Today is about the 20th time I tried to quit chewing tobbaco and I am determined to do it. Twenty years is enough!! Any one else out there trying to quit? Capt Kylos

I quit chewing for three years and then i had a new baby and it all went to hell. 15 years of chewing skole or kodiak. I actualy had to start smoking to quit chewing. I hated cigs so I was able to wing off thos faster, and cigs have less nicotine than the average chew. Good luck, I will need it myself when i am ready to quit again.

I think the dual problem of high nicotine and a need for a oral fixation is what is giving me fits. I had my last chew last night and I will not buy another can ( I HOPE). OH and bye the way that mint chew sucks it is too sticky and not the right consistancy. Capt Kylos

I've heard the more times you make an attempt to quit the better your chances that you can break free for good.

Just get in there and practise quitting.. :) Strength to you.
Ian

well i never did chewing backie. Cant find it, dont think its legit in england and over here in australia i think its the same. Best of luck to you.

I broke down and bought anoyher can! I can't belive how addicting this poison is. Well back to "this is my last can". Maybe if they keep hiking the price up I wont have the $ to buy it any way. Capt Kylos

If any of you have some great remedy that worked for you.............please share. My husband has tried to quit chewing a number of times(I can not even remember what that number is up to) and just can not seem to do it.

Although his "theory" on it is:

"I have never been a quitter at anything & I am not going to start now" (guess that you have to appreciate HIS sense of humor)

Wellbutrin (aka Zyban). It's good for ADD and it let's you quit smoking/chewing. I quit 2 weeks after I started taking it. Actually I just forgot to buy them one day and wasn't jonesing bad enough at 11 pm to drive to the mini-mart, one day led to another and next thing I knew I'd quit.

After my wife decided she wanted to sleep with women and "switched teams", I filed for divorce and started smoking a pack a day again for about 3 weeks and "stopped" just as I did the first time by forgetting to pick them up. I've got a 1/2 pack of cowboy killers on the mantel that's been there for a week (I'll still smoke one now and again with a G&T by the fire after I get the kids in bed at night....just because I'm stupid and my ADD prevents me from really finishing anything I guess ;)).

I may have to try the Zyban thing: they are selling generic chew for $2 a can so that nixs the too expensive too keep chewing idea. Capt Kylos:cool:

I called the Colorado Tobbaco Quitline today and got some good counseling and tips on quiting. One thing they told me is to get some of that shredded beef jerky and add a little tobasco to it and that might help the oral fixation thing. I will let you know how it is going. Capt Kylos:D

Oh by the way chewing two cans of snuff a week is the same amount of nicotine as smoking 1 1/2 packs a day. Just something to think about. Capt Kylos:eek:

It's tough. I've alternated between Skoal and Camels for years. I managed to quit for a couple of years once but for some inane reason, I started again. This year I quit drinking alcohol, went on a diet (15 lb. lost, so far), was told by my wife that our marriage was failing, discovered I have ADD, and quit drinking coffee because of interactions with the Ritalin. I just don't have the mental energy left to quit smoking. I think I'll try rewarding myself for quitting. I'm spending about $100 a month on cigarettes and I figure that a dirt bike would be much more enjoyable for my money.

Anyhow, good luck to you, capt. You might check around for Thursday Plantation Tea Tree chewing sticks. They're great to satisfy oral fixations and give you much better breath than snuff or cigarettes. They're usually in the tooth care section of natural food stores.

Well I went about a week with out a chew but, and there is always a but- I went fishing and chewed like a mad man for the two days on the trip. But now that I am home I am back to not buying a can and not chewing. One step at a time. Thanks for the tip on the tea tree chewing sticks Mustfocus I will give them a try. Capt Kylos:D

Not sure about quitting chew but I have tried to stop smoking many MANY times, so I can relate to the "last Can" thing.

I have tried a bunch of different things to include the patch and zyban. Everthing seemed to help some what ease the craving, but I really feel its just like everyother bad habit or thing that we want to change, you have to want it. Its a mind set and you just have to want it.

Its a habit and like all habits they have to controlled and broke. I have had my best success when I get the mind set of not letting it control me.... Both smoking and and chewing are dirty nasty habits.
Think of the money you will save!!!
write a list of things that you really hate about it and put it on your fridge or some place where you can see it.

Put the money that you would spend daily in a jar, label for "Harley Fund" or somthing.

Find something else to satisfie your fix for the mouth thing, Chew a tooth pick, get the little dental flossers, sugar free gum...

Dont look at where you have been( its been 3 weeks} look where you are going. (the rest of your life)

Deal with one day and one craving at a time.

Find your triggers, mine are riding in the car to work.. Coffee.. Having a beer after work... etc. Then you will know to expect the craving.... Not that it makes it go away, but you can plan for it, having your gum, tooth pick, sunflower seeds... Etc.

