It's about time!

[Grievous Angel]

100% agree with the social settings, it was always a mad rush to find a corner or "cool person" to hang with while I dipped. Not any more, and never again!

Right? So effing stupid when you think about it. A college buddy of mine used to say, "Life... the shit that happens in between cigarettes". Never dawned on me until now what the REAL meaning was behind that!

That is an incredibly powerful quote.

[jpetmpls]

Well... here we are on day 8. A while back, I would've said there is no way I can do this... go 8 hours, let alone 8 days!

Sleeping has been a bit erratic, but that's manageable. Urges come and go, but like the sleep issue, they're manageable. It's interesting now that the urges are not really physical related, but more of just a habit issue. For example, I used to wake up, stumble to the kitchen and pack a big kodiak to start my day. That urge is still pretty strong every day, but I've got two ways of fighting it.

1. I post roll within 5 mins of waking up
2. My GF sends me a text every day of "Day X!!!"

The urge passes quickly and the day gets going. I've also learned that for a long time, I wasn't really living in the moment. I've had a few social events this last week and the whole experience was different. Before, I would be focused on hiding my chew or planning how I was gonna sneak my next one and the conversations I had were really just distractions to that goal. Much different this week when talking to people, my attention and focus were much stronger. What a great feeling!

I plan to update this each week. I'm looking forward to week 2. Literally feeling better every day and hope that the sleeping starts to get a bit better!

Completely agree with your point on social situations. I hated having to sneak out of events to chew and notice a big difference in engaging with people. Just another benefit I didn't think much about to chalk up to quitting. Keep it up!

Thanks, bud, and you too!

[jpetmpls]

100% agree with the social settings, it was always a mad rush to find a corner or "cool person" to hang with while I dipped. Not any more, and never again!

Right? So effing stupid when you think about it. A college buddy of mine used to say, "Life... the shit that happens in between cigarettes". Never dawned on me until now what the REAL meaning was behind that!

[TLOC81]

Well... here we are on day 8. A while back, I would've said there is no way I can do this... go 8 hours, let alone 8 days!

Sleeping has been a bit erratic, but that's manageable. Urges come and go, but like the sleep issue, they're manageable. It's interesting now that the urges are not really physical related, but more of just a habit issue. For example, I used to wake up, stumble to the kitchen and pack a big kodiak to start my day. That urge is still pretty strong every day, but I've got two ways of fighting it.

1. I post roll within 5 mins of waking up
2. My GF sends me a text every day of "Day X!!!"

The urge passes quickly and the day gets going. I've also learned that for a long time, I wasn't really living in the moment. I've had a few social events this last week and the whole experience was different. Before, I would be focused on hiding my chew or planning how I was gonna sneak my next one and the conversations I had were really just distractions to that goal. Much different this week when talking to people, my attention and focus were much stronger. What a great feeling!

I plan to update this each week. I'm looking forward to week 2. Literally feeling better every day and hope that the sleeping starts to get a bit better!

Completely agree with your point on social situations. I hated having to sneak out of events to chew and notice a big difference in engaging with people. Just another benefit I didn't think much about to chalk up to quitting. Keep it up!

[Thumblewort]

100% agree with the social settings, it was always a mad rush to find a corner or "cool person" to hang with while I dipped. Not any more, and never again!

[jpetmpls]

Well... here we are on day 8. A while back, I would've said there is no way I can do this... go 8 hours, let alone 8 days!

Sleeping has been a bit erratic, but that's manageable. Urges come and go, but like the sleep issue, they're manageable. It's interesting now that the urges are not really physical related, but more of just a habit issue. For example, I used to wake up, stumble to the kitchen and pack a big kodiak to start my day. That urge is still pretty strong every day, but I've got two ways of fighting it.

1. I post roll within 5 mins of waking up
2. My GF sends me a text every day of "Day X!!!"

The urge passes quickly and the day gets going. I've also learned that for a long time, I wasn't really living in the moment. I've had a few social events this last week and the whole experience was different. Before, I would be focused on hiding my chew or planning how I was gonna sneak my next one and the conversations I had were really just distractions to that goal. Much different this week when talking to people, my attention and focus were much stronger. What a great feeling!

I plan to update this each week. I'm looking forward to week 2. Literally feeling better every day and hope that the sleeping starts to get a bit better!

[Grizzlyhasclaws]

The key is to quit like fuck every damn day. Don't be half assed. Welcome aboard.

[Jeff W.]

jp - with addicts, everyone's bottom is different, regardless of what the addiction is. It doesn't matter where your bottom was; what matters is that you found it and when you did, you made the decision to do something about it. I'm glad you did, and I quit with you today.

PM inbound.

[jpetmpls]

Jp been dipping 38 years quit 19 days ago! Best thing ever done in my life! Would you agree this place could save your life? Nic bitch took 38 years from me not another day will she get I quit with you my brother!

Thanks and I with you!

[Scowick65]

Good afternoon! I'm 39 and have been using nicotine in some form or another continually for the last 21 years.

