The Funk

[Braves360]

I really found the second and third articles useful. Apparently I'm not alone in my OCD world.

[chewie]

Great discussion going on here.

Here are a couple of articles that may be helpful:

Explaining "The Funk" Part 1 - http://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures ... nk-part-1/

Explaining "The Funk" Part 2 - http://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures ... nk-part-2/

Dealing With Craves  The Concept Of Forever - http://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures ... f-forever/

[Braves360]

I hear you loud and clear there. I have also noticed a feeling of complacency (Day 77 here). I still post roll and such but the complacency scares me a bit. I am a person that likes to finish things. It bugs me sometimes that the quit is never complete. To help, I am concentrating on quitting one day at a time. When i post roll in the morning I am 'finishing' my promise for the previous day and making the promise for today. That seems to help a bit.

You know, I think that this right here describes where I am.


I have a little bit of OCD, which is definitely not good for someone with an addict brain. I am addicted to finishing what I start as well, and this mission is never over. So it is a little hard to think about long term goals, which is the whole reason for ODAAT and I know that, but it's hard to convince my goal oriented mind of that. I am the guy who has plans written down all over the place to remind myself of my goals for 30,60,90 days, etc. My initial goal in this whole quit was to be a guy up on the HoF, which I now realize is really only a drop in the bucket, just another day. Although it is something to celebrate, what does it really mean if you start using again on day 101? Have you really accomplished the goal? You made the HoF, which is a long term goal when you initially started this, but then what? What is your goal now? 200 days? 500 days? 1 day? I drink the KTC Kool Aid, I don't want anyone to believe otherwise. I 100% subscribe to ODAAT, posting roll daily, and weaving a web of accountability I just feel a like I need a new long term goal, something more tangible than the day I die.

So I say all of that to ask this for those that are either here, past here, or getting close to here:

What is your next long term goal?

[quitter123]

So I sit here at Day 83 and I think that last few days of my quit have probably been the best yet. Things are much clearer to me, I am really drawing closer to my quit brethren. Cravings are much less frequent and much shorter lived when they do occur. I must say that I am actually enjoying my quit nowadays. I have tossed aside the substitutes, no seeds, no fake dip, no real need for them. Back a few days ago when I felt the bitch trying to creep her way back in through the subs I decided to quit those as well and it was a easy venture to say the least. I have found one thing though, and it scares me just a little bit.....complacency is the bitch's best friend. That is something that has started to creep into my quit. I still text my quit brethren on a daily basis, and I drop into the chat in the evenings, I post roll EVERY DAMN DAY, but I still feel like I am not as active as I was a few weeks ago. Is this because I don't feel like I need as much support? Am I getting the support I need from the web of numbers that I have rather than posting on the site? Am I filled with over self confidence thinking that I can beat this bitch on my own with little to no accountability? I'm not sure what the answer is yet, but one thing I do know, the complacency has got to go. Just like the substitutes went, the complacency shall be replaced. I will force myself to become more active again and play a more important roll in KTC. I encourage you to look at yourself when you get to this stage of your quit, look into your methods and daily routines, make sure that you have not dropped this site and it's purpose from yours.

I hear you loud and clear there. I have also noticed a feeling of complacency (Day 77 here). I still post roll and such but the complacency scares me a bit. I am a person that likes to finish things. It bugs me sometimes that the quit is never complete. To help, I am concentrating on quitting one day at a time. When i post roll in the morning I am 'finishing' my promise for the previous day and making the promise for today. That seems to help a bit.

Quit on. I quit with you EDD.

