Hey fellas,
I've been dipping around a can every 2 days for 11 years. I've been able to hide my addiction from my longtime girlfriend, family, and people i associate closely with. The only time i dont hide it is around other dippers, then all of a sudden it became a badge of pride and a common bond. At work and even at home, I learned to hide a tiny discreet lip in and would constantly repack/reapply as needed, exposing myself for consecutive hours/majority of the day. If the chew doesnt kill me, i figured the stress, anxiety, and guilt knowing that it would eventually lead to health problems, would. My longest hiatus from dipping was when i attempted to quit about 2 years ago, for 3 months. I think i relapsed thinking it was over, and that i could manage a small lip every now and then, which then turned to 2 more years of constant dipping, again...
I had previously read stories on here, looked at pictures, but ironically the tipping point for me was when, just tonight, i found a dental mirror and saw the damage ive done to the backsides of my top and lower, front teeth. Not to mention a foul smell from flossing and receding gums. I need to see a dentist, but am terrified.
I'am ready to live guilt free and what better time to declare my independence than around the corner from July 4th. For 2 weeks i tried to wane myself off using pouches.. I just threw out my last one and never intend on going back.
Thanks for reading, I look forward to getting to know this community and sharing the common bonds of the road to quitting.