First Week

[MN_Engineer]

Day 294

One of our cars was in the garage for inspection and was ready today, so my wife and I drove down to pick it up. It’s only about a 10-minute drive, but as soon as we got there, I knew something wasn’t right. She looked flushed—her color was off. Just not herself.

I’ve been in Fire/EMS and 911 long enough to trust that gut feeling. When I asked what was going on, she told me she’d been having chest pain and shortness of breath. She’s a respiratory therapist, so when she says she’s short of breath, that immediately sets off alarms for me.
She tried to brush it off—said she was just tired and sore—but I wasn’t taking any chances. She just had major surgery on the 19th, so I told her we were going straight to the ER. No debate.

So here we are. Vitals are stable, and they’ve ordered a CT scan to rule out a pulmonary embolism.

My stress and anxiety are through the roof right now. I’m exhausted from work, helping her recover, and holding everything together at home. I easily could’ve stopped and grabbed a can on the way—but I didn’t.
I made a promise—not just to myself, but to my fellow Mugs and the hundreds of quitters here. And I’m not breaking that promise, no matter what life throws at me. I’m done being owned by nicotine.
Nicotine has never fixed anything for me—or anyone else—and it never will.
I’m still standing strong in my quit because of all of you at KTC.

Seriously, thank you for being my rock and giving all of us a place to fight this addiction together. I’m beyond grateful for the support and for being given another chance at redemption. That likely saved my life.
The old me would already be a can deep. Because of all of you, I’m not that person anymore.
NAFAR — No matter the situation, no matter the circumstances… never again.

Praying for your wife and you as you provide the support and care she needs. I'm always just a phone call away.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 294

One of our cars was in the garage for inspection and was ready today, so my wife and I drove down to pick it up. It’s only about a 10-minute drive, but as soon as we got there, I knew something wasn’t right. She looked flushed—her color was off. Just not herself.

I’ve been in Fire/EMS and 911 long enough to trust that gut feeling. When I asked what was going on, she told me she’d been having chest pain and shortness of breath. She’s a respiratory therapist, so when she says she’s short of breath, that immediately sets off alarms for me.
She tried to brush it off—said she was just tired and sore—but I wasn’t taking any chances. She just had major surgery on the 19th, so I told her we were going straight to the ER. No debate.

So here we are. Vitals are stable, and they’ve ordered a CT scan to rule out a pulmonary embolism.

My stress and anxiety are through the roof right now. I’m exhausted from work, helping her recover, and holding everything together at home. I easily could’ve stopped and grabbed a can on the way—but I didn’t.
I made a promise—not just to myself, but to my fellow Mugs and the hundreds of quitters here. And I’m not breaking that promise, no matter what life throws at me. I’m done being owned by nicotine.
Nicotine has never fixed anything for me—or anyone else—and it never will.
I’m still standing strong in my quit because of all of you at KTC.

Seriously, thank you for being my rock and giving all of us a place to fight this addiction together. I’m beyond grateful for the support and for being given another chance at redemption. That likely saved my life.
The old me would already be a can deep. Because of all of you, I’m not that person anymore.
NAFAR — No matter the situation, no matter the circumstances… never again.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 285

As I approach the third floor of my quit, I caught myself slipping into some negative space. A lot hit all at once in a short period of time.

My father ended up in the hospital with complications from diabetes and lost a toe—thankfully not his whole foot. I already had my roll and my promise in place when I got that phone call: there’s nothing nicotine could’ve solved anyway, so we move forward.

Our son had some concerning results from an echocardiogram related to his Marfan syndrome diagnosis. Now it’s more appointments and an echo every six months while we figure out the next steps. Again—nothing nicotine is going to fix.

My wife just went through plastic surgery after losing a significant amount of weight, and her recovery has been rough. I had to miss a few shifts, and we almost ended up in the ER one night due to pain and complications. And still—not a single thing nicotine would’ve done except make everything worse and add to the pile.

I’ve fully come to terms with something: no matter what I face today or tomorrow, nicotine is not an option. It’s not a solution. It’s not a crutch. It’s a dead end.

We head up and push on.

