Hey guys, I'm new, name's Jon. Today is my third time quitting. The last two times, I did it cold turkey without any problems whatsoever. This time it's been hell, and I'm only about 24 hours in.
I started at 20 with my fraternity in college. I chewed 2 years, quit for a year cold turkey and didn't have a single craving. After a year, I went back on a whim due to stress.
After that, I chewed off and on, about one chew a day until I met my current wife. She had me stop. It's been about 9 years now that I was nicotine and chew free. Zero cravings, just tossed it and was done.
Unfortunately, about a month ago I started again. I immediately went to pouches to be more discreet, and discovered Skoal Apple pouches. Good God these are incredible. My wife has hated me for it, and though I don't particularly WANT to quit, I know I NEED to quit. I have a 2 year old daughter, and I need to do it for her and for my wife, and for my own health.
She asked me why I started again, and the only thing I could think of was "I really enjoy long lasting flavor in my mouth with zero calories that gives me a 'boost'. It gives me something to do while I'm doing something. It helps me focus and improve my concentration.
Needless to say, I stopped mid day yesterday, and had a 'routine' down for when I'd throw one in.
Morning before work
Lunch time shitter
On the way home from work
Wildcard time if possible
Before bed
2 pouches each time.
My last one was lunch time yesterday and I'm going INSANE. Last night I tried making a homemade coffee chew with coffee grounds and honey, and it was okay, but didn't pack at all, and I hated spitting grounds everywhere. Disgusting. I tore open a teabag and packed it full of the stuff and threw that in and it was better and gave me a 'mind' fix.
I just got a tin of SMC classic since that was the only kind they had, and I'm going to give it a try. I've had a hard time finding alternatives unless I order online, and would be inclined to try a coffee based chew since it gives that 'boost' i enjoy, but i've heard a lot of mixed reviews on Grounds pouches.
I'm halfway tempted to try making my own. Does anyone make their own tobacco free chew that they wouldn't mind sharing the recipe for?