I need everyone's help...
I've been poking around the site for a few days now with the plan to quit saturday when my girlfriend got back from a trip - like I needed a chaperone or something.
Well, after continuing to read the stories, I just flushed the rest of my "last tin" away. Why not start now.
I'm not a lifer dipper like some of the guys on the site. I'm just three years in, but the K-bear got me good. Funny thing is that I dipped a few times in high school and college but puked everytime, so I just figured it wasn't for me. But, about 3 years ago, my wife took off and I was drinking a ton. Ironically, I started dipping just to keep the booze out of my mouth for a half hour at a time. Well, wouldn't you know it, after a few weeks, I was on a steady tin-a-day diet.
Once it got bad, I tried to hide it. People thought I had gastro-intestinal issues I was going to the bathroom so much to sneak a dip. I've driven way out of the way just to grab a tin. I've created unnecessary errands just to get away and grab a lipper. People talk about how much money they wasted... I'd like to calculate how much time I've wasted. Overall, it just controls you like nothing else.
And I've had it. It's not like I catch a buzz anymore, so why am I doing it. My car smells like shit, my lip is rippled up, my breath stinks.
So I quit... I tell myself I've tried to quit before, but I really havent. I made myself not bring a tin on a trip to Costa Rica last summer because I knew it would be hard to get down there. So, I went 8 days. I was jonesing for it the whole time, but my hands were tied. It's not like they sold it at the hotel convenience store. But, of course, as soon as I got back I went to play a round of golf and when we hit the 5th tee, I saw a convenience store up the road so I told the guys I was with I'd meet them on the 6th fairway, and I grabbed a tin.
This time has to be different because I need to stop, but I finally WANT to stop. I never wanted to before, I just thought it would be a good idea. But I need to get rid of it for good.
The tough part for me is going to be that I associate a lot of things with packing a lipper - golf, hunting, fishing, driving, football games, drinking, crapping.... things I will continue to do alot of. When I get in the car, it's shut door... turn key... pack a dip... pull onto road. Would love some suggestions to help get me through the urges.
So, I'm joining the June '09 group. I promise if you guys can help me get through this, I'll return the favor for you guys now, and for other guys in the future.
Sorry for the long post, but writing it helped confirm to myself why I needed to quit.
Thanks, and stay on my case about it for a while. I'll be on role call tomorrow.
-Patrick
Also, a special thanks to iuchewie. When I registered, the email he sent me through the site was enough to bring me back to the site to read more stories... And the stories helped me find the balls to face my problem. Thanks.