General Discussion - 2018

[Mike J]

Odd things I got back after quitting...
Passengers no longer have to hold their drinks. I have an open cup holder
No longer stealing straws so I can discretely spit into cups and cans
No longer swinging through a fast food place to order a drink i don't need so I can have a cup at my desk at work
Don't need to sit in the same spot on the couch so my spit cup is on the table near by
Not driving out of the way because the first gas station i went to was out of my dip. (Skoal mint extra)
No longer visiting gas stations for reasons other than to get gas
Spit stains on the side of the tub I had to clean but not really yet because Hootch stains too...
Feelings of anxiety when the can supply got lower than the expected time before I could drop in for a refill
Time in the morning I needed to wake up and let the Dip soak in before getting ready for the day

[Athan]

one more reason to say FUCK Phillip Morris.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/this-ph ... habit.html

Evil will enter this world but woe to him through whom it comes. Better a millstone were tied around his neck and he be thrown into the sea...

[chewie]

one more reason to say FUCK Phillip Morris.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/this-ph ... habit.html

[BubbaM]

I decided last night after taking out my last pinch of Skoal Apple thathat I was done. I've been having tightness under my chin a little bit after eating and it feels sore or almost tired. A little bit of hoarseness or clearing my throat the past week. I Google stuff and read all the bad things and told myself I was done. I have 2 children and a wife that need me. I'm tired of the acid reflux/heartburn and that may be a reason for some of my symptoms lately. I'm not a can of day guy. I only crave a dip at night when I'm winding down around 8 or so. I had about 3 dips a night between 8 and 11. I've been on and off for about 10 years and I just said enough is enough. I can feel it controlling me and I'll get anxious once ive used a little bit of my can and feel I need to buy another the next day so I'm sure not to run out of it. I don't know if it's the oral fixation late at night or the nicotine that has the hold of me. I'm sure it's a combination of both. What are some good alternatives that are just like the horrible one I've been on for years? I'm even on with pouches. I'm just ready to kick this and need something to tide me over and help me get through this initial rough patch.

Check out some nicotine free chew. I use Smokey Mountain. I also use Hooch. Try some different ones out. DonÂ’t feel bad about using them. I dipped about the same as you. I sit on the couch at night with a smokey to relax. Eventually that will go to because there is no nic.

[chewie]

Alright, I am looking for some support and or some answers. I need to know what the difference is between a crave, a thought, and a trigger. I have tried getting answers from people and it seems that maybe I don't understand.

Crave - to me when my body or mind is telling me that I want dip. (Like I really want a dip type feeling)

Thought - when I waiver between should I keep doing this or not? (Don't be dicks about this just answer my question. We all waiver about this, we all second guess things.)

Trigger - For instance this morning I was kinda freaking out because the guy in front of me at the C store was buying a can.

I would like to hear from anyone, new quitters or vets. Vets do not be dicks about this and just say that I have to hate Tobacco, Don't be a dick and say if your second guessing yourself you don't really want to be quit. Because I battle everyday. I am doing my dam best. I am just looking for answers and or support. If I get answers then I am educating myself and I know how to fight things off.

I think you've got a handle on it.

A crave is that actual physical feeling of wanting a dip. Kind of like a hunger pang. There's a physical component.

A trigger is something that can cause a crave. If there's any activity you used to ALWAYS have a dip in for, then that can be a trigger. Mowing the grass... working on the car... driving alone... whatever it is, it throws your mind straight into "WHERE'S MY DIP?!?" mode. You might be able to predict a trigger in advance, or they might catch you by surprise and only be visible in hindsight.

The thoughts...

Once you're past the first couple of weeks, and the nicotine is out of your system and your body is starting to adjust, then it's ALL mental. You don't need nicotine, but you may will want it. At that point quitting is all about learning to say "no" to those thoughts, over and over and over.

So yeah. Those thoughts do come. Will come. "Why am I doing this?" "Why bother?" "Maybe just one?"

Those thoughts SUCK. I still have them at over a year. I know other guys who are further along than I who have them as well. They go on for a long while. Because we're addicts.

It does get easier to deal with them. Posting roll everyday is a big part of that. It helps remind you that you're actively quitting, that you've made that choice for today, and mentally prepares you to say "no" when those thoughts come into your head. Because your quit gets to the point where it's 100% mental.

