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.
I’ve been dipping for 15 years at about a can a day. I set the date for September 30th but am feeling like I’m ready to start sooner. Should I start to ween down or just jump?
J U M P !!!
If you quit today, you’d be at day 218 by the 30th of September! By that point you’ll be well beyond craves, well on your way back to sleeping normally, tasting food better than you have in years, lower blood pressure, less risk of receding gums, cancer, etc. etc. etc.
The BEST day to quit was yesterday… the second best option is today. Why be a slave for the next 7 months?
5 total yesterday. Only had one in the morning and one tonight. It is not easy. Had a few beers and … going to bed. No more
When you’ve finally made your decision… we’ll be here. I won’t tell you it’ll be easy, but you will NOT be alone.
https://www.killthecan.org/the-decision-to-quit-dip/
Dude, do it Today! no excuses.
Hey Chewie, I like the new format, makes it look pretty modern. Also it is more intuitive to have the post comment window at the very top where the newest comments show up. Kudos bud!.
DDD
Awesome! Glad to hear it – always looking to make things better!
Day 851
Is this Texas?
Been snowing for days, I’ve listened to friends from up north and they all say the same thing. Snow is nice for about a day or so. How true they are. I am not sure about everyone else, but I just had about enough of it. And really it is not necessarily the snow, but the damned power outages and water stops running. Enough ranting.
I am on halftime before I hit the 900 and then the big 1,000 finally. Can’t believe I am almost there. You all keep up the good fight.
DDD
How you doing DDD? Power / water back? Hang in there!
Hello Chewie, yes all services were restored within a day or two in my town, but it seems a lot longer when you are going through it. Something we take take for granted as water and electricity if taken away long enough, people will go neanderthat real quick.
Be tough all, keep up the good fight.
DDD
Awesome! Glad to hear you’re back to normal(ish).
Day 1000: cravings every few hours continue as they have for the past 999 days. You become convinced this is just how life is going to look from here on out and you’re done with it. You say “F it”, go buy a can and quit with quitting after 5 years dip free. Ya, it’s that hard and MUCH harder than quitting alcohol. I’ve quit both for 5 years cold turkey. Don’t think for a second you’re safe.
You’re still craving daily at 1,000 days? Wow… can’t say that’s my experience.
I’d agree with you that I don’t think I’m ‘safe’ for even a single second, but it’s been YEARS since I’ve had anything that I’d consider a ‘crave’.
On day 8. I managed to quit for a 4 months pre Covid then got sucked back in because of loneliness and stress of being locked down. I justified it and now almost 10 months later I decided to quit. I am Canadian and it costs $27 per tin. I was about 5-6 Tins a week for that stretch. I have been on and off( mostly on,
14 years) I was a high level hockey player and picked up the habit on the bus trips. So I associate it with everything, golf, poker, driving, video games etc.
It’s difficult as many of my friends still do it. I have been successful by stringing together a few months, but obviously i fall back into it when stress hits and I say fuck it, toss that 4 dollar chew in my mouth and let future Chris deal with the consequences.
My methodology is that in order to
Make change, I need massive DELIBERATE action.
I quit drinking Jan 1, set my last chew date to feb 1. Since then, I have eaten primary plant based diet, quit weed, jerking to porn and I’m really focusing on no instant dopamine reward activities( social media, video games etc) I am not perfect but focused on relative linear progression. Chew has been a way for all of us to get that cheap dopamine hit and to pass the issue on to our future selves.
It really helps quitting all your vices at once. Ya it is fucking hell. I have woken up panic sweating, I’m angry at the smallest thing, my mouth feels dry and there are sores on the cheek and top. I have massive headaches, but this is your body healing itself. I am going to battle it out and win the fucking war. I have done it before and I love that there is a community that is doing it together. Stick to it, because if you can over come this, it will spiral the rest of your life upwards. Stay the course, tell anyone who tries to get you to cave to fuck off remember health is the most valuable thing we have, we get one meat vessel. We got this !
Dirty fuckin dangles, buddy
You’re on point. It’s hard, but integrity is wholeness (see math “integer”) and you’re absolutely right to stop all you mentioned. Booze makes you soft, porn makes you mean and bad at relationships, and dipping is a vice of servitude like all others. Do the quit. Well done so far. You’re becoming more whole, more solid, more human – every day that you take away those soft pillars of instant gratification. Appetites run two ways too. Make sure you start to develop some for the good. Learn to play the piano, or chess or learn a new language with your time and energies. Monks never fast to fast. They replace food with prayer. Do it. Be strong, fight the good fight. Let’s go!!!! I’m on day 50 of no grizzly and day 5 of learning the piano btw. And day 50 of playing chess (with my son which is an awesome way to bond during February of no hunting amd no outside sports we are used to). Love it. Def don’t drink right now. Blessings
Good for you buddy!!! Thanks for the positivity and encouragement. Well done for getting to day 50 as well. Its been a battle the last few days, but I am working through the brain fog and panic attacks my body is engineering to get me to give in. It is a crafty machine that just wants that Dopamine in the easiest way possible. Keep up the 50+ day streak going, looking forward to hearing about your success as we battle it out!
Hang in there. I know I make it sound easy but I know its not. Think about all the times you had to take that dip break because you had that urge and you missed out on things. Or the money you spent on that stupid BS high that was a ripoff. Plus the health issues it causes, nobody wants to have surgery or chemo. We don’t want you to fail. We’ve been there. Hang in there.
Thanks sir, Day 16, Brain fog and mood are really bad. I am struggling to do anything productive. I know its my body starving for that quick dopamine fix. I am going to stay the course, As of today I have $400 more in my pocket. That is a great reinforcer.
