Just wanted to say hello. I'm approaching my 13th year of cessation after 15 years of addiction. I remember how hard it was to quit, and I thought I would find a board like this to see if I could offer anyone else support to quit.
I remember all the failed attempts, having to hide it from people who I knew were grossed out by it, the spilled spitter cans, the feeling of satisfaction you get from a nice dip after a meal, or how it made the time go by on a long drive or if you were doing something mundane or tedious.
I chewed skoal long-cut wintergreen, and by the time I quit, I had it in my mouth more waking minutes of the day than I had it out.
My main motivation for quitting was the fear of cancer. Instead of just hoping that I didn't get it, I started looking at the pre-cancerous white patches in my mouth differently. I got those sores all the time, but until that day, it was just something that told me that I needed to chew on the other side of my mouth for a while until they went away, which they would after a few days. No big deal.
But then, one day, I thought, what if I got one and it didn't go away? I imagined getting diagnosed with oral cancer, and how full of regret I would be. Knowing that I could quit today and avoid that was the boot in my ass that it was time to finally follow through with the commitment to myself to quit.
I quit with nicotine patches and lots of gum. The combination doesn't take the craving totally away, but the patch takes the edge off, and the gum gives you an oral fix. It's not a replacement, it's a crutch to help you over the hump.I think I wore the patches for 9 weeks or something, and I think it took me about a year and a half before I stopped craving.
But I fucking did it, and I was just as hooked as you are, so you can do it too!
One thing to keep in mind is, you lived happily once without dip, and you can find that place again. I don't even want it any more.
Anyway, this addiction really gets you by the balls, and it won't let go. Quitting is unquestionably one of the hardest things I have ever done, and if I can help anyone in any way, I'd be happy to lend a hand.
-Dave