We need that daily reminder that we don't use that crap anymore, because evidence is that if we don't, we forget... and then those thoughts start to sound reasonable.

Plus, sticking around and talking to other quitters helps, because when you start having those thoughts - they'll understand. Because they do, too.

That's why you'll hear people telling you that you need to develop a hatred for nicotine... not because they're being internet tough guys, but because that's how they defend themselves against those thoughts. They're doing their best to build a wall between themselves and those thoughts to keep them safe.

So, if you're fighting those thoughts every day... good. Because whatever you're going through, you're still fighting.

That's what we're here for. To help each other fight - and win. One day at a time.

This.

This is brilliant.

[Kcrutcher]

I decided last night after taking out my last pinch of Skoal Apple thathat I was done. I've been having tightness under my chin a little bit after eating and it feels sore or almost tired. A little bit of hoarseness or clearing my throat the past week. I Google stuff and read all the bad things and told myself I was done. I have 2 children and a wife that need me. I'm tired of the acid reflux/heartburn and that may be a reason for some of my symptoms lately. I'm not a can of day guy. I only crave a dip at night when I'm winding down around 8 or so. I had about 3 dips a night between 8 and 11. I've been on and off for about 10 years and I just said enough is enough. I can feel it controlling me and I'll get anxious once ive used a little bit of my can and feel I need to buy another the next day so I'm sure not to run out of it. I don't know if it's the oral fixation late at night or the nicotine that has the hold of me. I'm sure it's a combination of both. What are some good alternatives that are just like the horrible one I've been on for years? I'm even on with pouches. I'm just ready to kick this and need something to tide me over and help me get through this initial rough patch.

[Athan]

INVICTUS (William Earnest Henley)

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

For the user it ends:
Nicotine is the master of my fate:
Copenhagen is the captain of my soul.

Just because youÂ’re an addict doesnÂ’t mean you have to use. It doesn't have to define you.
You can be the master of your fate, you can be the captain of you soul.
PM me. WeÂ’ll talk about it.

[Gromo]

Hey All,

Day 9 for me today. The cravings have increased the last couple days. Just the urge to have something in my lips and spit. I'm thinking about getting some smokey mountain but I have a few questions before I purchase.

Last time I tried a substitute (grinds), I lasted a few weeks and then went back to chewing hard core because the immitation just wasn't the same. Would it be wise to try a subsitute again? I just fear I'm going to lose this streak with temptation.

I also prefered Grizz WG pouches because of how much they juiced, is there something similar to this? Has anybody had the smokey mountain WG pouches? How do they stack up?

Thanks friends.

Smokey mountain is alright, I usually save it just for emergencies. (long drives, giants games, niner games, fasting days) It's up to personal preference but I chose the get fatter option over the load up on fake dip option. No matter what you choose its better than nicotine and whatever works is whatever works.

The main thing to do is keep posting roll, build your brotherhood, get a bunch of digits. You can't cave today if you promised your brothers you wouldn't, and who cares about tomorrow that's another problem for another day. Just quit right here and right now thats all you can do. Shit if you want you can text me an hourly promise. Just a constant reminder "I can't cave...I promised not to, its off the table." I mean all we ask is that you be a man of your word, and you promise to be quit for 24 hours today.

[Mccrackj]

"Just the urge to have something in my lips and spit."

Read this 1 hour later. Lmfao dying.

[Mccrackj]

Hey All,

Day 9 for me today. The cravings have increased the last couple days. Just the urge to have something in my lips and spit. I'm thinking about getting some smokey mountain but I have a few questions before I purchase.

Last time I tried a substitute (grinds), I lasted a few weeks and then went back to chewing hard core because the immitation just wasn't the same. Would it be wise to try a subsitute again? I just fear I'm going to lose this streak with temptation.

I also prefered Grizz WG pouches because of how much they juiced, is there something similar to this? Has anybody had the smokey mountain WG pouches? How do they stack up?

Thanks friends.

[Samrs]

Alright, I am looking for some support and or some answers. I need to know what the difference is between a crave, a thought, and a trigger. I have tried getting answers from people and it seems that maybe I don't understand.

Crave - to me when my body or mind is telling me that I want dip. (Like I really want a dip type feeling)

Thought - when I waiver between should I keep doing this or not? (Don't be dicks about this just answer my question. We all waiver about this, we all second guess things.)

Trigger - For instance this morning I was kinda freaking out because the guy in front of me at the C store was buying a can.