Being on only Day 4, I am obviously new to the game. However, I did want to take a few mins to introduce myself to others. Real quickly, I started smoking and chewing as a freshmen in college. Mostly smoking with the supplemental chew. This went on until I was about 33 when I decided to cut out smoking because I was getting back into regular athletics and smoking was definitely and a hindrance there. I am now 39 have chewed basically a tin of kodiak a day since I quit smoking.

First thing in the morning, first thing when I got into the office, first thing after a meal... yada, yada, yada. You all know the drill. The spark for me to quit came on a recent trip to visit my mom in FLA. I arrived later in evening Xmas Day (around 9pm or so) and cracked a beer and went to grab my kodiak. And... I couldn't find it... anywhere. Not in either of my bags, any of my pockets, not in jacket. I even searched the car on numerous occasions thinking it maybe fell out of my bag or something. I was in full freakout mode. How was I going to survive the night? At one one point, I had a few of my family members looking with me including my 14 year old niece. Eventually, I found a partial tin in my bag that had enough to get me though the night and I could reload first thing in the morning.

Not exactly a "rock bottom" story, but the point is simple. It finally became clear to me that my addiction had trumped my family, and in effect, everything else in my life. That may have been true already prior to that moment, however, I didn't pick up on it until then. Before that, it was simply an activity that often required some sort of "work around".

I appreciate the insight I've gained already from this site, forum and group of people. I'm only on day 4, but that's ok. There is no fast forward button, so I'm happy with that for today. I'll continue to post roll and please feel free to PM me re: added accountability.

Thank you.

Glad you found your way over here. One of the things I like to tell new quitters is to make a list of the reasons they decided to quit. The idea behind this being that when you first decide to quit you're fueled by fire and hatred for nicotine and failure is not an option, but over time as you become more comfortable in your quit, some of that can fade. Having a list to you remind you why you quit is a great way to keep that fire burning.

I bring this up because the story you've told in your intro breathes fire to me. Whenever you feel like you might be getting an urge, come back here and read your intro and I promise you after remembering what the early days were like, caving won't be an option. If you want to, you can even treat your intro like a journal, writing in it to record every hurdle you jump.

You seem like you've got a pretty good mindset going into this so the only other advice I'm going to give you is to post roll every day, read as much as you can here, share your digits with your fellow quitters, and use those digits when you're feeling overwhelmed. You'd be surprised how helpful it is to have a constant reminder in your pocket.

Another MN quitter here, get to know as many people here as possible. Get to know some vets, and especially guys and gals in your month. I participate in a text group with some guys from my month and it has been a lifesaver. Any time I feel a bad crave and need a kind word or a kick in the junk someone is there. I have also made friends with many fellow quitters in the live chat. Try it out I'm in there for a little bit almost every evening. If you take advantage of all the tools ktc has to offer it can make the quit a lot easier. Welcome.

Good story. Great illustration of addiction. You will notice we all have similar stories. I know I do. We have the solution as well. Follow the plan.

Post. Quit. Today.
Repeat.

[pab1964]

Jp been dipping 38 years quit 19 days ago! Best thing ever done in my life! Would you agree this place could save your life? Nic bitch took 38 years from me not another day will she get I quit with you my brother!

[Natro]

Good afternoon! I'm 39 and have been using nicotine in some form or another continually for the last 21 years.

Being on only Day 4, I am obviously new to the game. However, I did want to take a few mins to introduce myself to others. Real quickly, I started smoking and chewing as a freshmen in college. Mostly smoking with the supplemental chew. This went on until I was about 33 when I decided to cut out smoking because I was getting back into regular athletics and smoking was definitely and a hindrance there. I am now 39 have chewed basically a tin of kodiak a day since I quit smoking.

First thing in the morning, first thing when I got into the office, first thing after a meal... yada, yada, yada. You all know the drill. The spark for me to quit came on a recent trip to visit my mom in FLA. I arrived later in evening Xmas Day (around 9pm or so) and cracked a beer and went to grab my kodiak. And... I couldn't find it... anywhere. Not in either of my bags, any of my pockets, not in jacket. I even searched the car on numerous occasions thinking it maybe fell out of my bag or something. I was in full freakout mode. How was I going to survive the night? At one one point, I had a few of my family members looking with me including my 14 year old niece. Eventually, I found a partial tin in my bag that had enough to get me though the night and I could reload first thing in the morning.

Not exactly a "rock bottom" story, but the point is simple. It finally became clear to me that my addiction had trumped my family, and in effect, everything else in my life. That may have been true already prior to that moment, however, I didn't pick up on it until then. Before that, it was simply an activity that often required some sort of "work around".

I appreciate the insight I've gained already from this site, forum and group of people. I'm only on day 4, but that's ok. There is no fast forward button, so I'm happy with that for today. I'll continue to post roll and please feel free to PM me re: added accountability.

Thank you.

Glad you found your way over here. One of the things I like to tell new quitters is to make a list of the reasons they decided to quit. The idea behind this being that when you first decide to quit you're fueled by fire and hatred for nicotine and failure is not an option, but over time as you become more comfortable in your quit, some of that can fade. Having a list to you remind you why you quit is a great way to keep that fire burning.

