I started dipping when I was only twelve years old stealing a pinch from the cans my dad kept hidden in his tool box. Twenty Eight years later, I decided I had enough.
Along the way, I had wanted to quit for a long time. I had tried cold turkey, I had tried using substitutes like sunflower seeds, gum, etc. Once I tried the buddy system. A guy I was working with was a smoker and wanted to quit, so we decided to quit together. He suggested Nicorette gum, so we split a box and began right away. He put a piece of gum in his mouth and moments later, he sighed a big sigh of relief. I told him that I didn't feel anything, so he suggested a second piece. When I got up to eight pieces of gum in my mouth, I threw it out and put a dip in.
When I found this site, I was excited, and several people talked to me in the chat room and suggested I start my quit on the site. I did that; however, I wasn't ready at that time. I was committed, but I wasn't ready. So, after the first 19 hours of being dip free, I caved. This was upsetting to me, but it was also very scary. I had previous health issues that I didn't take into account when I decided to abruptly remove nicotine from my system. My body didn't like the adjustment and decided to let me know. I got very close to having my third stroke that day, which I can assure you, you don't want the first one, let alone the third one.
What bothered me even more then my problems at the time was the reaction I got from my new quit family. I was ridiculed and cussed out by several people I had been talking to and several I hadn't been talking to. I was planning on taking steps to allow for the lack of nicotine and was planning on not coming back to the site. However, there were a few people on here that didn't cuss me and offered support. So I returned and started my quit over again. That was 101 days ago today. There were times when I didn't get to post, and my brothers contacted me to check on me and help out with posting for the day. There were brothers out there who would regularly check on me to make sure I was okay. To those people, I thank you. You all have been an inspiration to me in my quit, you are my heroes.
This site works because you are held to your accountability. However, there isn't much room for stumbling here. I would encourage all of you who are thinking of quitting to make sure you are ready before you start because there isn't any forgiveness here. I would also encourage you to get to know your brothers and sisters on here and look out for them. Remember that everyone who looks out for you on this site is either going through the same thing you are, or have already traveled down the road you are now entering. Use this site to help you in your quit. If you are having problems, there are many ways to get help. There is a chat room on here that usually has people in there chatting all the time. In addition, exchange phone numbers with people. It is a good feeling to be able to text someone during your journey and get support right away when you need it.
To all of you who helped me along the way, I am forever grateful. To all of you who cussed me, I made it without you. To all of you who are starting your journey, I wish you the best. Your journey will not be easy, but it will be worth it.
Make today the first day of the rest of your life!
masoncowboy