I would like to hear from anyone, new quitters or vets. Vets do not be dicks about this and just say that I have to hate Tobacco, Don't be a dick and say if your second guessing yourself you don't really want to be quit. Because I battle everyday. I am doing my dam best. I am just looking for answers and or support. If I get answers then I am educating myself and I know how to fight things off.

I think you've got a handle on it.

A crave is that actual physical feeling of wanting a dip. Kind of like a hunger pang. There's a physical component.

A trigger is something that can cause a crave. If there's any activity you used to ALWAYS have a dip in for, then that can be a trigger. Mowing the grass... working on the car... driving alone... whatever it is, it throws your mind straight into "WHERE'S MY DIP?!?" mode. You might be able to predict a trigger in advance, or they might catch you by surprise and only be visible in hindsight.

The thoughts...

Once you're past the first couple of weeks, and the nicotine is out of your system and your body is starting to adjust, then it's ALL mental. You don't need nicotine, but you may will want it. At that point quitting is all about learning to say "no" to those thoughts, over and over and over.

So yeah. Those thoughts do come. Will come. "Why am I doing this?" "Why bother?" "Maybe just one?"

Those thoughts SUCK. I still have them at over a year. I know other guys who are further along than I who have them as well. They go on for a long while. Because we're addicts.

It does get easier to deal with them. Posting roll everyday is a big part of that. It helps remind you that you're actively quitting, that you've made that choice for today, and mentally prepares you to say "no" when those thoughts come into your head. Because your quit gets to the point where it's 100% mental.

We need that daily reminder that we don't use that crap anymore, because evidence is that if we don't, we forget... and then those thoughts start to sound reasonable.

Plus, sticking around and talking to other quitters helps, because when you start having those thoughts - they'll understand. Because they do, too.

That's why you'll hear people telling you that you need to develop a hatred for nicotine... not because they're being internet tough guys, but because that's how they defend themselves against those thoughts. They're doing their best to build a wall between themselves and those thoughts to keep them safe.

So, if you're fighting those thoughts every day... good. Because whatever you're going through, you're still fighting.

That's what we're here for. To help each other fight - and win. One day at a time.

[BubbaM]

Alright, I am looking for some support and or some answers. I need to know what the difference is between a crave, a thought, and a trigger. I have tried getting answers from people and it seems that maybe I don't understand.

Crave - to me when my body or mind is telling me that I want dip. (Like I really want a dip type feeling)

Thought - when I waiver between should I keep doing this or not? (Don't be dicks about this just answer my question. We all waiver about this, we all second guess things.)

Trigger - For instance this morning I was kinda freaking out because the guy in front of me at the C store was buying a can.

I would like to hear from anyone, new quitters or vets. Vets do not be dicks about this and just say that I have to hate Tobacco, Don't be a dick and say if your second guessing yourself you don't really want to be quit. Because I battle everyday. I am doing my dam best. I am just looking for answers and or support. If I get answers then I am educating myself and I know how to fight things off.

[Mike J]

25 years. Last 10 years 2 cans a day. Internet math says thats the equivalent of 160 cigs a day in Nocotine math. Was on Skoal Extra Mint long cut for the last years before I went out. 10 days down and the "fog" i've read about persists. Concentration is hard. Road rage is up 200%. This site is a godsend but makes me feel like an idiot figuring out how to navigate and participate properly. It's all worth the effort though. The addiction makes me feel like a moron. The money spent has reached nearly 90k. No other company or service could have conned me so willingly. The anger makes the quit easier.

[BrianG]

I dipped Skoal Fine Cut Wintergreen for 35 years. It was nothing to go through a can a day for me. Today I posted 477 days quit. First I just want to say

everyone should quit right now. Cold turkey, never again for any reason. If everyone would quit, that would be great. Saying that, I am writing this so that the

older guys will read it. The guy who has been dipping for 20+ years. The guy who really doesnt enjoy it as much, but still does it because quitting is tough. I

am sure you are like I was when I would buy a can(s) of dip. I need to quit this stuff, I am tired of it. What a waste of money. Maybe after these cans are

gone, then I will quit. You know that as soon as those can(s) were gone, you were back at the store buying more and making those same promises to yourself.

