43-year-old from St. Louis, MO. Started with Copenhagen at age 16 and changed to Red Man around age 35. Been on the ride for 27 or so years. Never was embarrassed by the habit until recently; teeth look like shit, gums are receding, fingers always with the yellow tobacco hue, breath stinks, tobacco all over car and office floor, spitters everywhere, etc. Never thought I would be 43 acting like the dipshit I was when 20.
In hindsight, the only good redeeming quality I found in Copenhagen was each pinch only lasted 30-mins or so. I wish that were the case for Red Man. When I made the transition to Red Man I realized the leaf tobacco was easier on my gums, lasted longer and easier to conceal and swallow. This generated a terrible scenario for the fact that Red Man was in my mouth all day every day. I went through about 1.25 pouches a day and made certain there were no less than 3 pouches in my car at all times.
I knew my habit, come to find out my addition, was completely out of control. I knew it was the beginning of the end and something needed to be done to stop spending $75 per week on tobacco and cleanup my act.
I was always vigilant about brushing, flossing and cleaning my teeth. It was one of the things I looked at to justify my continual use of tobacco; if the teeth are fine then all else is fine. It was not until I took a cruise this last week and realized how bad my teeth were. This all came to my attention in the cruise ship’s bathroom. The lighting was significantly brighter and mirror significantly closer than in my bathroom at home. The cruise ship mirror displayed the roots on several of my bottom teeth clear as day. Holy shit did this affect me. I damn near passed out finally realizing what the hell I did to myself.
Well, here I am. About 25 years too late, but better than being 30 years too late I guess.
I look forward to better health, a nicotine free life and meeting a few fellow quitters.