I went bowling last night and had a few beers with my dad and uncle who both chew. I quit chewing Timberwolf 2 weeks ago. I made sure to go to to the store beforehand and got butterscotch candies, lifesaver mints, sunflower seeds and gummy worms. That was the hardest night of cravings I’ve had to this day. You were right about the drinking weakening resolve but I held off my cravings!
Way to go Cody!!! That’s a HUGE hurdle you just got past!
Day 54 here. I’ve been having terrible sinus issues since starting my quit. Awful congestion and postnasal drip. Anyone else deal with that this far into it? Also still dealing with pretty bad brain fog more often than not. Hoping for better days soon.
yeah same here I never had sinus problems untill i quit chewing tobacoo
same here. Day 136 here and I have more sinus issues that I ever had while dipping + pre dip
Day 2, dizzy… 2 cans a day for 10 years. My gums seem to be itching insatiably (at the tooth line) like… Missing that burn where the tobacco alleviates the sensation, anyone else?
This is 100% normal. Hang in there… drink LOTS of water to flush your system.
I echo Chewie. Rick….keep fighting the good fight….you’re well on your way to freedom. Just a few more days and you’ll see the light….you got this!
I agree with Chewie and Rich, totally normal Rick. You’re body is giving you hell for telling it “who’s” in charge. Stay the course, the longer you put the habit in the rearview, the less you’ll be feeling this. If it were easy, EVERYONE would do it, stay strong, you got this?
-JP
07-15-14
Day 43.
Much better today, have a tension headache or something else that is causing some dull pain, but nothing that can’t be beat.
Way to go Mac, take it one day at a time.
Day 836
Last night I had a dip dream and sadly i need to share that I enjoyed the hell out of it. I felt every sensation of taking it out of the can with 2 fingers and my thumb then packing it in my left cheek. I felt the sting, the flavor, the rush, the saliva accumulation and yes finally the delightful spit. I know it was just a dream, but I seriously think that it could turn to reality if I am not careful.
I dipped for 30 years and I have been quit for a little over 2 years. I guess in quit days it seems like 800 days is a long time, but stacked against a lifetime of dipping, I am just barely scratching the surface of the journey.
Hang in there quitters.
10-22-2018
DDD
Good job DDD. It’s been awhile since my last dip dream. But even after a few years of a quit. … it happens. Hell. I even had a dream of my HS girlfriend. Just kinda keep rolling.
Jeffj
8-14-16
Haaa, good one JeffJ, i guess we never forget that high school girlfriend neither. Keep on trucking, sounds good. Good to hear from ya, don’t be a stranger in the forums.
I’ve chewed a can of fine cut Wintergreen (skoal, Red Seal) for over 18 years. The last six months I got down to 3 cans per week. Started Feb. 1 as my quit date. A little over 24 hours into it.
Bravo! Congrats Jeremy! You’re on your way!
Day 42. All kinds of bowel problems going on. Luckily its not affecting my eating too much. And the fog has hit hard the last couple days. wheeeeee
Congrats on 42 Mac, almost halfway to the 100 day mark.
Stay at it, Fog will come and go, up to the 100 day mark (possibly beyond). It may even hang around for a bit. The good thing, it WILL pass the longer you get away from that terrible habit. Those other side effects will go away too.
Take care and keep quit!
Thanks JayP. It’s amazing the things that happen to our bodies after we quit. There are so many issues I never experienced until I quit.
Day 3, not sure i know what planet I’m on anymore. Brain is full of thick soup, everything hurts but not giving in. As bad as this is, and it’s pure hell I feel like I imagined and played this out in my head to be much worse. Holding on for better days
Day 3 here and don’t know what planet I’m on anymore. Trying to stay busy but brain is full of soup. Holding on for dear life.
Hang in there Corey – you’re making it! Day 3 is typically the worst. Drink LOTS of water and flush that system.
Have you joined our forums yet? https://ktcforum.org/
I am on day 60 of my quit and I was wondering if anyone else had soreness in the jaw joint.
I did consistently for a while. Now it comes and goes.
I have made it to Day 10. I have had many of the same withdrawal symptoms that a lot of you are posting about in the comments, specifically brain fog. It has made work a lot more difficult. It is also amazing to me that the sores seem to show up days/weeks after you quit. I am currently experiencing that as well, but never had an issue with these sores in the past 5 years of chewing. I am glad that my body is starting to heal itself. Unfortunately I have turned to caffeine to curb my cravings, which is not necessarily a habit that I want to replace chewing with. I know that breaking my nicotine addiction is going to be the most difficult bad habit to break for me personally, so I am doing everything I can to take my mind away from nicotine. I have been very tempted while at the gas station to buy one more can, and was very close to caving last evening. I walked in, saw that they had my brand, and walked right out without purchasing anything. I have been visiting this site daily. I do believe the encouragement and the accountability that the members here express gave me the backbone to make the right decision last night and not cave in. This is the longest that I have gone without nicotine in the last five years. It is hard, but the satisfaction of knowing that I am no longer controlled by a can is a much better feeling than the satisfaction that I ever got from a dip. I think I miss it at times, but as these days continue to accumulate I know I am on the right track. Ten days is not as impressive as the thousands of days that many of you have accomplished, but reading your stories and seeing the encouragement from the individuals that have beat this is inspiring. Hopefully as I continue my journey I am able to provide help to others as well. For now, I really appreciate your stories, articles, and comments. It is making all the difference in my quit.
Congratulations Zak! Way to make that RIGHT decision!!! Keep the up great work. If you’re looking for an additional layer of accountability and feedback check out our forums – https://ktcforum.org/ Proud to be quit with you today!
