Brand new to the site. I recall visiting a couple times in the past when I was trying to build up to quitting, but never joined. Here I am. I quit last night at 11pm. 23 hours in.
I'm 31, been chewing for 13+ years. 4-5 cans a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Remember starting because I thought it was cool. I grew up in a rural community, so all the older kids chewed....I wasn't going to end up any differently. Most of my friends were able to kick it as we grew up, but I've struggled for years trying to let it go. My career is in a field where I am a role model for children of all ages, and it shames me I am a chewer. I've had several talks with young people about why they shouldn't use tobacco...but haven't been able to quit myself, so it automatically makes me a hypocrite.
This is the fourth time I've quit in 2 years. Last summer I thought I had it beat. 127 days without a single cheat. I was done, I was free and clear. I broke up with my girlfriend, I got drunk, I bought a can, I quit quitting. Woke up, threw it out, felt the shame, went hunting that evening, bummed a chew....hooked. I know now I won't be safe after 1 day, month, or year. I think I'm ready. I know my triggers (waking up, bathrooms in general, showers, driving, eating, hunting, fishing, golf, the lake, going to bed, drinking, working outside, turning wrenches....yikes). I'm stocked up on gum and seeds...here we go.
Anyway...that's a bit about me. How's this place work? I see the groups/roll-call but don't know anything about it.
