Let's begin:
This is my Day 1, unfortunately it is not my first Day 1 but I am hoping it will be my last. I am 33 years old and have been dipping/chewing since I was about 15. In the following I would like to document everything I experience and everything that triggers my urge for dip in order to end this disgusting habit. If you find any of this helpful or have any feedback positive or negative I greatly appreciate it.
What I foresee as my biggest hurdles:
#1: Work - Why work? I am a diesel mechanic, many others in my field of work either smoke or dip so it will be a constant reminder. Over the years dip has become a major mental crutch for me and I believe this will be my greatest weakness. From the moment I get to work I can feel the urge begin, I get changed in to my uniform and the urge intensifies, sometimes I will not even tie my boots before heading out to my toolbox and putting in a dip.
#2: Routine - I am a creature of habit (no pun intended). The easiest way I get settled in to my routine is by clocking in on my W.O., setting out the tools I will need, putting in a dip and getting to the task at hand.
#3 - Stress Relief - Working in the field I do brings many stressful moments whether from a repair not going the way I would like it to, a customer not satisfied with repair/results, or dealing with warranty.
#4: Idle Moment - Coming home after work and just getting over the stresses of the day dip has played a major role. Getting relaxed on the couch with T.V., computer, or whatever dip has always been part of that relaxing equation.
So these will be my biggest challenges to overcome, weekends I do not foresee as a problem being the only time I dip is out of boredom or if I'm doing home repairs/maintenance.
I have done some research (and I use that term loosely as I have google searched what withdraws do to the body on a chemical level) and have come up with a few nutritional supplement and dietary changes I will be making to help with days 1 through 3, and then days 4 through 20. My first goal is days 1 through 3 (obviously), and how I will approach dealing with the bodies withdraws.
Vitamins I will be using:
Vitamin C - At this time I have not found research that shows dipping causes the same issues (of course 99% of research is all about smoking) but people who use nicotine deplete their Vitamin C levels more than twice as fast as those who do not. Signs of Vitamin C deficiency include dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate, easy bruising; nosebleeds; and a decreased ability to ward off infection.
Fish Oil - Or Omega 3 have shown to decrease smokers urges by 11% versus a placebo. A deficiency in omega-3 damages the structure of nerve cells and interrupts communication between nerves in areas of the brain involved with feeling pleasure and satisfaction.
Niacin - I have always been told Niacin is good for "flushing" the body of toxins. After researching Niacin I found it does have a lot of benefits when it comes to cholesterol, even found 1 instance of someone claiming Niacin actually reacts with the same nerve receptors that Nicotine reacts with and may support a decrease in cravings. When it comes to Niacin I will say it will make you "warm" possibly "tingly" and feel like an allergic reaction. My advise to is take small amounts at first and see how you react to it. I will be starting with 25 mg, giving it a few hours and adjusting from there. According to what I've read you should reach a feeling they call a "flush" feeling. Meaning your ears, nose, skin may redden but will feel warm and should last approx. 15-30 minutes. Again be very careful with the vitamin, if I do not have good results with it I may discontinue.
Multi-Vitamin - This will sound dumb but I've chosen to begin with childrens Flintstones vitamins, mainly because all the vitamin levels are generally low and I can add in individual vitamins if I feel one particular vitamin may have benefits if taken in higher doses, but the multi will give me a good base of multiple vitamins.
To wrap up I will be removing all caffeinated drinks (sodas, red bull, etc) I am an avid cold tea drinker (yes it has caffeine, but at much lower levels and no sugar). Also will be eating very plain, no frills food. I can be quite the health nut when I get to it so for me chicken and rice is something I can live off of for days at a time.
So here in my first day at roughly hour 8, the urges are high, the anger has already set in but I know this will end. Thank you and I will see you tomorrow.
