Hello everyone,
My name is Chris and I have been addicted to smokeless tobacco since the Summer of 2008. I have been checking out this forum for a few months as a guest and am pleased to see the level of support that is given to those who strive to be chew free for the remainder of their lives. And knowing that support is there, I am now ready to quit for good.
I began chewing in college and at the time I had a roommate who chewed and he introduced me to Grizzly Mint while we would spend the hours of boredom playing Xbox 360 or watching movies with a dip in. However, I do not ever blame him for MY choice to start doing it and in fact to this day he still one of my very best friends. Just trying to give some context to when I started. Why did I start? I can't pinpoint exactly why. I was young (still am, I'm only 27) and as we know, when you're young you don't always make the wisest of choices.
So here we are, seven and a half years later and I feel that chewing tobacco as I have has really made life more difficult. I am less social, I'd rather get out of work and instead of meeting up with friends or going to the gym I would rather have that moment of peace where I can sit and watch a show or movie and throw in a dip. Much of it is from boredom and I have made the excuse countless times that I will quit 'someday'. I haven't been honest with myself and have hidden my addiction from many people including my own family. I'm not married but I have hidden it over the years from people I have dated out of fear of rejection and judgment. I have skipped countless meals just to instead have a chew. It's increased my anxiety and has messed with my mental state and affected my confidence in many ways.
But no more. This is it! I've had enough of having my life controlled by something so silly. I will substitute my addiction with instead hitting the gym after work, eating proper meals instead of a dip, and a system of staying highly hydrated and helping my oral fixation with mints or gum. Look forward to sharing more on my journey with you all and getting feedback on what has helped you quit. This is Day 1 of the rest of my life. Thank you for letting me share with you.
Chris
