a day. I don’t post much but appreciate what you guys are saying and trying to represent.
Good luck guys, keep it up
John in Milwaukee
Great job fellow quitters. On day 30 here w/no plans to cave, feel tired and emotionally shitty!! I would have thought 30 days would be enough to get right after pumping this poison into my body for 27 years? LOL, this is gonna take some time.
Today is 50 days of quit. Stay strong.
Well March 6th, 2016 I put the final can in the trash, And now exactly a month later its still there (= The toughest days are behind me but the rough ones are still ahead, I know the Axienty will hit slightly harder than now but I must keep reminding myself it’s not real and just breathe, I never realized that quitting or staying quit would be such a task a life event in itself, but I do realize my body my mind everything feels so much better and smoother and I can take pride in that, Though I shouldn’t because I wouldn’t have to deal with this if I hadn’t started 7 years ago. But can’t dread on the past and must look towards my future thanks everyone for the support for myself and the others this is definetly a great site!!
If anyone of you have a Facebook go like my page thanks
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