"Sober" for one week now!

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MesquiteMan

MesquiteMan

Retired Head Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
5,680
Location
San Marcos, TX, USA.
I have had a long term problem with nicotine addiction! I have been dipping or chewing tobacco for 20 some odd years now and have quit a few different times. I have been using 1 1/2 cans per day which is considered quite high and is supposedly equivalent to 4-6 packs of cigarets per day. Some who have been here at IAP a good while may remember a post I made a couple of years ago about quitting. I did quit then with the help of the patch and stayed quit for almost a year. At the MPG two years ago, for some reason, I bought a can of Skoal and started it all back up again! Foolish I know, but unless you have had to deal with this type of addiction, you have no idea the monster that it is!

Anyway, I have been getting really tired of dipping and being a slave to something and planning to quit for a while now. The final straw came a couple of weekends ago. My 8 year old daughter was helping me in the garden on a saturday and we ran into town to pick something up. On the way back, we stopped at a convenience store and got an icee and I got a roll of Skoal. While driving back home, Katie was questioning why I "put that stuff" in my mouth and telling me I had to stop it! That was the first time she ever really acknowledged my dipping.

We got back to the house and I went back to work in the garden. Like any 8 year old, she was in and out between the garden and the house. Later that evening, I went in my shop to the remaining 4 cans from the roll of Skoal and I could not find it anywhere! I looked and looked and finally found it...in the trash can UNDER some papers! Katie had tossed it and buried it!

For the next couple of days, every time I would leave a can sitting around, she would toss it in the trash and scold me! I decided then and there that it was finally time!

I decided my quit date would be last Saturday, March 29. I decided I was going to quite cold turkey this time and not use any kind of replacement therapy including the patch or even sunflower seeds. I know how miserable things can be without nicotine so I decided I would quit on a Saturday to give me the weekend to be most miserable and hopefully be able to be back at it on Monday.

I spent most of the day Saturday and Sunday sleeping and had no energy and a real mental fog over me. I was very grumpy and felt terrible. By Monday, things were not any better but I managed to trudge through the day as best as I could. By Tuesday, I was absolutely miserable but stuck with it. I realized, after doing more research, that it takes 72 hours for the nicotine to completely leave your system so Tuesday was the first day my body had not had any nicotine in it for a LONG time.

Anyway, I have stuck it out and am now celebrating one full week without any nicotine intake. The mental fog is starting to lift, finally and I am starting to feel more and more normal each day. I have not had any desire whatsoever to get a dip and the only cravings I have had were cravings for mental focus! I have no desire to "put that stuff in my mouth" again and am sure that it is permanent this time.

I still have a long ways to go to be able to consider the addiction broken but I will get there! I now have to do it for my daughter! It would not be a good example to not stick with my "quit" now. Besides, I don't want to "put that stuff" in my mouth any more! Your thoughts or prayers for my success in this would be appreciated! I have made myself accountable to my daughter, wife, and mother, now I am making myself accountable to my IAP family! I don't want to let you guys down either!
 
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Good for you, Curtis!
My dad was a 3-pack a day cigarette smoker & had smoked most of his life. About age 57, he decided to quit cold turkey & never touched another one the rest of his life - another 33 years. He knew that none of the rest of us approved of his smoking, but we didn't nag him about it. I don't really know what made him decide to quit, but we were all really proud of him for finally making that decision & having the will power to follow through with that commitment. I have no doubt that your family will feel the same.

Edgar
 
Well done, Curtis! The first week is the toughest. As someone who managed to beat a 50/day cigarette habit, I know how tough those early times are. Hang in there, you're doing well.
 
Good for you and more importantly good for her! I mean that I'm both the sense of her standing up to this for you and for her to have you around.

If you get the urge to start it again, just picture the things in HER life that are ahead of her (graduations, marriage, kids,etc) and realize that tobacco will very likely take you away from those early. Cancer is a nasty thing and even dipping leads to it.

Stay strong and congrats for giving it up and for raising a good kid!
 
Hey Curtis,
Great work so far,
Just remember, they're is no such thing as "just one",
Not just for you but anyone with a smoking/ nicotine addiction I would recommend reading a book by Alan Carr called "the easy way to quit" I read it and it I stopped a 30 a day smoking habit never to have another smoke again, that what over 3 yrs ago and I will never have a smoke again,
Cheers Ben
 
Congrats Curits, I quite cold turkey almost 10 years ago and am glad I did. Won't say I don't get cravings now and again, especially around Marines that chew all the time, but I won't give in. Good on you!
 