I bring this up because the story you've told in your intro breathes fire to me. Whenever you feel like you might be getting an urge, come back here and read your intro and I promise you after remembering what the early days were like, caving won't be an option. If you want to, you can even treat your intro like a journal, writing in it to record every hurdle you jump.

You seem like you've got a pretty good mindset going into this so the only other advice I'm going to give you is to post roll every day, read as much as you can here, share your digits with your fellow quitters, and use those digits when you're feeling overwhelmed. You'd be surprised how helpful it is to have a constant reminder in your pocket.

Another MN quitter here, get to know as many people here as possible. Get to know some vets, and especially guys and gals in your month. I participate in a text group with some guys from my month and it has been a lifesaver. Any time I feel a bad crave and need a kind word or a kick in the junk someone is there. I have also made friends with many fellow quitters in the live chat. Try it out I'm in there for a little bit almost every evening. If you take advantage of all the tools ktc has to offer it can make the quit a lot easier. Welcome.

[CastleHusky]

Good afternoon! I'm 39 and have been using nicotine in some form or another continually for the last 21 years.

Being on only Day 4, I am obviously new to the game. However, I did want to take a few mins to introduce myself to others. Real quickly, I started smoking and chewing as a freshmen in college. Mostly smoking with the supplemental chew. This went on until I was about 33 when I decided to cut out smoking because I was getting back into regular athletics and smoking was definitely and a hindrance there. I am now 39 have chewed basically a tin of kodiak a day since I quit smoking.

First thing in the morning, first thing when I got into the office, first thing after a meal... yada, yada, yada. You all know the drill. The spark for me to quit came on a recent trip to visit my mom in FLA. I arrived later in evening Xmas Day (around 9pm or so) and cracked a beer and went to grab my kodiak. And... I couldn't find it... anywhere. Not in either of my bags, any of my pockets, not in jacket. I even searched the car on numerous occasions thinking it maybe fell out of my bag or something. I was in full freakout mode. How was I going to survive the night? At one one point, I had a few of my family members looking with me including my 14 year old niece. Eventually, I found a partial tin in my bag that had enough to get me though the night and I could reload first thing in the morning.

Not exactly a "rock bottom" story, but the point is simple. It finally became clear to me that my addiction had trumped my family, and in effect, everything else in my life. That may have been true already prior to that moment, however, I didn't pick up on it until then. Before that, it was simply an activity that often required some sort of "work around".

I appreciate the insight I've gained already from this site, forum and group of people. I'm only on day 4, but that's ok. There is no fast forward button, so I'm happy with that for today. I'll continue to post roll and please feel free to PM me re: added accountability.

Thank you.

Glad you found your way over here. One of the things I like to tell new quitters is to make a list of the reasons they decided to quit. The idea behind this being that when you first decide to quit you're fueled by fire and hatred for nicotine and failure is not an option, but over time as you become more comfortable in your quit, some of that can fade. Having a list to you remind you why you quit is a great way to keep that fire burning.

I bring this up because the story you've told in your intro breathes fire to me. Whenever you feel like you might be getting an urge, come back here and read your intro and I promise you after remembering what the early days were like, caving won't be an option. If you want to, you can even treat your intro like a journal, writing in it to record every hurdle you jump.

You seem like you've got a pretty good mindset going into this so the only other advice I'm going to give you is to post roll every day, read as much as you can here, share your digits with your fellow quitters, and use those digits when you're feeling overwhelmed. You'd be surprised how helpful it is to have a constant reminder in your pocket.

[jpetmpls]

Good afternoon! I'm 39 and have been using nicotine in some form or another continually for the last 21 years.

Being on only Day 4, I am obviously new to the game. However, I did want to take a few mins to introduce myself to others. Real quickly, I started smoking and chewing as a freshmen in college. Mostly smoking with the supplemental chew. This went on until I was about 33 when I decided to cut out smoking because I was getting back into regular athletics and smoking was definitely and a hindrance there. I am now 39 have chewed basically a tin of kodiak a day since I quit smoking.

First thing in the morning, first thing when I got into the office, first thing after a meal... yada, yada, yada. You all know the drill. The spark for me to quit came on a recent trip to visit my mom in FLA. I arrived later in evening Xmas Day (around 9pm or so) and cracked a beer and went to grab my kodiak. And... I couldn't find it... anywhere. Not in either of my bags, any of my pockets, not in jacket. I even searched the car on numerous occasions thinking it maybe fell out of my bag or something. I was in full freakout mode. How was I going to survive the night? At one one point, I had a few of my family members looking with me including my 14 year old niece. Eventually, I found a partial tin in my bag that had enough to get me though the night and I could reload first thing in the morning.

Not exactly a "rock bottom" story, but the point is simple. It finally became clear to me that my addiction had trumped my family, and in effect, everything else in my life. That may have been true already prior to that moment, however, I didn't pick up on it until then. Before that, it was simply an activity that often required some sort of "work around".

I appreciate the insight I've gained already from this site, forum and group of people. I'm only on day 4, but that's ok. There is no fast forward button, so I'm happy with that for today. I'll continue to post roll and please feel free to PM me re: added accountability.

Thank you.