I didn't use the fake stuff, but I think you should do whatever you have to to stay nic free. You already consider it a stupid habit. So I bet that it will be easy to quit when you're ready...just my guess. I'm not using the fake because I am concerned it might irritate my gums, cause receding gums, etc. Does anyone know?
Also, Teaka, I totally understand...I've had to leave early a few times too...for same reason. The receptionist's voice irritates me (like in Office Space), the mess in our kitchen and microwave pisses me off, co-workers who are late to work, etc. When did I become the a-hole? These things never really bothered me before. In fact, I used to make fun of old farts who acted like I do now?!!! I hope this passes...but I'm already at 50 days.
Yep, I am fine with my quit at home. Its work that is killing me because I can't control things as well. Its obvious now that I used dipping as a major cope mechanism (no pun intended). Every little problem drives me nuts now and I have little patience.
I know if I went and got a prescription of valium or antivan (anti-anxiety) my quit would be 100 times easier......however am I not kinda cheating? Will I become addicted to them? Will I just be delaying having to deal with the anxiety until later when I get off the anti-anxiety meds?
For what its worth- I Chewed oregon Mint for the first 500 days . I chewed it like a beaver on crack. If I ran out I'd put a tea bag in my mouth- a REAL tea bag you sick bastards. I bought more gum and seeds and candy than a 5year old fat ass orphan with a million dollars and a sweet tooth.
I also took ativan- Like MM's in the beginning and then less and less. My opinion is this; did it help me quit NO. Does it make it easier ? Yes. WTF does that mean your thinking.
The ativan or other will help with the anxiety, but ultimately you have to learn to handle " life" without dip and without a substitute. I never made an adult decision in my life without a chew in my mouth. I snuck off at my own wedding to have a dip. I have chewed at funerals, weddings, meetings, and in the hospital while my wife was in labor. I started dipping as a kid. I never learned how to handle stress, anxiety, relationships, or any of lifes other bullshit without a dip in my mouth.
So while the ativan took the edge off, I still was faced with the task of learning how to talk to the wife ( patiently) , not kill people at work, etc. I am still learning. I would have quit with or without the drugs and fake, but they are just a tool to put in your arsenal while you gain strength and perspective on your quit. They can help you, but they will not quit for you if that makes sense.
I am now free of the anxiety meds , and only use the Oregon mint , on rare occasions, most recently duck hunting with three dippers. I believe the oral fixation is a separate habit from the nicotine addiction, and I opted to fight them seperately. Others felt that the act of using fake was making their quit harder., it is really a personal decision. If it helps do it.
Long and short is that NOTHING IS CHEATING!!!! this isn't checkers, its no rules bare knuckle boxing to the death. use any means at your disposal to keep quit.
Stay quit
sm
