I started dipping when I was 16, I'm 23 now. I looked back over the last 7 years and I never thought of myself as a dipper. I looked back to all the places I've been, jobs I've had and I can remember finding time to dip or places to chew at every point along the way. These 7 years have flown by and I had no idea I was addicted. I started on Skoal berry blend, then Kodiak, and finally the wintergreen grizz. I can't imagine how much money I've spent, but each individual tin seemed so cheap. So many people curious about dip along the way; I'd always encourage against it, as if I subconsciously knew I was addicted and it was terrible or I just didn't want to admit the addiction to myself yet. So many people telling me how gross it is, in response i would lie about my nasty habit. Spitters accumulated in my car, sprinkles of tobacco on my clothes/between my teeth. My mouth never quite feeling right, like it did... predip. Quiting is hard, unbearable at times. I have given in too much. I've gone weeks but then made excuses "I need a tin for finals" or "I'm on vacation" or "I'm really drunk, a tin sounds great". I'm over it. I don't want to be a dipper anymore. I'm sick of being a slave to the tobacco industry. I'm sick of being ashamed of myself. I want to be free.
I was hesitant to join this forum because I originally thought I was stronger than it. I thought I could just quit whenever I wanted to. The truth is I can't. I've been reading your words of wisdom and your fights, for some time. I am proud to join this community and I look forward to joining the veterans one day. As I'm finishing up college, interviewing for jobs, a classic question is what to you want to be in ten years or where do you see yourself? In all honesty I don't care. I just don't want to be stuck to this vice anymore. No more hiding. I want to be free . I have to.
Cheers and best of luck to everyone.