Thank you guys!
It is encouraging, every time somebody reaches out. I had real bad insomnia last night and dreams I was eating chew out of the can with a spoon. My wife was watching me in my dream appalled and I was telling her "it is not that bad". Then in my dream I was searching for a spit bottle under the seat of the car so I could drink it. Messed up! I am on day 4 so I guess that is a good sign that my mind is searching desperately for something that just isn't there anymore. My brain has been dependent on that poison for more than 25 years. I can feel the mind games beginning. Addiction can really warp your reasoning. In my original post I mentioned my blood pressure was high. I had it checked yesterday after 60 hours nic free and it was 122/78 (which is a huge improvement and actually a normal reading). So I have already cut my risk of stroke and heart attack. My addicted mind is telling me "Now you can just not dip the day before you go to the doctor and you will have a normal reading, you don't really have to give it up". I know this makes no sense (flawed logic) or maybe it makes perfect sense to you. This has been the challenge forever, that I have gotten so good at lying and hiding my addiction from everyone and convincing myself it is "not that bad". Just like my dream, everyone else knows it is disgusting and not normal. Temporary fixes that never really make the problem go away. Here is another mind game. I am working on my masters degree and have a big assignment due this week so my mind is saying "you picked the wrong time to do this, etc." and "you could do it after this assignment, class, week (fill in the blank) is over".
I didn't pick this week, it picked me. The doctor was worried if I didn't do something, my heart would give out, and I am a pretty fit athletic guy. Also with this website, I feel like I didn't find it, you found me, to make this "for real" this time! I am a liar and I need accountability from someone who understands the struggle. I think I can be honest on here because I don't have to be ashamed of my weakness, but the first step of me being honest is to admit that I am a liar and a manipulative addict.
Biggest thing I have learned from quitting is to get in my mind that one more dip, chew, fix, whatever you call it will not make you feel better. You feel worse because of the shame and weakness and an hour later(or less) you have the same problem. You are going to have cravings whether you dip or not. Tackle them one at a time with the choice not to chew and over time I have faith it will get easier. Here is good logic. Dipping leads to more craving, addiction and a horrible early death. Not dipping will lead to freedom and health, so when you crave---- do not dip and you will get there!
I did get roll posted this morning, lying there wide awake. Last night I had some trouble with the instructions, I guess that is the "fog" and I just didn't want to push my frustration tolerance. I kind of limped into the forum last night, just to say I am here. The video showing you how to do it helped my foggy brain by the way
I appreciate the response from Josh87 who I think has the same quit day as me and looking at your story Josh, you are like me but smart enough to do this ten years earlier. Keep up the good work and keep reaching out.
Thanks to the veterans that responded RDB1972, Mike1966, tjschu, and Thumblewort. I appreciate the inspiration!
I feel positive about today! I am staying free