Theresa alot of help and support but the bottom line is you have to WANT IT.

With all this said I need a smoke. Hope this helps.

Man, Can I relate...I have chewed Copenhagen for 20 plus years off and on. Being brought up in the south, it seemed like all the guys just dipped. I quite for 10 months between July 03 and May 04.
I was so tired without it and I have 12 hour days. My work doesn't allow me to chew alot in the time I am with people, but I seem to make up for it in the the "other Times". I used the nicoderm patch last time and the first week was HELL. I was a bear...

I have been diagnosed with ADHD for about 2 months and an on Adderall.
I have been thinking about ...stopping again.

The problem with smokeless tobacco as you already know is that the nicotine content is high as compared to cigs, quick onset, and has its on set of risk.
The tough thing for me is making the descision to "Go For It Again".

For all of us, Good Luck.

Have you looked into the Wellbutrin? It's the same stuff as Zyban and you can get it generic. I used to dip and chew when I was younger, and know some who quit dipping by going to plug/chew (Red Man, Beechnut, etc.). It tastes like dip, but is slower in letting the nicotine out AND isn't something you can't do all day with others unaware of it like you can with dip.

The hassle factor with leaf/plug chew as compared to dip may be enough to make you use less and less to the point where you're done with it. Funny...in typing this I can remember the taste of the rum soaked redman I used to chew when playing HS baseball (they'd probably expell you for chewing on the field now). Weird.

I think I am going to try the nicotein gum first before resorting to meds. Yowzaaah when you brought up chewing during high school athletics I thought of a funny story from chewing in high school. Our vice principle started cracking down on kids chewing during class, so I am sitting there during class and all of the sudden the vice principle burst into the class room and started asking all the "know chewers" to show him our lips were tobbacco free. Well being that I was in the back of the class room I had just enuff time to swallow my dip. Choking back the urge to hurl I had to sit in class for 50 mins so sick and dizzy I could hardly keep my head up. I guess I should have quit then. Capt Kylos:o

Well it has been about 5 days with no can ( I'm trying not to count the days as it makes it go more slowly) I have bummed a couple of chews but not having a can has really cut down on my chewing. The sores that come from chewing too much have began to heal and my mouth feels better. I will keep you updated. Capt Kylos:)

I think the lack of nicotine is making my add symptoms worse. Ive misplaced my keys, wallet , shoes, hat, and checkbook all in the past day or so. Capt Kylos,

Give it time.. it'll all work out once the balance has been restored. Hang in there.

Well I bought two cans in the last two weeks but I have cut down to 1 can a week instead of 2. I'm going on the 1/2 can chew to 1/2 can mint this weekend. Capt Kylos:eyebrow:

Capt..

You have someone in the same boat here in San Franicsco. I have been back "on" for about a year and change after being off for several. I was diagnosed combined type ADD/ADHD about 8 months ago and am on Well,Rit, Adderall. Since I have been on this cocktail, all I want to do is chew. So currently I am eating Nicorette gum and I have been off for almost a week. I was chewing a can every two days....

Good luck to all of us trying to get on the wagon!!!

DJ

if i remember correctly amphetamins increase addiction to nicoteen.

Do you have any links for that shinobi? I'd be curious about other substance trouble associated with stims too.

Good on you all. Nicotine is a wicked fight to break. It can be done and it's worth jumping back on the horse every time you get bucked off. It gets a little "western" now and again but in hindsight it's a ride worth doing well.

Strength to you all.
Ian.

no ian, no links, read it in a big medical journal at the local liberary (was looking for somthing else but happend accross it). I cant guarentee its accurate but i did increase smoaking on dex, and on other amphetamine bassed substances. Oh yeah, from my expiriance mixing amphetamins and opiates isnt a good idea, they kick each other off.

Thanks bud. I'll keep my eyes open for more info.
Cheers!

Well this is not the best week for quiting. Mother in law is coming and I'm prepairing to take the GRE (graduate records exam). Thats enough to make you want to chew about a can a day. But I must control that impulse. I hope that you can get your meds to the right dose so you wont have the urge to chew a can every two days D.J. No meds for me just pure nicotine idiocy. Capt Kylos:D

Capt...

Thanks for good wishes. I caved in today and had one but you know what the old saying is: "quitting is for jerks!"

Just kidding around you know. I know how you feel about the escape a good lipper can provide when things are flying around. I am in school right now and the time spent between work (where I could have one in all day- and sometimes have!) and Statistics makes me more succeptible to the cave in. Keep the faith Capt and seriously, if you want to pull away for a bit (for your lip's sake), throw in a 4 or 2mg piece of Nicorette. It for the most part can do the trick for me.

