Today I enter the Hall of Fame (100 days quit). So I decided it was finally time to write an intro. I did this for a few reasons.
- I did not write an intro at first because I did not know of its importance. I found this site about 50 days into my quit, long after the vets stopped pestering the group to write intros. And, to be frank, I thought they were a little self-centered.
- Once I started interacting, I learned how wrong I was and the importance of intros. Not only do they let others get to know you (and dig a deeper quit hole), but they also tell the lurkers that someone just like them has finally decided to be free, that is, an invitation to join up.
- Having decided to write an intro, I waited until day 100 because that is a mile marker close to the start (intro...) of my journey, not the end. I am introducing myself today as an addict today, never mind the last 100. I am quit, but every day is a new day, and I will quit each one only once.
So, about that intro... While I currently work long hours in a white-collar job, I am exploring a transition to high-school teaching. Im a 14 year tin+ a day dipper. My math tells me I spent more than $25,000 on my addiction. Moved from Cope to Skoal to Skoal pouches to Skoal Xtra pouches. I used to think it gave me the energy to get through lifting, allnighters, or late work/kid nights. Turned out the sugars were just wasting me out; I was going bald, and getting a high blood pressure while at it.
For the lurkers reading, I have two messages about why this quit is different from my other stoppages. Number one, I
wanted it. I always knew I
should quit for health, money, and other reasons. But I did not hate nicotine, nor the lying addict the drug had made me. This time, I had to face my four year old asking me when he would be big enough for daddy gum. Find whatever way you need to hate nicotine as much as that moment made me hate it.
Two, this site -
it works. It is annoying as heck and formatted like it is 1999. You will think the vets are being totally and inappropriately harsh on the first caver to join your group (I did). But there is a logic to their actions, and all the other BS too. Tough love is still love, and there is nothing that anyone on this site wants more than for you to take the shit out of your mouth right now for life. The normal odds of quitting nicotine cold turkey are below 10%. With this site, it is far far far higher. So at least for the first month, trust (and learn) the system.
Come on in and join me on this journey; the water is great!