Day 28…..been smooth sailing since day 22. Finally noticed a sore on the corner of my mouth this morning, but I am pretty sure that its from biting there. I went to the dentist around day 25 and he said my mouth looked in decent shape and he had no concerns. Now i just need to not fixate on the sore.
I’ve been quit for nearly 15 years… and I STILL get those sores pretty regularly where I bite my lip in a specific spot pretty regularly. I’d say you’re right to not fixate on it… keep up the great work!
Day 35 here. Anyone else have intermittent fits of dry mouth throughout the day? Can’t seem to get over it and it happens at random. The dry mouth, dysphagia, and brain fog/anxiety are sticking through a month. Also have the “thick throat,” but I’ve been dealing with allergies and mucus overproduction my whole life, so not sure if that’s necessarily related to the quit. Hoping for better days on the horizon. Screw snuff.
I have made the decision to quit dipping today. I am 29 years old and have been dipping Grizzly Wintergreen Long Cut for 5 years. Recently I had an infected wisdom tooth that scared me into thinking that the issue was more serious. My past attempts of quitting have been unsuccessful. I found this website and it has motivated me to take this attempt more seriously. It is refreshing to see the encouragement from others that have quit and who also understand the withdrawal symptoms that I more than likely will experience over the course of the next several weeks. So thank you for allowing me to join the conversation as I begin this journey to become healthier.
Has anyone attempted to quit by using 2mg nicotine gum? I received this as a Christmas gift from my family. I’ve read through the directions, and it seems like this product is supposed to help with nicotine cravings. However, I want to eliminate nicotine entirely, in every form. Does anyone have any advice if it is better to use the gum or if I should follow through with quitting cold turkey and not rely on the gum? Any opinions on this would be appreciated. Thank you again in advance and I will follow-up in a few days when I reach the three day mark.
Congrats on a great decision Zak – you’re in the right place!
The gum ‘works’ to quell your cravings… but that’s because it’s GIVING you nicotine. https://www.killthecan.org/whats-really-in-nrt/
Cold turkey, in my opinion, is the best way to get clean for the long haul. I won’t lie… it’ll suck those first few days, but it’s SO worth it.
I’d also urge you to join our forums – https://ktcforum.org/ – THOUSANDS of people who are just like you, quitting one day at a time. You are NOT alone!
Thanks for the advice! I will check out the forum you suggested and give it a go. I really appreciate the help. Thank you again!
Day 29 of my quit. I’m still having the ear pain and feeling of something stuck in my throat, but all bloodwork has been normal and the medical professionals have assured me it’s not cancer. Anxiety and brain fog are through the roof for me. I haven’t really been craving the dip, but I definitely notice the absence of the nicotine I was using to self medicate lol. Hoping for better days soon.
I am right where you are at man. I have had ear pain on and off for a couple of weeks and my throat feels the same way. I quit November 26 and the fog and anxiety are insane. Glad everything turned out well for you. Congrats on a month.
It’s definitely frustrating. The throat and ear issues definitely don’t help the anxiety lol. Do you have acid reflux and/or allergies? I’m wondering how much of this is just “noticing” the symptoms since we’re not dipping all the time anymore. Dry mouth is killing me too; feels like I have dry throat lmao. Keep up the fight man, let’s go from month to year to decade(s). Screw snuff
I have had some reflux issues. I also wonder how much of this has been going on for along time, but now we are just noticing. My new thing is the incredible amount of mucus issues I am having. Has anyone else had like postnasl drip or anything like that??
hi Jay,i had a very painfull reflux issues for about two weeks.it was so crazy i thoght it wont go away….give it two weeks it will disappear like labour pains after giving birth…I am now experiencing mucus and I think its repeating itself…but the bottom line is”THIS TOO SHALL PASS”
Just hang with us…
Lots of new posters in here, quitting is easier with several people on the same page.
Good Luck Warriors!
-JP
07-15-14
Day 45 of quitting a 7 year bad habit. I was curious if anyone had any experience with swollen lymph nodes under your jaw. I don’t have any pain but the anxiety is killing me. I have an upcoming dr appointment. Just curious if anyone had anything similar.
Definitely. Mine were HUGE.
For me, I’ve got a ton of allergy issues and they always swell when I’m fighting off something. I’ve notice them WAY more since I quit. I’m guessing they always did this, but I just didn’t notice cause I was shoving my pie hole full of Kodiak.
Day 18
Days 15-17 were rough. Headache, stomach ache, pure fog that finally seems to have lifted
Day 19. Dipped 1-2 cans a week with some gaps in 6 years. Anxiety about potentially getting or having cancer is very high right now, thought I don’t have any other crazy symptoms.
Have some tight neck sensations, and lower tooth sensitivity. Brain fog has been significant almost daily.
Who else has the anxiety about cancer? …What else is strange about the cancer thing is I ran across some threads and sites saying the research of dip to cancer correlation has been flawed for years and that that doctors see smoking as four times more serious cause of oral cancer. Anyone else hear this?
Hey guys. I was curious if anyone had any experiences with a burning sensation on the back of the tongue and throat. I also have heartburn like crazy.
Short answer – absolutely.
Heartburn When Quitting Dip https://www.killthecan.org/heartburn-when-quitting-dip/
Does Smokeless Tobacco Really Affect Acid Reflux? https://www.killthecan.org/does-smokeless-tobacco-really-affect-acid-reflux/
hi Jay,i have been there lastweek.jst get sumthing to sooth the burning sansation.time will heal.hang in there buddy
Day 15
Decided to quite for good after almost 10 years of off and on dipping. Being using camel snus regularly for the last 3 years. Have the normal symptoms so far. Sore mouth, sore jaw, sore throat. Started a good dental hygiene habit and my is really hating me right now
Congrats on 15 days of freedom Mac! That’s HUGE! Heads up for the two week mark… it can be rough for some folks.
