Hello everyone! My name is Jeremy and I'm 29 years old and I've been in the grasp of nicotine since I was 15. I used it all through high school and during college. Despite the misgivings of many girlfriends, I kept using it through early adulthood and I can't say that I love it like many might. I hate it. I finally got out if its grasp in 2003 when I was deployed to Iraq and simply ran out. I used Nicorette for a period and then stopped all nicotine for about three to four years before picking it back up. Dumb, huh? I found out I had cancer (not chew related) around 2007 and decided if I was going to die I was going to die doing something I enjoyed. Great rationalization. I have a form of cancer that is very slow and non-aggressive. I might have many years before I need any treatment but there is no cure, it's mine for good. Dealing with that stress at the time was too much and I sadly turned to something that could kill me even quicker. I was pissed that I went to war for my country and came home to find out I have some illness that could get in my way. I decided since the cancer did not pose any immediate threats to my health I would carry on as if I did not have it. I finished a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2009 and I have been a specialist in the field of addiction and mental health for quite a few years. Ironic right? Here I am working with people to get them back on track and all the while struggling with my own addiction. Sure, it's not heroin or cocaine, but we all know the power too well. I feel very lucky to have found this forum some 6 months ago and finally decided to quit without using nicotine gum. Using that stuff only gave me an excuse and a way out when I wanted it. It's time to suck up the three days of hell and deal with the fog right away. Sorry this is so long, I hope some people can relate to this story. I'm proud to say that before I turn 30 at the end of this month I have decided to toss the spitters, stop worrying about how I can get away with chewing at work, and stop disappointing my wife. Remember how I had a dip hiatus? Well, that is when I got married, so imagine my wife's anger when I started dipping "out of the blue." This shit is hell on my relationship with my wife, my health, and my mental well-being. So long and goodnight.
Jeremy
