I've been a member posting roll for a few days now and I thought I should introduce myself to the group.
My name is Ray and I've been using nicotine for around ten or eleven years. I started on cigarettes around the same time I started drinking heavily in college. I ended up with a pack a day habit and kept that going for a few years.
A buddy of mine was going to quit smoking by switching to chew which seemed like a better idea to him and he got me on his bandwagon. It helped us quit smoking for a while but eventually we both were smoking and chewing sometimes at the same time.
Since that point I was always on smokes or chew or both. If I really wanted to I could quit one but never both. A little less than three years ago I got in trouble for drugs and alcohol and ended up giving up both. I continued to chew and/or smoke until I met my future wife. At that point about two years ago I put down cigarettes and never touched them again. I secretly continued to chew until I got caught and then I chewed not so secretly until five days ago.
My habit was escalating to the point where I was chewing 2 cans a day and I began to realize how powerful a drug nicotine really is. It didn't seem like I had given up drugs and alcohol when I was a literal slave to the most addictive drug of all. I felt awful, out of control, moody, and like I could never ever quit. I found this site and I read some success stories. I read what to expect when you quit. I decided to give it a shot.
The first 72 hours I honestly never thought I'd make it. I almost can't believe I didn't jump in the car and head to the c-store, but I didn't. I came on this site, I read articles, posts, and made some posts of my own. Yesterday was day 4 and even though I still have craves and trouble sleeping, I felt so much better. When I get a craving now I try and cherish the opportunity to reprogram my mind to perform a task without nicotine. I had a small headache last night and I was actually happy because I imagined it was related to my decision to quit using nicotine.
Nothing is impossible but alot of things seem like they are. Quitting is definitley one of those things. It is hard, but I want it. I'm looking forward to crossing the 100 day line with my brothers.
