I would like to apologize in advance for this being so long. My name is Corey and I am 26 years old. I am from southern Illinois and started chewing when I was 17 years old.
Being a baseball player, I always have thought it was "cool" to chew. After my baseball career ended when I was 19 years old I never thought that I would have a problem with the habit ever again. When I was 20 years old I left for college which was about 1.5 hours away. The freedom allowed me to experiment new things. I had never smoked anything in my life and picked up the habit. Once I picked up smoking I also started chewing again. I would often do both at the same time; smoke a cigarette and have a dip in simultaneously. I know. Gross. Eventually I gave up on chewing and considered myself a smoker only.
Then my baseball career started back up. I was playing in college and everyone was chewing. I immediately started right back up, just as sudden as my career started. For the past 4 years I have chewed about 3 cans per week. I have also learned about my family's history and learned that cancer and diabetes run in the family. I need to pick myself up for that reason. I also have another reason for quitting which is more important than anything to me, and probably the reason that this post is so long.
December 2011 I found out that my girlfriend who I was having a long-distance relationship with was pregnant with my child. I got a full-time job, bought a house, and moved her 4 hours away from home to be with me. Last September 7, my little boy Colby was born. I love that child more than anything and promised that I would quit. And I did.
Here comes the tough part...
The day after the Superbowl, Monday February 4, 2013 I called my girlfriend who was visiting her family. She told me that she was staying home. I didn't really understand what she meant so I said "Ok, for how long?" She told me that she wasn't coming back, and my son Colby was staying with her. I now live 4 hours away from my son. I know I have kind of strayed off topic here, but even though I had not chewed in almost 5 months, I could not go without it through this difficult time. Now, exactly 4 months since she told me she was leaving, I am making this post. It seems like a lifetime since I have had my son living with me, and a lifetime since I can say I am nicotine free. But as of yesterday I am, and promise to continue to be nicotine free. It may be tough at times, but I know you guys all had your struggles also. I understand why you guys are here, and may need someone to talk to at times. If I can do anything for anyone here, please let me know and I will be glad to give it a shot. Also, if you have any questions for me I would be happy to answer them. God bless!