[E&C's Dad]

So I sit here at Day 83 and I think that last few days of my quit have probably been the best yet. Things are much clearer to me, I am really drawing closer to my quit brethren. Cravings are much less frequent and much shorter lived when they do occur. I must say that I am actually enjoying my quit nowadays. I have tossed aside the substitutes, no seeds, no fake dip, no real need for them. Back a few days ago when I felt the bitch trying to creep her way back in through the subs I decided to quit those as well and it was a easy venture to say the least. I have found one thing though, and it scares me just a little bit.....complacency is the bitch's best friend. That is something that has started to creep into my quit. I still text my quit brethren on a daily basis, and I drop into the chat in the evenings, I post roll EVERY DAMN DAY, but I still feel like I am not as active as I was a few weeks ago. Is this because I don't feel like I need as much support? Am I getting the support I need from the web of numbers that I have rather than posting on the site? Am I filled with over self confidence thinking that I can beat this bitch on my own with little to no accountability? I'm not sure what the answer is yet, but one thing I do know, the complacency has got to go. Just like the substitutes went, the complacency shall be replaced. I will force myself to become more active again and play a more important roll in KTC. I encourage you to look at yourself when you get to this stage of your quit, look into your methods and daily routines, make sure that you have not dropped this site and it's purpose from yours.

Welcome to the funk or the "fuckits" as I like to call them. I hit that point in my 80's where the novelty of quitting kind of wore off. I was bored with the site and other than posting roll and texting my inner circle I really backed off and focused on ME. Its perfectly normal and ok to feel the way you feel. The excitement of reaching the Hall is right around the corner and that will take your mind off the fuckits. Stay vigilant and don't be apathetic other than that do what you need to do.

[Braves360]

So I sit here at Day 83 and I think that last few days of my quit have probably been the best yet. Things are much clearer to me, I am really drawing closer to my quit brethren. Cravings are much less frequent and much shorter lived when they do occur. I must say that I am actually enjoying my quit nowadays. I have tossed aside the substitutes, no seeds, no fake dip, no real need for them. Back a few days ago when I felt the bitch trying to creep her way back in through the subs I decided to quit those as well and it was a easy venture to say the least. I have found one thing though, and it scares me just a little bit.....complacency is the bitch's best friend. That is something that has started to creep into my quit. I still text my quit brethren on a daily basis, and I drop into the chat in the evenings, I post roll EVERY DAMN DAY, but I still feel like I am not as active as I was a few weeks ago. Is this because I don't feel like I need as much support? Am I getting the support I need from the web of numbers that I have rather than posting on the site? Am I filled with over self confidence thinking that I can beat this bitch on my own with little to no accountability? I'm not sure what the answer is yet, but one thing I do know, the complacency has got to go. Just like the substitutes went, the complacency shall be replaced. I will force myself to become more active again and play a more important roll in KTC. I encourage you to look at yourself when you get to this stage of your quit, look into your methods and daily routines, make sure that you have not dropped this site and it's purpose from yours.

[chewie]

So I got a text from one of my quit brethren today, just out of the blue checking to make sure things are good on the quit front. I must say that while responding to his message I had quite the epiphany. Over the last couple of weeks I have become much stronger in my quit. I have learned a lot of skills/tools to use when things come up that normally would've "needed" a dip and I have learned how to reprogram my mind to not need those things to be satisfied. I occurred to me though, that over the past couple of weeks I find myself randomly in a Wal-mart purchasing a can of SMC, there is nothing wrong with that, considering that it is not tobacco and contains no nicotine but I asked myself why? Well the nic bitch is pretty damn sneaky.......all the triggers that I have retrained to not need nicotine she is trying to bring back. She is slowly trying to wiggle her way back into the forefront so that she can create the cave. Recognizing this I was a little hesitant about the continued use of the substitutes and still am to be quite honest. I know that I have my quit, the quit is mine and the nic bitch can't have it. It's just amazing to reflect a couple of weeks at a time and see how your body and mind develop and redevelop and how the nic bitch is always trying to stay one step ahead. I encourage you to look back over the last couple of weeks and look for changes and developments.....see if you can find something that may help yourself and/or your quit brethren as we continue to strengthen the foundation of our quits.