Keep pushing through!
https://www.killthecan.org/2-week-weakness/
Thanks Chewie.
The soreness has been the most annoying part. It’s been mild enough that it’s just annoying but I never thought it’d be a cause of the quitting. Based on what i’ve seen though, I’m not alone
Turns out I’m at 159 days without a dip I would say maybe 10 of those days were actually difficult. That being said overall being sick and tired of covid and stress surrounding my work situation as well as family stress and the loss of my grandmother the idea of throwing in 3 pouches of grizzley wintergreen sounds fantastic right about now.
I quit on December 13th, last dip out at 1720. Anybody else have trouble swallowing and/or neck pain after quitting? I’m 25 and dipped for 10ish years (more like 9-9.5). I feel like I have something stuck in my throat a lot of the time. Doc said everything feels normal though. Dentist cleared me of oral cancer as well. Anyone else have this experience?
Bird
I would recommend seeing a ears nose and throat specialist, it’s what I did, it’s the best way to be sure!
DDD. jayp. shiva. Hope u guys are doing well … the holidays took all my time and my classsic car.. finally painted and getting close to getting done.
Happy New Years boys.
Jeff j
8-14-14
Happy New Year’s JeffJ, good to hear from you and congratulations on getting your car painted. From here on is just adding the final touches I guess. Way to go partner.
DDD
10-22-2018
I quit November 26 and was wondering if anyone else had slight ear pain that moves into your jaw. I wouldn’t say it hurts but the discomfort comes and goes.
I am in that stage where everything is worst case and it drives me crazy. Thanks
I’ve had that as well, although I did have some infection in my throat that moved into the ear and I’m not sure whether the pain was already there or not. Jaw pain definitely was though.
Hey did any of you have pain at the back of your tongue. It doesn’t hurt to swallow or anything and i can’t see any changes. But every once in a while the side of my tongue is sore. Anyone ever have anything like that??
I have the same thing going on right now. The neck just seems “thicker” on my right side. Keep up the good fight.
Hello Warriors, there are a couple of days until we begin the new year. I know these are dangerous times that can derail your strong will with all the celebrations, drinking and memory triggers of years past. You have to double down on your defenses to get through. I have been Dip free for the last 2 years so I know what you are up against.
Today I complete day 800 or as some people here call it, climbed to the 8th floor. Looking forward to another 100 days and beyond. You all stay strong and fight the good fight.
Oct-22-2018
800 Days
Last cope dip was Dec 31 2020. Jan 1 and 2 in a fog. Today is not to bad. I have quit cold turkey before and lasted for 7 years
Welcome back David – glad to have you.
May I ask what lead you back to the can after a 7 year quit?
Day 6 here…hate everything. Mouth hurts, can’t sleep, depressed as hell. Fuck snuff.
That’s the right attitude… get angry. You’ve got this!
guys please assure me all this things will pass…I woke up wth a very painful heartburn now throat feels like its closing.no appetite at all
It does go away, I had to get my doctor to give me medication for the heartburn I was experiencing during those first days. I also had dizziness, high blood pressure, jaw pain, gum bleeding, anxiety and horrible panic attacks. Slowly, one by one, they all started disappearing. I started my quit with 4 other guys in here and that is exactly what our battle cry was “This too shall pass”
DDD
Day 806
Oct-22-2018
thank u DDD.it feels so good to be assured by someone who passed what you going through…it is jst not easy.yesterday the 5th I didn’t have anything at all today I woke up with a closing throat and tight chest. no appetite still…this too shall pass
Letago think about it this way, your brain is fighting like hell to get you to go back to dippin’, your body is fighting against all odds to heal before you change your mind and start destroying it again. All those symptoms you experience are signs that you are healing. Do not let a little sore throat or a little pain here and there discourage you. Keep going you are bigger than this. We are here to help.
DDD
I’m at 42hrs an I’ve bitten a fucking nail off, my gums feel like I’ve been using my mouth as a cement mixer, it’s 3am and I haven’t been able to sleep the past two nights, irritable as pissed off honey badger, and I can’t concentrate for shit. The positive side is that I am pinging so I guess I should buy a trashed gokart to fix up for the hell of it.
Believe it or not, you’re right on track. Hang in there!
thanks chewie…so relieved
I am almost to 90 days. The last month and a half have been smooth sailing. All of the sudden around noon today, the fog came back and tonight I am back to just lying on the couch. The best description is I just don’t feel well. It feels the same as I remember but I am also paranoid I need to go get completely checked up again since it has been a while since feeling this way.
100% normal. Welcome to what we refer to as ‘the funk’
https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/explaining-the-funk-part-1/
https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/explaining-the-funk-part-2/
This is very normal WillM and it is a reaffirmation that you are recovering well. This too shall pass and you’ll feel great once again soon.
Shiva – 658 days
653 days & counting
It’s been quite a while since I posted here. Just wanted to peep back and chk out my buddies; JayP, Jeff, DDD and all others. Hope you all are doing fine.
I am in a time frame where DDD was 2-3 months back. I am kind of hitting similar symptoms. The ugly bitch raises it’s head once in a while but saying that as a craving is too strong a word..
just one more thing.. i had a slight brain fog 3-4 times in the last few days.. believe it is the final layer in the healing.. hope this too shall pass..
Shiva
Hey Shiva, good to hear from you, I haven’t heard much from Jayp and JeffJ, they must be busy with all these things going on.
Getting back to your point, that is so weird that you’re going through the same funk I went through when approaching the 2 year mark, it would be interesting to hear from others in here if they also had some symptoms come back around the 2 year mark.