Itschaotic- I too have read about the association with amphetamines and nicotine. Where? I will try to find a link. But even more facinating is the link between nicotine and ADD. I will search for that study. The gist is that a survey of ADD'ers showed that the response of nicotine on the central nervous system actually was helpful to the ADD'ers focus and concentration. I will take a look for it because I was floored when I read it. Nicotine has always helped me concentrate (go figure).


DJ

Here's a quote with the link below (make sure to check the last paragraph on how to treat ADD) :

"Substance Abuse. Studies suggested that between 32% and 53% of adults with ADHD abuse alcohol and between 8% and 32% smoke marijuana or take cocaine. Self-medication with nicotine and coffee is also common. Notably, deficiencies in the brain chemical dopamine may create a more intense need for "reward" seeking. Substance abuse, then, is a way of self-medicating. Nicotine, in particular, may act as a medication that improves ADHD symptoms.


Accidents and Driving. Of concern is a significantly higher risk for injury-producing automobile accidents in older adolescents and adult drivers. The major factors contributing to this higher risk were higher rates of drunken driving, street racing, and traffic violations. Those with more severe ADHD symptoms were more likely to be in danger. Whether ADHD traits, such as inattentiveness or hyperactivity, were involved with the risk is not known.


How Is Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Treated?


Psychostimulants. The stimulant medications that work for children are also effective in adults. The newer, longer acting forms may offer specific advantages for adults. They include long-acting methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin-LA, and Metadate CD) and mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR). One study did suggest that adults, however, might need a mid-day boost of the medications.


Specific antidepressants, such as SSRIs and new so-called designer antidepressants (e.g., bupropion [Wellbutrin], reboxetine [Edronax] and venlafaxine [Effexor]) may be particularly useful for adults. In fact some experts recommend these antidepressants as the first option for adults with ADHD. Bupropion is a particularly good choice for ADHD adults who also have a history of substance abuse.


Newer medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), may prove to be especially effective in adults. In fact, this agent, which acts on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, may become the first ADHD drug specifically approved for adults.


Nicotine improves ADHD symptoms and appears to have effects in the brain that are similar to those of stimulants. Although such findings should certainly not encourage anyone to smoke, some studies are focusing on benefits of nicotine therapy in adults with ADHD."

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/who_has_attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_000030_2.htm


DJ

Allright I have a plan that may rid me of this monkey on my back for good. I have started mixing my chew with pure mint snuff. First 1/2 and half : than 3/4 mint to 1/4 chew. Next can all mint. Let the experiment begin. Capt Kylos

Fight!

good luck with it, im on and off the cigs all the time at the moment, my finances are too upand down to sustain a stable habbit. If i can do it then you sure as hell can, sometimes it just takes a little time though and relapse is an almost unavoidable part of recovery.

best of luck getting off.

Cold turkey, I'm staring it in the face. Some things (like chew) just take cold turkey. You just come to a point where you just can't keep fooling yourself. So I'm having a big cold turkey sandwich hold the nicotine. Capt Kylos

It bites big time, but the physical thing is done in a week. The rest is mind games.
Raveon.

Your right about the mind games. The real intense cravings only last about 15 min or so, if you can hold out 15 or so they pass. But the little voice in my head that whispers about how relaxing or good a chew would feel is harder to silence. I am resisting. Capt Kylos

I remember it all too well. The last time I quit it ended quickly but before that the nag went on to the two year mark. Gratefully the last time it was over when the physical thing past.
Fight!

the voice in your head, its all you. You can controll it, its hard but achivable. You can tell it to **** off and dont come back, get a life or whatever. Remember to look at how far you have come since quitting and how much progress your making. Could look for other ways to relax as well.

I just recently quit smoking. After nearly 19 years of the filith I'm finally rid of it. I'm 33 years old and after much research have found that many people younger than me are dying from nictotine related deaths. The easiest way to quit is to completely educate yourself on nicotine addiction. I actually bought the book posted on a sticky on this board, Allen Carr's easy way to quit. How enlightening to know I had the power in myself this whole time. After many unsucessful attempts to quit I now know I was going about it the wrong way. When you go through the withdrawl stages you need to be prepared and to know exactly what is happening. Please think about purchasing his book, or check out his website as there are EVEN more helpful links there. WHYQUIT.com is worth going to, so much info. Willpower is not enough to beat nicodemon, arm yourself with knowledge and that will be all it takes this time.


best wishes and good luck!
Lisa

I just recently quit. I have 50 days under my belt. It's just about the hardest thing I have ever done. It is still a struggle on almost a daily basis.

Wow it has been a long time sense I last posted here. I quit for about two weeks and then just like clockwork I am at it again. I think part of it is that I am not medicated and haven't been medicated for a long time so I am self medicating with that dip.I have tried a quitline......did'nt work....nicotine gum....worked for a little while but very expensive and we are on a tight budget at the moment....... But these are just excuses.....must refocus(LOL) and keep trying.