This is a pretty brilliant observation. As you move forward in your quit, you'll have similar observations about your quit, your life without tobacco, how you deal with triggers, etc. Recognizing this and being able to verbalize them is a HUGE tool. Keep it going!

Chewie




I said "huge tool". TWSS *giggle*

[Braves360]

So I got a text from one of my quit brethren today, just out of the blue checking to make sure things are good on the quit front. I must say that while responding to his message I had quite the epiphany. Over the last couple of weeks I have become much stronger in my quit. I have learned a lot of skills/tools to use when things come up that normally would've "needed" a dip and I have learned how to reprogram my mind to not need those things to be satisfied. I occurred to me though, that over the past couple of weeks I find myself randomly in a Wal-mart purchasing a can of SMC, there is nothing wrong with that, considering that it is not tobacco and contains no nicotine but I asked myself why? Well the nic bitch is pretty damn sneaky.......all the triggers that I have retrained to not need nicotine she is trying to bring back. She is slowly trying to wiggle her way back into the forefront so that she can create the cave. Recognizing this I was a little hesitant about the continued use of the substitutes and still am to be quite honest. I know that I have my quit, the quit is mine and the nic bitch can't have it. It's just amazing to reflect a couple of weeks at a time and see how your body and mind develop and redevelop and how the nic bitch is always trying to stay one step ahead. I encourage you to look back over the last couple of weeks and look for changes and developments.....see if you can find something that may help yourself and/or your quit brethren as we continue to strengthen the foundation of our quits.

[srans]

Today is day 50, there have been a lot of +1's before this and there are lot more to come. Most importantly I have to remember that it is always ODAAT. I have committed myself to my quit brethene every day and I will continue to do the same. There is something to be said about quitting with others that makes it that much more real. You know that if you cave you not only let yourself down, you not only have to face the wrath of those around you, you not only have to answer the 3 hardest questions of your life, but you have let down those around you that have depended on you for so long. There have been countless nights where I have received calls and messages from brothers just needing someone to talk to, someone to share the pain with, and I have done the same. Once you are this deep you start to realize how real the consequences of a cave would be, and how many people you would genuinely hurt. That is why today, looking back on the last 49 I strengthen my resolve to stay quit. I commit stronger every day to the cause and I will quit on. I encourage, when you've made it this far, to look deep into yourself. Look at the resolve that it has taken to get this far and the lessons that you have learned about yourself while do so. This quit is not just the simple cessation of tobacco, but it is also a demonstration of your will and ability. Your ability to make a promise to yourself and others and to keep that no matter how crappy things get. I have a much different view on life at day 50 then I did at day 30 and I must tell you that I'm glad. Quitting is now a way of life, it is something that I have ingrained so deeply in my person that it is all that I know at this point. Never one to let my guard down, I know that I am an addict, there is no question of that, but I am a reformed addict with control over my addiction. No longer do I bow to U.S. Smokeless, rather I enjoy my freedom. I encourage you to keep fighting for your freedom every day and promise you will keep fighting for you freedom with your quit brethren. Remember they are fighting the same fight you are, in the deep trenches and digging as hard as they can each and every day. Freedom isn't easy, freedom isn't cheap, but damn is freedom worth the price.

Keep fighting every damn day, there is NEVER a reason to go back to being a slave.

Kick ass Braves. Congrats on 50

You've earned respect and taken dignity back for 50 straight days. Might as well keep this rollen. You got nothing better to do today. That i can guarantee. ;)

[thewolfe]