I tell you what though, once you get over that little funk period, it is smooth sailing, It’s been 2 months since that episode and haven’t thought much about it. I wonder if it’s a yearly thing like I said before, if it is, then we’ll know when it hits and be prepared.
Anyway, hope all you guys are doing well and enjoy the holidays, stay safe.
DDD
782 days
10-22-2018
Shiva, almost to that 7th floor, you keep rolling friend. Strange you’re still having the occasional funk after all this time. I cannot recall dealing with anything after the 200 day period….it’s been over 6 years now, so maybe I’ve forgotten my struggles within your time frame. But as I said and you pointed out This Too…Shall Pass! It always does friend. It’s great to see you post.
DDD, I’m happy to see you posted too. No, I’ve been pretty silent as of the late. I see and read all the comments here still. I guess you could say I’m very much supporting from afar. I see several others blazing their trails with the quit and Chewie is giving them a pat where he once offered me one. I still say it was that pat that pushed me beyond my first 3 days. I think it’s invaluable for us veterans to pop in once in a while. I feel we owe it to the site.
You 2 take care and have a Merry Christmas. Me and my family are on the tail end of getting this Covid crud. We are all fine and made it thru…it was a tough week, but we’re doing fine.
Jeff, I hope you are well too. Stay safe guys and keep quit!
-JP
07/15/14
JayP and DDD – Great to hear back and I am glad you guys are doing alright. Advanced wishes for Christmas :).
Jeff – shout out please ?? Hope you are doing alright.
I could see some pattern with some of the folks and I think it is probably based on the level of dependence this drug has created. Some of us had a very rough first 100 days and I think it took quite a while to get the depression and anxiety out. Probably, some lingering effects showing it’s head once in a while although I must say it isn’t anywhere as strong as how it was in the first 3-6 months.
Anyhow, all back to normal and I am feeling great once again :).. More than anything, I just wanto start going back to physical offices.. It has been 10 months of WFH and it is taking a toll mentally.
Stay safe everyone.
Shiva – 658 days
I am on Day 2 and have also started a weightloss program at the same time. I cannot focus at all, my brain is spinning… Anyway, I am going through hell and cant even think to do work. Can this fog and sick feeling be over!!!!
Hang in there man… this is temporary. You CAN do this and it only gets better… just keep moving forward.
i quit 12-7-20 and I feel your pain. The brain fog is unreal and it’s very hard to concentrate/focus. I was a 2 to 3 can per day kinda guy the last 11 years. I would literally fall asleep with a dip of snuff in my mouth 4/5 nights out of the week. I’m on the fourth day and this is the first time I’ve ever woke up and craved something to eat for breakfast instead of craving a dip of snuff. Keep your head up brother if your a religious man give it to god he will help you thru it. Snack around drink water and Gatorade and when you get those bad brain fog spells don’t try to make sense of it just let it be and it 15 to 20 minutes you’ll be fine. Anything worth it is never easy!
First month is roughest . Do whatever it takes to quit now : after you detox from the nicotine , the rest is merely a gut check to lose a bad habit . Hang in there ! I’m only at 13 months free , but I have no cravings , Dreams ,
Triggers etc anymore
Day 16….
Way to go Donald – how you feeling?
Congratulations Donald !! Hang in there!! I am at 213 days. I spent many days in my early days here in this section. It was a real encouragement!!
Hang in there!!!!!
Sugar free peppermint got me thru.
100 plus days now. I stop counting
day 8 here
Congrats Kyle – that’s awesome!
Hi im Chris, 27, rolling up on hour 48 of quitting. Its tough. Been chewing a tin a day for the past 5-6 years. Im a nurse and during this pandemic my pife has been so stressful. Its almost like i try and use that as an excuse to chew. I need to find a healthier way to deal with the stress. Hope this ends soon.
First off… thanks for your service out there – stay safe and healthy.
Secondly… proud to be quit with you! You’ve made an INCREDIBLE decision – you are NOT alone. Let us know how we can help along the way! If you haven’t yet, I’d urge you to check out our forums – https://ktcforum.org/
im just over 48 hours too man, and im a paramedic. Ive been telling myself the same thing, that there’s just too much going on to quit right now. but I realized I’ve been telling myself that about various stressors the last couple of years. That part won’t change, so I need to.
Im on day five, hang tight you got this!!! It’s definitely not easy but it’ll be worth it in the long run
THIS PAGE CHANGED MY LIFE. *not hyperbole*
Hi, my name is Tim, and you can see my story if you click in the “older comments” on this page. Today is the 378th day of my quit. It is shocking to see a number that big, because eventually they grow larger and larger without you even noticing. Day 1 of my quit was 11/6/2019. I come back to this page from time to time to read through what I went through when I quit and remind myself it was never worth it, usually each time adding another comment to my story by replying to my original posts. I come back and click on the older comments to see me describing my journey and how weak I was early on in the quit. I also come back to remind myself why I quit (my son and wife) and why quitting can be inspiring to others (my father, who is still struggling to fully quit but has gone from a 2 cigar a day smoker to 1 per month.)
I had tried to quit before finding this site, but I decided it was “too hard” each time because I did NOT know what to expect when I quit. I thought I was going to have mouth pain for a much longer time. I thought that my cravings would be as strong as they were forever. I thought that it wasn’t possible to shake dip. But this page allowed me to create a game plan on how to get through each stage of quitting, and the first time I tried quitting with a plan, I quit cold turkey without any nicotine gum/patches/etc and without continuing the “habit” part of dipping by using mint chews or other products. I am not saying this will work for everyone, or even bragging, and I hope it doesn’t come across that way. I am just saying that this specific page and the “what to expect” information above is amazing.