Today is about the 20th time I tried to quit chewing tobbaco and I am determined to do it. Twenty years is enough!! Any one else out there trying to quit? Capt Kylos
i'm still dipping since i used to smoke i gave that up switch to this cause i was hoping to start kboxing again wich at the rate i'm going probably won't pick it up again any time soon.

It's tough giving up nicotine

After I got over the worst of the nicotine cravings, I found that my oral fixation (for cigs not chew) was satisfied by taking a crystal of menthol, and letting it evaporate in my mouth. Stimulates mouth, tongue, lungs and nostrils.

Those breath strips from listerine and others also contain lots of menthol and provide the same stimulation. I use those now when I get an urge to chew something when I take Adderall.

But, It's tough. I quit cigs at least 20 times before I could stay stopped. Both the nicotine and the oral thing were hard to let go.

Good luck.

I think I may have finaly kicked this nasty deadly habit. It has been three days now with out a can or a chew of tobacco.I have chewed about 2/3 of a can of Mint. That stuff is a lifesaver...........It has gotten me thru the oral cravings which are worse than the nicotine withdrawls. On an added note....chew contains a hugh amount of salt(1100 mg) that can addict you also. Good Luck to all trying to quit and I will report back soon. Kylos:)

One thing to try is dropping down to the skoal bandits and tapering down. They lose their flavor much quicker and are a smaller amount than most people use with one dip. You can start off with more than one at a time and decrease to one and space out the time between dips and so on. After that you can use the lowest dose nicotine patch and chew gum at the same time. Once you stop the lowest dose patch (they have generic) you still will experience withdrawals, however they won't be near as bad. (I quit copenhagen 1-2 cans/day for 15yrs) the hardest part is the first week for withdrawals (headache/irritability). P.S. Warn your wife ahead of time and take some motrin or tylenol for the headaches. I've just been through caffeine withdrawals after using heavily for many years and I think it's worse than the tobacco. If you are on a stimulant, that should help somewhat with the cravings. Sunflower seeds also work well for the fixation. Good Luck.

I hear all of you loud and clear. I first stopped smoking, then dipping skoal and cope, which I love. I don't like to smoke in my house and car, so I would dip. I lost my job after I had been dipping for 4-5 months, so I started chewing tobacco ( levi garret, which is actually big tobacco leaves that come in a pouch) that was less expensive, and I liked it ALOT less, so I thought I would be able to slowly get off that stuff. Now that I'm home 24/7 I'm smoking & dipping. I'll smoke if I feel like going outside and if I don't I'll grab my can of Skoal. =(
The two things I havent had problems with while using Skoal are:
1. Worms
2. Long relationships

I went from snuff to loose leaf chew (Red Man), then I started replacing my redman with sunflower seeds. I've been tobacco free since Sept.

Also try giving up chewing in your favorite chewing location. Whether that be at work or in your car or in front of the TV. If you break-up the association it might be easier to quit.

I'm a little late to this I know, so you may have quit by now.
I just joined this board a short time ago, so I'm still surfing.
You chewed 2 cans a week, and that's a habit?
I went through 3 cans a day! (I'm serious here)
I did this for almost 20 years.
At the same time, I smoked 3pks of camel unfiltered, when I wasn't dippin snuff.
Add in drinking close to 2 cases of beer on the weekends, and several
5th's of Baccardi 151 if I wasn't drinking beer.
Needless to say, I have an addictive personality.
So how did I quit all that?
The drinking ended because I got really bad heartburn one day.
I wonder why!
It got worse and worse, and not even Prevacid would cure it.
I just dropped the alcohol completely, and don't ask me how I did it.
I still wonder it.
Prayer certainly helped, if you are religious that's great, if not, you ought to try it.
Now for the snuff.
The older I got, the more I realized that I could get the big C from it.
Both parents have had it.
I know it says that on the can, but who reads that?
I started with the gum, and then the commit lozenge 4mg, going through
24 a day, and then working down to 6 a day.
I lost a majority of my hearing in my L ear 3 years ago, and was put on valium, and a few other medications, in an attempt to cure this.
One day I just found I didn't need the lozenge anymore.
Then I quit the medication as my hearing was not coming back.
I still have that oral fixation (say that around a bunch of art lovers!).
So I use a sugar free peppermint.
As a result of a serious digestive condition, I'm on medication that dries me out. So I need something to keep my mouth wet.
The peppermint works great, and they don't make me fat, and they don't cause cancer.
I still miss both vices, believe me.
I smoked cigars too, and I really miss those.
Even after 11 years, I still have dreams of beer and Baccardi 151.
But no dice, I'm not going back to those days!