Today is day 50, there have been a lot of +1's before this and there are lot more to come. Most importantly I have to remember that it is always ODAAT. I have committed myself to my quit brethene every day and I will continue to do the same. There is something to be said about quitting with others that makes it that much more real. You know that if you cave you not only let yourself down, you not only have to face the wrath of those around you, you not only have to answer the 3 hardest questions of your life, but you have let down those around you that have depended on you for so long. There have been countless nights where I have received calls and messages from brothers just needing someone to talk to, someone to share the pain with, and I have done the same. Once you are this deep you start to realize how real the consequences of a cave would be, and how many people you would genuinely hurt. That is why today, looking back on the last 49 I strengthen my resolve to stay quit. I commit stronger every day to the cause and I will quit on. I encourage, when you've made it this far, to look deep into yourself. Look at the resolve that it has taken to get this far and the lessons that you have learned about yourself while do so. This quit is not just the simple cessation of tobacco, but it is also a demonstration of your will and ability. Your ability to make a promise to yourself and others and to keep that no matter how crappy things get. I have a much different view on life at day 50 then I did at day 30 and I must tell you that I'm glad. Quitting is now a way of life, it is something that I have ingrained so deeply in my person that it is all that I know at this point. Never one to let my guard down, I know that I am an addict, there is no question of that, but I am a reformed addict with control over my addiction. No longer do I bow to U.S. Smokeless, rather I enjoy my freedom. I encourage you to keep fighting for your freedom every day and promise you will keep fighting for you freedom with your quit brethren. Remember they are fighting the same fight you are, in the deep trenches and digging as hard as they can each and every day. Freedom isn't easy, freedom isn't cheap, but damn is freedom worth the price.

Keep fighting every damn day, there is NEVER a reason to go back to being a slave.

Kick ass Braves. Congrats on 50

[Braves360]

Today is day 50, there have been a lot of +1's before this and there are lot more to come. Most importantly I have to remember that it is always ODAAT. I have committed myself to my quit brethene every day and I will continue to do the same. There is something to be said about quitting with others that makes it that much more real. You know that if you cave you not only let yourself down, you not only have to face the wrath of those around you, you not only have to answer the 3 hardest questions of your life, but you have let down those around you that have depended on you for so long. There have been countless nights where I have received calls and messages from brothers just needing someone to talk to, someone to share the pain with, and I have done the same. Once you are this deep you start to realize how real the consequences of a cave would be, and how many people you would genuinely hurt. That is why today, looking back on the last 49 I strengthen my resolve to stay quit. I commit stronger every day to the cause and I will quit on. I encourage, when you've made it this far, to look deep into yourself. Look at the resolve that it has taken to get this far and the lessons that you have learned about yourself while do so. This quit is not just the simple cessation of tobacco, but it is also a demonstration of your will and ability. Your ability to make a promise to yourself and others and to keep that no matter how crappy things get. I have a much different view on life at day 50 then I did at day 30 and I must tell you that I'm glad. Quitting is now a way of life, it is something that I have ingrained so deeply in my person that it is all that I know at this point. Never one to let my guard down, I know that I am an addict, there is no question of that, but I am a reformed addict with control over my addiction. No longer do I bow to U.S. Smokeless, rather I enjoy my freedom. I encourage you to keep fighting for your freedom every day and promise you will keep fighting for you freedom with your quit brethren. Remember they are fighting the same fight you are, in the deep trenches and digging as hard as they can each and every day. Freedom isn't easy, freedom isn't cheap, but damn is freedom worth the price.

Keep fighting every damn day, there is NEVER a reason to go back to being a slave.

[brettlees]

Keep it up Braves!! I was a many-decades cope dipper, and i had a lot of the same symptoms you have been logging in here. It does get better! I was worried it might not, when i had long fogs. Same for itchy gums. And more. It helped me to know that others had gone through it like that with the fogs. Jayhawk and Worktowin reached out and told me they had similar fogs. It helped to read their intro threads, too.

Keep tough, the fog's don't last forever. When they lift, enjoy the freedom and clarity- you've earned them! And it gets even better, just wait!! Relish the good day by day!

[Braves360]

Well today is day 39 and I must say that things are getting better. The urges and the craves are almost nonexistent and my brain is finally making new pathways to pleasure. I'm running several nights a week, to fight the quit weight and it also seems to be helping the anxiety. Some 70's classic rock and 3.5 miles does the body wonders. Key to it all is actually getting outside and not the damn treadmill. A little fresh air does the body wonders.