Congrats on looking into quitting. That’s step one. I hope this site gives you the strength to continue walking like it did for me.
That is very true, whomever came with that timeline of events hit the bulls eye. It is a focal point to all of us that found this page and hung on to that list of symptoms day by day. I now am over 2 years quit, but during my first 100 days I walked on that line and when my knees got weak, i referenced back to the timeline for strength always remembering our group war slogan “This too shall pass”, posted my 100 day HOF speech, completed 2 years, bought my KTC coin to celebrate and continue walking away everyday.
Hang in there everyone. It is worth it.
Day 761
10-22-2018
I started my quit yesterday, I know I never quite dipped as much as some of the guys on here but it still feels good to begin the quit. Being only 20, I’ve only been dipping/zyning for about 3 years now but in that time it’s already started to take massive control over daily life. I figure I might as well quit now. Why not? I’m tired of dip telling me how to live my life, when to eat, when to sleep, all that stuff I’m done with. Congrats to everyone on here who’s still fighting, one day at a time!! Thanks for everyone’s support as well.
2 Years Quit!!!
I waited until midnight to proudly tell all you guys and girls that today I complete 732 days, or 2 years and 2 days quit. On October 22 of 2018 I said I’ve had enough, I spat my last spit and threw away the last can, walked away and didn’t look back, there were rough patches along the way, it is mostly all behind me. I am looking forward to the third year now, but today I am honored to quit with all of you today.
Hang in there warriors. (JayP, JeffJ, Shiva, Chewie…..I did it!!)…
DDD
Oct-22-2018
732 Days
Good job triple D. Keep it up man. Hard work pays off
Jeffj
8-14-14
JeffJ, always there to cheer us on, thanks partner, hope you are doing good and staying safe. Also any updates on the restoration project?
DDD
Congrats DDD!
2 years…. definitely an accomplishment. Proud of you, you came back from failure stronger than several others.
Keep quit, I’m here for you brother
-JP
07-15-2014
Great going DDD.. congrats on 2 years..wow… what an accomplishment. Hats off and kudos.
Thanks Shiva, you are trailing right behind, Let us know when you cross that second year. Hope you are doing good with all these crazy pandemics and things that add to the stress of the quit, specially for the new guys in here. Stay safe.
Thanks JayP, hope you are doing fine, with the winter creeping in and all the craziness going on, stay safe partner!.
DDD
I’m about 2 months in to my second quit. I really hate the late onset of some of the withdrawal symptoms like the pins and needles feelings, and the aches and pains. Determined to not start again. I made it about 4 months last time and started again during fishing season and gave it up again about mid August, reading everyone’s comments about their quit really helps to ease my mind.
Day 150 of quitting dip…..Feeling better than before….Thanks #KTC…..
Congratulations on your 150 days, that is a great accomplishment, also good to hear you’re feeling better, Keep up the good work, one day at a time.
Day 716
In 2 weeks I will be 2 years free of the nicotine. Life is on track again, feeling strong, but on guard. I realized I am an addict and only my will is keeping me from getting back to dipping.
DDD
Oct-22-2018
Good job DDD! Yes. Me too. I am admit it. Addiction to the nic bitch. I run from it. Hahah
Hope all well my friends. Take care
Jeffj
8-14-14
Thanks Jeff.
Year #2 in the cross hairs, very good DDD!
I’ve admitted it in the past and will again, I too am an addict. I know what “one more” will do. I’m done with all of that.
Stay strong, you and only you can keep yourself true. Most selfish thing you can do for yourself.
Stay strong, we’ll see you at 2 years?
Wishes to all my Quit Bros out here,
-JP
07-15-14
Thanks JayP, by the way, you haven’t change your avatar yet?, mine is also pretty geeky, but i think that’s the whole idea behind it. We all danged Morons for getting addicted. Take care buds!
Good going DDD :).. Will join u in another ~4 months time. hhahahahaha.. I too admit, I am an addict and but not taking one more puff/chew/dip/gum, I keep nic bitch at bay.. Maintaining social distancing 🙂 .. hahahaha
Shiva
Day 589
Good job shiva. You did it. Keep up the guard from the nic bitch
Hope your well and keep in touch
Jeffj
8-14-14
69 days only real hard parts are those times when you would always pack a lip but for the most part day to day livings not so bad
BTW, hoe the hell do I change my Nerd Avatar out here, Chewie?
??
The site uses Gravatar for the images. If you don’t have one set, you’ll get one by default (in your care, the ‘nerd’). https://en.gravatar.com/
Super easy to set up and will ‘follow’ you across the web on any site that uses Gravatar. Essentially you link your email to an image.
Thanks Chewie, I’ll check it out ?
1st 72 hrs down attempt 3 I’m not giving up this time
Good job on your first 72 Justin…just take it one hour at a time. This is a marathon not race. Post often so we can help!
Good Luck,
-JP
07-15-14
Day 708
Thanks guys, I am proud to say I did not cave in, the Intense crave came and went and it’s back on cruise control. Jayp, JeffJ and Shiva thanks for pulling me out of the nose dive I was in. Shiva, It’s taken me a few days to think back and understand that crave. You are correct, my brain got shorted out (Sort of speak) because I went to this pool hall and it has been over 2 years since I’ve gone to it. I used to go there before I started my quit, when I would get out, I would go to a gas station right across the street and buy a can for the long drive home. That is exactly what triggered the crave. I was doing it step by step as in the past, my brain was expecting that dose of Nicotine and it didn’t happen so it kept pushing and pushing for its fix and that is why I couldn’t shake it off, I had to distract my brain by working out and doing other things to finally stop the crave.