[ChickDip]

Day 276 3/19/26

My wife was in surgery today (elective, nothing serious), so I kept myself busy running around and taking care of things that needed to get done. Even though my nerves were pretty fried, not once did nicotine cross my mind—and that honestly makes me really happy.
Learning to handle life’s ups and downs without that crutch can be tough at times, but the benefits far outweigh the struggle. Once you start truly experiencing life without constantly thinking about your next dip, you realize you never want to go back to the person you were before quitting.

Huge victory Dustin!!

[DWEIRICK]

Day 276 3/19/26

My wife was in surgery today (elective, nothing serious), so I kept myself busy running around and taking care of things that needed to get done. Even though my nerves were pretty fried, not once did nicotine cross my mind—and that honestly makes me really happy.
Learning to handle life’s ups and downs without that crutch can be tough at times, but the benefits far outweigh the struggle. Once you start truly experiencing life without constantly thinking about your next dip, you realize you never want to go back to the person you were before quitting.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 269

Our 11-year-old son had a follow-up appointment with cardiology yesterday.

He has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and can cause complications with the heart, blood vessels, and skeleton. It’s also the reason he has severe scoliosis and needs surgery each year.

Now his aorta is becoming a concern. We’ll need to go back in six months for another echocardiogram to monitor a weak area and make sure it isn’t enlarging and stays stable.

This kid just can’t seem to catch a break, and it breaks my heart. But he’s a fighter. And now that I'm not stuffing cancer in my face  anymore, I’m hoping he’ll have me around for a lot longer to keep supporting him through all of this.

Day 269 I am QLF and there is not a damn trial, tribulation or obstacle that will keep from remaining quit....

Nicotine never solved a problem. A problem + nicotine = 2 problems.

You are 100 percent correct Brother!

[Keith0617]

Day 269

Our 11-year-old son had a follow-up appointment with cardiology yesterday.

He has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and can cause complications with the heart, blood vessels, and skeleton. It’s also the reason he has severe scoliosis and needs surgery each year.

Now his aorta is becoming a concern. We’ll need to go back in six months for another echocardiogram to monitor a weak area and make sure it isn’t enlarging and stays stable.

This kid just can’t seem to catch a break, and it breaks my heart. But he’s a fighter. And now that I'm not stuffing cancer in my face  anymore, I’m hoping he’ll have me around for a lot longer to keep supporting him through all of this.

Day 269 I am QLF and there is not a damn trial, tribulation or obstacle that will keep from remaining quit....

Nicotine never solved a problem. A problem + nicotine = 2 problems.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 269

Our 11-year-old son had a follow-up appointment with cardiology yesterday.

He has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and can cause complications with the heart, blood vessels, and skeleton. It’s also the reason he has severe scoliosis and needs surgery each year.

Now his aorta is becoming a concern. We’ll need to go back in six months for another echocardiogram to monitor a weak area and make sure it isn’t enlarging and stays stable.

This kid just can’t seem to catch a break, and it breaks my heart. But he’s a fighter. And now that I'm not stuffing cancer in my face  anymore, I’m hoping he’ll have me around for a lot longer to keep supporting him through all of this.

Day 269 I am QLF and there is not a damn trial, tribulation or obstacle that will keep from remaining quit....

[DWEIRICK]

Day 262

Last night on the night tour and it's back to days for me! Last week I my wife and I went to Virginia Beach to see our close friend graduate from Nursing school. 6-hour drive from PA to VA and I did it without cancer stuffed in my face! That being said that is the longest drive I made without nicotine! Pretty stoked about that since I would never drive anywhere without my cancer can before. Winning every damn day!!

[Keith0617]

Day 253

Yesterday I got the kids on the bus for school, hit the gym, and then took my usual nap before work. Let me tell you — I had the most vivid cave dream I’ve had yet. By far the most realistic one.

Out of nowhere in the dream, I’m standing in my bedroom with a wad of Copenhagen in my lip. Instant panic. My brain is racing because I have no idea how it got there. I didn’t remember putting a dip in — at least I couldn’t remember doing it. That feeling of losing control was terrifying.

I ran to the bathroom and spit it into the garbage can. Then I went to turn on the sink… and the pipes were frozen again. I walked downstairs thinking; this has got to be a dream. There’s no way this is real life right now. The disappointment I felt was unreal. I was crushed.

I even pinched my arm a few times to check if I was dreaming, but nothing registered. It all felt completely real. I was in full panic mode — sweating, spiraling, a total mess.

Then suddenly, I woke up.

