Hello all...
My name is Phil, I am a 32 yr old male that has chewed since I was 15 years old. I grew up working on dairy farm, so every male around me chewed, and I eventually got hooked too. Once I started playing football in high school, it was the in thing to do amongst the team.
My actual quit date was Feb. 21st, 09. I just found this site today so that is why I am a few days late posting an intro.
I chewed mostly snuff ranging from kodiak to copenhagen, and anything similar that happened to be on sale. I was on about a can a day habit, maybe even more if I was playing in a softball tournament or fishing for the day.
This is not my 1st attempt at quitting, which usually is the case I suppose. I tried off and on over the years to no avail. The most serious attempt I tried I actually quit for about 4 months in 2006. I used Chantix and was well on my way, I was very proud of myself. All of a sudden, on Christmas night that year, my wife and I got into a nasty fight (one of several over the few weeks before that). We made sure my son got to enjoy his christmas but after he went to bed the fight continued. I had been drinking throughout the day, and I felt like I was going to burst. Next thing I know late that night I was walking to the local gas station, bought a can, told myself I would only have a dip that night. Next thing I know I am dipping again "only when drinking." Then it was more and more, all of a sudden I was back at a can a day. I was so dissapointed in myself.
Anyways, I am ready to do it for good this time. I think I learned a lot from my previous attempt that can only help me this time around. I have cut way back on my beer consumption for the time being as well to help avoid alcohol induced lapses of judgement .
I have a wife, a 5 yr old boy, and another little one coming in October of 09. I am the maintenance manager at the company I work for, so stress is a regular part of my job.
My hobbies include hunting, fishing, softball, weight lifting and I am an avid Packer fan. Problem is that all the above I used to dip while doing them, which is one more obstacle to overcome......learning to do my favorite things without chew.
I am doing this for myself first and foremost, and also so my children dont have to have a father with self induced health problems as they grow up. I've been doing this for a few days now, and I am determined as ever to stay quit. The first few days were tough, but the last couple are getting better. I am using chantix which really takes the edge off, and the fake snuff isnt all that bad. Drinking lots of water and doubled my excersise time as well to help with the stress.
Sorry for writing a book, didn't realize how long that was getting.
Thanks in advance for all of your support, and I am glad to meet all of you.