On a positive note, in 22 days I will complete 2 years free of Nicotine, I’ve already bought my 2 year coin, so I’ll try taking a picture with it and send it to you guys or post it here somewhere.
Again, thanks for being there guys. You all stay safe.
DDD
22-Oct-2018
Day 11 and it seems to just get harder. Honestly the first week wasn’t horrible. But the last 5 or so days have been terrible. I’ve went thru 5 cans of Smokey mountain in 5 days. First week I didn’t use the stuff at all, maybe a few jolly ranchers is all. I’m afraid I’m gonna cave in soon at this point. Have dipped almost 2 cans a day for almost 25 years. Mentally is certainly the hardest part for me. Boredom at work when I typically chew is rough
Two cans a day was a big habit . Give it time
Jason
You have 5 days of victory. I hope u don’t cave now… yes it’s hard. And if you had the chance of reading the comments here, your Not alone You are also describing what I refer to as the “ suck”. Yes it sucks , but the reward is worth it. Your quit , like mine was a challenge daily ( Copenhagen can a day 20 years).
Read some older post of DDD. Shiva. And jayp. You will read that the struggle you have now, was accomplished by these guys.. your are NOT alone.
We each had a challenge with the quit. I ate carrots. DDD worked out lime a mad man. You can do it.
When I quit. I was here 2 -5 times a day. Come here and share what your challenges are having. And give yourself a slap on the back for getting 5 days away from the nic bitch
Jeffj
8-14-14
Thank you. It’s amazing to have healthy looking gums and cheeks again and my mouth feels less filthy. It’s been 11 days total but the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives of quitting. Gotta keep telling myself that. Just seems the last few days have been the hardest. First week wasn’t as bad as I expected. I mean it was miserable but I kept myself occupied and challenged myself. I’m sure it gets easier
Day 704
I just got to the 7th floor and I am close to my 2 year quit date, but I am not going to lie folks. in the last couple of days I have been steadily having Nic attacks. I thought by now, this would be over, but it isn’t . I’ve been thinking about if I am doing something that triggers these craves or what is going on.
The only thing i can come up with is the following: when I started my quit, the craves were hourly during the first days, after a couple of weeks the cravings were more circling on a weekly basis, then monthly and now it seems to loop on a yearly basis. These past months have been smooth sailing, but as I approach the 2 year mark, it seems that the craves are hitting hard. Last night I stopped at the gas station and seriously considered purchasing a can, I do not know how I managed not to do it, but I was ready to throw it all away. I went to sleep thinking it will go away like many times, but the thought is still there, as I am writing this, the crave to reach for the can is strong.
Help guys!!
DDD
DDD, brother, you do not need to throw all your hard work away for a cheap thrill. You’ll regret turning back now. Almost 2 years, man…you are DONE with that stuff!
I can’t recall having urges almost 2 years in to my quit, it’s possible though.
Look at it this way, you go back now, not only will you regret it after that first taste again, it may be years before you quit again. And think about that 100 day struggle…you want to go through that he’ll again?
If you really, REALLY want a dip, go grab a Smokey Mountain. I still have a few cans laying around that I will take if I want one. I don’t tell myself no to that fake stuff. But nicotine? Nicotine is a past chapter in my life.
Stay Strong, Stay Clean!!
-JP
7-15-14
Thanks Jayp, I went back to the cry battle we had “This too shall pass”. I took half a day off from work, worked out like a mad man and then took a nap, the craving went away, it is weird how I hadn’t been able to shake it up. It was on me like a tick on a dog. At least on me, I really think, this thing goes in cycles. I am hoping that was the last of the yearly cycle. Thanks for reaching out to me so quickly. This episode made me realize, that the words and knowledge we tell others in here can be used by ourselves, it’s just that they are very far and few now, that it might catch us off guard after being in cruise control for a long time. Again, thanks brother, glad to have you guys on my side, honestly, I don’t know how you and JeffJ did it on your own when we fell off the radar.
DDD
10/22/2018
Yes sir, “This Too…Shall Pass”…and it always does.
Always here for consoule.
I can’t speak for Jeff, but I think for me, I never tried quitting nicotine “cold turkey”. It was a lot of shit to go through, so tough in fact, that I never want to go through it again. I kept (printed off) my 100 days of anguish. I did it to remind myself where I was, should I ever have the urge to turn back. Once I got past 6 months, I beat my last time I quit with the aid of nicorette gum and it became a challenge.
I don’t know, I just have no interest in returning to my old habit of nicotine. I absolutely know I’m an addict. I learned when I selfishly tried nicotine after 6 months free and spent another 17 years dipping. I threw it all away because I thought I could “take just one”. It doesn’t work like that for me… I know ME now. That part of my life is history.
As I mentioned, you are not cheating with the fake shit, I’d encourage it if you absolutely want it dip. You won’t like it as much, so I don’t think it will open any old feelings…just something to occupy a memory I guess.
Anyway, you be good and stay vigilant.
And to all you new comers, if DDD and I can win the battle(s) of addiction, you can too. Don’t be afraid to kick your habits ass!
-JP
07-15-14
Jayp DDD
We are human. I agree with jayp… I am a addict.. just the thought of a dip kinda makes me sick. My quit and all I went thru will always keep me away from a dip. If something triggers a dip.. I have in my tool chest all
The tools to crush it, so do u DDD. A kick butt workout and a nap. I think a few years ago you would have wished it was that easy.
I always remember the first two weeks of my quit.. the fight between the nic bitch and me.. I think of those days if I ever have a trigger. I will
Admit,,, I don’t have the triggers anymore. I feel as though I never had a dip.
