In looking back over the past 100 days and thinking how to best describe the quit process and to encourage others, the following comes to mind. Please keep in mind that I typically belong to the "Men of Few Words Club." It would appear that this is not the case today.
I would not want you to believe that it was an easy feat and that it was without thoughts of going back to using tobacco. The truth is that it has been difficult and at times it seemed impossible, particularly for the first 30 to 40 days. For those of you who are thinking about quitting (and you know that you should quit), you need to know that it will take a 110% personal commitment to quit; it will require your daily posting to your quit group in which you commit to them that you will not dip; and at times you will be challenged on a moment by moment basis to remain quit when the Nic Bitch comes a'knockin' at your door.
However with that being said, knowing that there are others in your quit group going through the same thing does help, talking with others in the Live Chat Room who have previously gone through what you are experiencing does help, hearing / using their encouragement and suggestions does help, knowing that others have quit before you does help, sharing phone numbers and sending texts to your quit buddies does help. I can honestly say that without this web site that I would probably still be "dipping." THIS IS WHAT THE REAL BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD IS ALL ABOUT!
You may be reading this and saying to yourself, why bother? It's too much of a hassle, it's not worth the trouble, I can quit anytime that I want or I'm not really addicted. If you are using this thought process, please allow me to share with you the following:
I used smokeless tobacco for over 20 years (hence my site name "20 Years" - pretty clever huh!). The amount of time that I used tobacco, now that I actually think about it, is closer to 23 or 24 years. Like a lot of other people, I started at a young age, buying a tin of cope, sharing it with friends and enjoying the buzz. I continued to use dipp off and on throughout high school, college and in the military. Once I entered the real world, I began my daily habit of smokeless tobacco. If you can name it, I used it; plug, leaf and snuff. Over the course of the years, I tried to quit several times at the encouragement of my spouse, and like a lot of you, you could measure the most recent quit in hours or a few days. I would always go back to tobacco saying, why bother? It's too much of a hassle, it's not worth the trouble, I can quit anytime that I want or I'm not really addicted. Who was I kidding? I knew in my heart (as you do) that I was hurting myself and my family. Like you, my tobacco addiction defined who I was. I planned my day around when I could dip, hiding tins and spitters. Try that while working at white collar jobs for 24 years! Do you think that I am a nicotine addict now? Does this sound familiar to you? If so, think about what you are doing. Get Quit! NOW!
Towards the end, I was using 1.5 tins per day. The only time that I did not have a dip in was when I was eating or sleeping (and sometimes..... I even fell asleep with a dip in). Yes, I had become a Master Ninja Dipper in order to feed my addition. You have to ask yourself, do you want to live your life this way? Do you want to be a slave to tobacco, paying $6 + per tin, and risking your health? Do you like driving down to the corner convenience store at all hours of the day and night to get your fix? My answer was no because I was looking for a way to quit. Then one day I found this website (looking back, I realize now that finding this website was a blessing), and with the network and help that is offered here, the rest as they say is history.
Even now, there are times that I think how great a three fingered lip bomb taste. But I know that will not happen. I am done with dip once and for all. Sure, I will continue to fight the urges, like anyone with a nicotine addiction knows. However, I now know that today is a better day then yesterday and tomorrow will be a better day than today. I will not longer be concerned about having to go to the dentist. Now, I can look forward to being tobacco free for the next 20 + years!
In closing, I've got to say a huge thank you to everyone in my quit group (The Quiet June Bugs - '09). Without your help, support and reading about your own trials, I would not be writing this speech! My attempt at humor in the daily postings was a shot at trying to keep it fun and encouraging for everyone. Also, a big thank you goes out to everyone in the Live Chat Room for listening to my questions and BS. Next, a bodacious thank you to everyone that texted or emailed an encouraging comment (you know who you are). And last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you goes out to my wife for putting up with my addition for the past 24 years and for being there for the past 100 days. You are truly a gift from heaven.
And now it's time to "Pay it Forward," to help the newer quitters with their progress by offering up our support. This is the badge of Honor that HOFer's wear. It is through sharing that we become stronger in our own quits.
Sincerely, humbly, and honored to be here -
Chris
