I joined this site over a year ago and proceeded to inform everyone that I was using the patch AND gum. That went over as well as a bull in a china factor. From that point on I chose to battle those that were rightfully giving me hell as opposed to buying into a method that was clearly working for so many. No surprise that quit was not successful and I now have another year of dipping under my belt. My addiction can now be measured in multiple decades, over half of which did not include spitting.
Why did I cave?
I think the real question is not why did I cave, but why did I choose to ignore the advice of experienced quitters. Hell, I’ve caved hundreds of times, maybe thousands. In fact, I only buy one tin at a time, because “I’m quitting tomorrow.” A phrase I’ve already been called out for on this site today.
So the answer is, I caved because I chose to continue to quit alone, as opposed to being quit with a group of like-minded men, which will be a totally new experience in the quitting saga.
What happened?
I’m not sure exactly how to answer that differently than “Why did I cave?” I suppose, if focusing just on my experience with the site, and not the dozens of attempts since then, I let my pride get in my way. Instead of humbly accepting the “advice” of those on this site, I chose to fight back. Even after that I gained an ally that contacted me daily, but I let him, and myself down. It was easier to dip, than to quit.
So I dipped, and that first one was, no doubt, unbelievable. But, just like every other time, that novelty wears off and youÂ’re left with an addiction that really does nothing but unsuccessfully attempt to fill a void.
And here I am, over a year later, with the same void, same habit and no control.
What will I do differently?
I am going to join the crowd. I am going to listen to those that have had success quitting, since I never have. I am going to practice some humility, live in the moment and be a novice absorbing every bit of wisdom you all choose to impart.
Maybe one day, IÂ’ll be the guy giving help to some newbie, but that day is far off. IÂ’m focusing on kicking a dirty and deadly habit IÂ’ve had as long as I can remember, and IÂ’ll do this by relying on the strength of this group 100%