I was in my bed. Dip-free. But absolutely soaked in sweat.

For a second I thought that bitch had me. But she’s going to have to try a hell of a lot harder than that.

Stay strong, everyone. The mind plays tricks, but we’re stronger.

Part of me hates those dreams and part of me appreciates them because they light a fire in me to quit even harder and try to help more fellow addicts.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 253

Yesterday I got the kids on the bus for school, hit the gym, and then took my usual nap before work. Let me tell you — I had the most vivid cave dream I’ve had yet. By far the most realistic one.

Out of nowhere in the dream, I’m standing in my bedroom with a wad of Copenhagen in my lip. Instant panic. My brain is racing because I have no idea how it got there. I didn’t remember putting a dip in — at least I couldn’t remember doing it. That feeling of losing control was terrifying.

I ran to the bathroom and spit it into the garbage can. Then I went to turn on the sink… and the pipes were frozen again. I walked downstairs thinking; this has got to be a dream. There’s no way this is real life right now. The disappointment I felt was unreal. I was crushed.

I even pinched my arm a few times to check if I was dreaming, but nothing registered. It all felt completely real. I was in full panic mode — sweating, spiraling, a total mess.

Then suddenly, I woke up.

I was in my bed. Dip-free. But absolutely soaked in sweat.

For a second I thought that bitch had me. But she’s going to have to try a hell of a lot harder than that.

Stay strong, everyone. The mind plays tricks, but we’re stronger.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 251

Went to the hospital to see my Pops yesterday and he looked good.  He got really lucky — they only had to remove one toe instead of his entire foot. We sat and talked for a while, and he told me he hasn’t had any chew since last Saturday. I told him that’s awesome and sent him the link to this group, hoping maybe this is the time it sticks.

If I’m being honest though, I’m not super confident. I worry that as soon as he’s discharged he’ll stop at the local store and grab pouches again. At the end of the day, I know it has to be 110% his choice. I can’t lose sleep over it, but I can keep encouraging him and hope he sees that quitting could give him more time and a better quality of life.

I love my dad. He’s been an absolute rock for me through some of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. The thought of losing him to cancer because he couldn’t beat this addiction would break me.

My quit is solid and my focus is strong — but I’d be lying if I said I’m not worried about him and his future. Time is precious… and the older I get, the more that really hits.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 250

Some numbers today!
250/255/24.6

250 days without nicotine today and man it feels good. I’ve built the connections and confidence this time so here’s to a lifetime kicking this shitty addiction. Thank you to my brothers and sisters at KTC without your support I couldn’t do this. To my wife Lindsey who’s been an absolute legend through this thank you! No ones cheered or pushed me as far as you did and continue to do!

255 days sober today! I decided prior to my quitting dip journey that I would also give up this garbage as well. Although since I’ve meet Lindsey and built my life back up alcohol was never really a struggle too much these days, but it was in the past and to be honest it doesn’t line up with the healthy and better Dustin.

24.6 is the amount of weight I’ve dropped since getting back into the gym and getting on a GLP1 thanks again to my wife! Without her push to get to the doctors and get an evaluation I wouldn’t have discovered some concerning health issues and now I’m on a better path!

[DWEIRICK]

Day 248

Talked to my Pops on the phone yesterday before work. Got confirmation he’s losing a toe at minimum. That’s where we’re at right now.

I’m heading up Friday to see him — gonna put my foot in his ass (with love) and try to talk some sense into him about kicking this addiction before it kills him. I’m hoping this scares him enough to make a real change.

But y’all know how these old fellas are… stubborn as hell.

[DWEIRICK]

Day 245

Got a call from my mom last night. Pops was admitted to the hospital for an issue with his foot.

He’s diabetic. And if I’m being honest, he’s been noncompliant for years. Still chews a pouch of America’s Best a day, even after watching both his sons quit. We’ve begged him. Pleaded. Tried everything. But we all know he has to be the one to make that choice.

Now he has an infection in his foot, and doctors believe it’s spread to the bone. There’s a real chance he’s going to lose that foot.

All because he refuses to get his blood sugar under control.
All because he chooses to stay chained to the poison.
All because nicotine still has a stranglehold on him — and he won’t cut it off.

I’m angry. I’m scared. I’m frustrated. But more than anything, I’m reminded why I quit.

NAFAR