I am here to tell you that it is time. Time to do what we all know is the right thing. If you have dipped this long, then I know you have had that scare multiple

times, you know the one. The one where your heart skips a beat because you think you just discovered you have mouth cancer. A new bump in your lip, white

patches on your tongue. Some tickle in your throat that seems to not be getting better. These things used to worry me sick. Am I the only one that would

grab the flashlight and head to the bathroom mirror and start looking for cancer? Since I have been quit, I dont think that way anymore. Will my 35 years of

abusing myself with tobacco cause me issues in the future? I pray not, but I know that I did the right thing in quitting now. No regrets. If you had the power to

see the future and you knew the next dip was the one that would cause the cancer to start growing, would you take that dip? I think most of us would fight like

hell and do whatever it took to keep tobacco out of our mouths. Of course we do not have that power, but we do know that at some point, enough is

enough. Us 20+ year guys cant be dancing with the devil and not expcet something bad to happen. You can read stories of guys with less time than that

developing mouth cancer. When I was dipping, no way could I look at pictures of mouth cancer or even read about it. Since quitting, I have allowed myself to

view some of these pictures and read about people going through the treatments. Let me tell you, I ain't going out that way...Hell NO. It is just gruesome to

read about. You think it will be easier to quit while you are going through chemo treatments? This is real. You are on a site that helps people quit using

nicotine and reading this, so you must agree that you have had enough. Now you are trying to figure out how to do it. First thing is to know that you do not

have to do it alone. Knowing that there were guys and gals here going through the exact same thing I was made this doable. I tried on my own and failed. I

came here and went all in. I wanted to quit bad. You have to get yourself to that point and then do what it takes. If a vet tells you to post roll everyday, then

you post roll everyday with no questions asked. If a vet says you post early in the morning, then you post early in the morning. This site has worked for many

people. It will also let you down if you are not committed to being quit. No magic pills here. You have to quit for you and you have to determine that failing is

not an option. When you get to that point and you leave the ego at the door, you too can quit this addiction. You can learn what it feels like to truly be free

from nicotine. I have had 477 days of my adult life nicotine free and I wish I was smart enough to quit a long time ago. The freedom is so worth it. Read

everything you can on this site. Get your game plan together. Determine that no matter how bad I feel while quitting, tobacco will never be an option again. I

can promise you 2 things if you decide to quit. Promise 1, this will be hard. There will be times that you will question yourself. I say this to you, nobody has

ever died from quitting tobacco. You can do it! Promise 2, You will not regret quitting. It took me about 225 days or so to really feel good and not think of

tobacco. It may be shorter for you or maybe longer, but when you do reach that point, you will never look back with regret. Hopefully you will reach out like I

am doing here and try to help the next guy who is trying to figure out how to quit. Let today be day 1 of your quit...

[chewie]

General Question here:

I am on quit day 6 (honestly the best quit for me so far) Chewed for 9 years and I'm not having urges like all other quits, mainly because I am not even thinking about it. However what is affecting me the most right now are the difficult nights. I just randomly wake up periodically throughout the night.

I work out everyday since I quit and it isn't that I'm wide awake or have "the thoughts" (for those who smoke pot) when I go to sleep. I just wake up around 2 -4 hours after I fall asleep drink a glass of water and head back to bed.

Anybody else relate that has a solid solution for this? Maybe it's just because I quit so recent, should go away in a months time or so?

Thanks!

That was me for... oh, probably the first month. I was going to bed a lot earlier than usual (not staying up later to get that last chew in), waking up periodically through the night, and waking up earlier than usual.

Roll with it. It will pass as your body adjusts. I didn't use any sleep aids, but some people have used melatonin with good results.

I haven't been going to bed any earlier, I have found it easier to drift off to sleep however.

I've never been one to take sleep aids, never thought they would help. I think I'll just wait to see if it passes after a couple weeks.

I've gone with benedryl for a while and it worked for me. Hope you are able to get some good sleep.
sleep deprivation is a killer...
My wife and I also have a winding down routine that involves tea, decaf, like celestial seasonings sleepy time. It helps somewhat.
Hope I don't lose my man card for saying that!

Insomnia and otherwise irregular sleep patterns are extremely common side effects of the quit. Funny thing is, they don't really understand why. Good advice above. Just ride it out and know that it will right itself soon.

you folks may find this interesting:

A discussion from the KillTheCan.org Facebook page about sleep (or lack thereof) during the initial stages of your quit.
https://www.killthecan.org/sleep-issues ... tting-dip/