There is light at the end of the tunnel for those of you that will read this. After the fog is gone the funk will come and go, those are the days that you cling to your quit brothers and sisters. You cling to your quit and you remember how bad that bitch has made you feel while going through this quit. Remember how much you love the freedom of not suck the nicodik and remember how much freedom you have over your own body. No longer are you hunting a water bottle, coke can, patch of grass, sink, or gutting that shit. No longer are you struggling to talk to the cashier at the register in the grocery store because you "just had to run in real quick" but managed to get a mouth full and don't want to swallow. Remember your freedom and remember how much that means to you. You are no longer bound by the bitch, and as long as you commit to yourself and your quit brothers/sisters every day and keep your word you'll remain free. That bitch is NEVER worth it. Don't let her fool you. I found a pretty helpful quote by Aristotle that I have since added to my signature. Maybe you'll find encouragement in it like I did.

"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self"

[Wt57]

Great job on day 33 that's huge!!!

I would like to add one little thing...

"Going on drugs" is different than using medication designed specifically to help one d. Ieal with anxiety/anxiousness.

I think I mentioned this earlier in Bobs intro, but when used correctly and under the supervision of a professional anti anxiety meds can be a great assist in battling troubles that go along with quitting. A lot of people will put a bad stereotype on medications and say you will be trading one addiction for another, etc..

That is not necessarily the case. I used them as needed to get me through some tough times, and I know a lot of heavy hitting big dog vets on this site did the same. I never became addicted to them, in fact nowadays many of these meds are non habbit forming. Heck I still carry mine with me as I do still get anxiety from time to time. But I don't take them every day, and I'm certainly not addicted to them. They were a godsend to be honest.

Now, I'm not telling what to do, or even suggesting you "do what I did". I'm simply saving don't dismiss this tool for your toolbelt of quit. Using them doesn't mean you're "weak", nor does it mean your going to become dependant on them, like you are replacing dip for drugs.

Quit on...

I endorse diesels comments 100%! I watched his agony early in his quit and witnessed the wonders of anti anxiety meds working for him. I guess my situation may be a little different than most but not entirely unique. Nicotine had a duel role in my life; first I used nicotine to self medicate myself for depression and the more nicotine I used the more out of wack my serotonin got. I'm one who requires antidepresents in order to regulate my serotonin levels and my sanity. There are various categories of meds to assist with mental health and like diesel said many of them are not addictive. I'll say that I hate taking meds daily but not nearly as bad as the hell I go through when I fail to take them regularly. A couple of good natural mode regulating supplements I use are L-tryptophan and melatonin.
I contend that many of us used partially to self medicate and when our nicotine was removed we needed something to help regulate our mental health.

[Diesel2112]

Great job on day 33 that's huge!!!

I would like to add one little thing...

"Going on drugs" is different than using medication designed specifically to help one d. Ieal with anxiety/anxiousness.

I think I mentioned this earlier in Bobs intro, but when used correctly and under the supervision of a professional anti anxiety meds can be a great assist in battling troubles that go along with quitting. A lot of people will put a bad stereotype on medications and say you will be trading one addiction for another, etc..

That is not necessarily the case. I used them as needed to get me through some tough times, and I know a lot of heavy hitting big dog vets on this site did the same. I never became addicted to them, in fact nowadays many of these meds are non habbit forming. Heck I still carry mine with me as I do still get anxiety from time to time. But I don't take them every day, and I'm certainly not addicted to them. They were a godsend to be honest.

Now, I'm not telling what to do, or even suggesting you "do what I did". I'm simply saving don't dismiss this tool for your toolbelt of quit. Using them doesn't mean you're "weak", nor does it mean your going to become dependant on them, like you are replacing dip for drugs.

Quit on...