Jeff’s
8-14-14
DDD – I am behind you so will not be a right person to advice 🙂 🙂 .. But I am happy to share my experience.
The craving or intense wanting for nicotine is 99.9999% gone for me. However, last week when I was driving in my motorcycle to a place where I haven’t gone in for the last 2 years, I had a sudden intense urge. I was thinking about your post and stopped whatever I was doing for a moment. I had some time to think through and understood whenever I went to this place, I use to take a smoke break at one particular spot on the way. I understood I was crossing this point when the urge hit 🙂 . See, look at how our brain is wired 🙂 . Having said, the entire urge though intense did not last beyond 5 mins and I remembered about that only today morning after re-reading your post.
Take away from all this – there will always be some odd occurrence once in a while, however it is more of a slight irritation than anything and we just need to wipe it off and move forward.. May be even this occurrence would go away after few more years.
BTW, DDD I guess another 25 odd days for your 2 years mark right?? Woohoo… can’t wait to cheer you up.
Shiva
579 days
Thought I’d make my mark here as a lot of these comments helped me. Today is day 105 after a 20yr 1-1.25 can of Copenhagen-a-day habit. I had quit once at at 28y/o for a year but was young and resilient then… I picked it back up thinking I was superman, but the second time was much harder due to age. This time I suffered some major bouts with anxiety and huge blood sugar swings to the point I thought I was dying. I could actually feel the attacks coming and could identify them enough to know I didn’t need to call 911.
Part of what helped me aside from wanting to restore health and general well-being was the sheer cost of chewing. I started in the military like a lot here, and the cost of a log was about what 1.5-2cans cost today in California. So let’s do the math… ONE can of long cut here costs about $8.65 on average… Say 1.125cans/day average X 7days week X 52 weeks = $3550 a year! That’s approximately $41,000 in the last 20 years starting at $2.50 can and adding $1 every 2-3years. Imagine that money invested on the S&P 500 20years ago! I could have paid my mortgage.
Thank you for your service Eric – and a HUGE congrats on 105 days of freedom!!!
Hey guys, just a quick note to say good job for choosing to quit and fighting the good fight. Today, I complete 700 days since I took my last dip, it wasn’t easy, but it is worth it. Being normal, that is living without spitting everywhere, feels weird in the beginning, then it just becomes a way of life. Hang in there guys and girls, I am proud to say I quit with you all today.
DDD
Day 700
Oct-22-2018
Dang that’s awesome. Take pride in what you have done. I had a rough weekend but had a pretty good supportive group. Still sucks but my body really wanted nicotine
Thanks Alt, Keep fighting it, you doing good.
Made 4 days today. Looking forward to getting off tobacco completely. Lots of fatigue due to lack of sleep but I haven’t been angry. My wife is being very supportive
Hey Alton, congratulations on your 4th day. The Nicotine takes 3 days to be gone from your body, that is the physical part, now comes the mind games, get ready. You can do this, we are all here for you.
DDD
698 Days
Same. Day #4 today and mainly just very tired and can’t sleep. Just woke up randomly on a Wednesday morning and decided to see if I could quit. It’s hard but not as hard as I thought. I have 4 cans in my truck and a can Smokey mountain fake snuff I bought. Haven’t touched any of them yet
Congratulations on day 4, watch out, the Nic bitch is sneaky like that, makes you think you got it under control, then it freaking hits hard. I, like you, kept my last can around, just for the hell of it. On day 99, hell came to town, I took it and went back to it for 4 years. Chewie, Jayp, JeffJ, Shiva and others in here can testify. Never underestimate your enemy.
DDD is correct, I too kept my last can around, which as DDD points out, is very, VERY ballsy. He too told me how ballsy it was to keep it around. In fact, it took about 4 years before I tossed it out. But mine was kept to remind me of the smirk the store owner gave me, when I bought it on the day I told him I was quitting. It angered me so much that I kept it to remind me that I and only I was going to quit this habit. It worked, but as DDD says, it can absolutely backfire on you. I would take a whiff of it on occasion, but I never ever touched the contents with my fingers again. In fact, as time went on, the smell actually gagged me. So…I can understand keeping that can around if you’re strong enough to use it for only motivation. You KNOW you…if you think for one second you might take a pinch, toss it out NOW! I used mine for motivation and it worked.
Good luck, great job on 4 days clean…I too uses Smokey Mountain and Triumph zero strength was my favorite. I still take a Smokey Mountain once in a while, 6 years later…but not very often these days. Post your victories here, us veterans want to help!
-JP
07-15-14
Hi…. I am at day 124 facing a new issue pain and swelling in neck jaw area….. really worried…..
You might be grinding your teeth at night
Yep, that usually happens when you grind your teeth, but to give yourself peace of mind like the rest of us, go and check with a dentist, you will be so happy afterwards. I had to drag myself to the dentist office and I aint gonna lie, I was totally scared, once i found out it was nothing I was super relieved.
DDD
Day 698
My dentist says there is nothing but pain is there….Do mouth pain is common….how much time may it take share some experience please….
We are all different so it is hard to say, pain and swelling are symptoms of underlying causes, but it might be as simple as teeth grinding ( I started using a mouth guard at night) or it could be the pillows that you use (I started sleeping almost sitting up to fight the neck pain and GERD i was getting). I also started eating right and excercising pretty heavily to shift the attention away from aches, pains, and mind games of the quit. If your dentist told you there’s nothing wrong, then I would visit a general practitioners or internal medicine doctor for a more accurate diagnosis. Hope that helps, let us know how you doing.
Thanks DDD it helps me a lot…..I am feeling better now….pain is reduced and sleep issue also gone….thanks every one here for motivation…..
Day 141 of quitting dip