Way to go Man. I know the addiction been 20 years for me and I could still pick one up and have at it. But when you see and smell someone that has just had a smoke it makes me think "is that what I used to smell like after a smoke"
Thoughts and prayers with you my friend.

Lin.
 
congratulations, I will be praying for you.

It takes a special person to be brave enough to tackle an addiction. You have a strong little girl who lives you a lot to bring her feelings out.


Good Luck
 
I was a 2 pack per day smoker and I have to tell you that once smoker always a smoker. I think it would be the same for dipping. There is no such thing as just one anymore. I could not agree more with other statements that is you even entertain a thought about another dip just think about your daughter and her bold stance. Also think about holding the grandchildren that will come from her later on. If you stay the course you may even be there too. If not you may not be? I wish you all the best in this. I know it can be done because I did it. I know you can't have even one because I did that too.

May God bless you and your family with the strength to endure and see this through. He has all the power and glory that is required for this easy for Him task. I pray that He will lift your desire and also your discomfort while going through this time. I pray that You Lord will lay Your hand on Curtis's shoulder and heal Curtis of this and any other ailments. I pray a hedge of protection around Curtis and his family during this time. Jehovah-Rophe will lead you into all health I pray that He will be over you and your family. In Jesus precious name I pray Amen.

Now it is up to you Curtis to receive this blessing, what are you going to do?
 
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Curtis, You may want to check this out it is just mint and helped me quit.
It works as a breath mint, and when the stress is high it also beats the cravings.
Quit Chewing Tobacco | Quit Chewing Tobacco with Mint Snuff Herbal Chew this is their new web site just for chew

Mint Snuff non-tobacco chew, quit chewing tobacco, herbal chew, Shark Tank this is the original site comes loose or in the pouches.

I can say before I started this product, I stopped more times that I can count. both chew and tobacco in assorted forms Loved those cigars.
I know only use the mint pouches as a no sugar breath mint, or when working in the shop.

It may help if you need an extra boost to keep from dip'n
:clown:
 
Hi Curtis,

That is a hell of a decision to stick to, myself an ex-smoker of 50 or more cigarettes a day, I remember well what the withdrawals were and how they affected me physically and mentally. Was only one major mistake I made, and that was to think that I could fight it all by myself, from my cold turkey decision, after 2 weeks I was loosing it and in troubles and I had to swallow my pride and go and see the doctor.

So patches and other stuff did take the edge of the pain and stress, something that I should have discussed with my doctor, before I smoke my last cigarette, I would have made the lot process, a lot more bearable.

This was December 2004, a lot better stuff is available to those that want to spot smoking, sure those things are even more expensive than the cigarettes however, they are a short thing, most people get it under control in 3 months so, well worth investment.

Every day, is a day that I could start smoking again, I miss my cigarettes and how they did make me feel, in the short term, I still like the smell and I see myself moving closer to someone smoking, just to get a little fix and that, is the most dangerous stage to be, only a phenomenal self determination, keeps me from start smoking.

So, you don't need to have to hate the smell nor running away from someone smoking, you will be tested almost everyday if you have other people that smokes around you, be strong and keep your decision and its motives as your thoughts when you feel a little weak, that is only normal for some time.

Cost wise, I was told many times that the money I would save by stop smoking, would allow me to go in a very fancy holiday, somewhere far. Well, that never happened but, I admit, I could not total maintain such a habit, times 2, as the wife as as bad as me in number of cigarettes burn in a day so, we stopped the same day and had each other to hold on to, I intend to never have to go through that experience, ever again...!

Don't fight it alone mate, get something from the chemist to make the whole process a little more bearable, you will be glad if you do...!

Best of luck with it...!

Cheers
George
 
From another smoker.

At one time......4 packs a day......5 years ago, quit for 18 months. The reason I started again is not important.

I will quit again.


Curtis, One week behind you. A lifetime to go. You have my support and prayers that you never start again.
Keep it up, you will be surprised just how much 'extra' change you will have to buy Icee's.
Keep it up buddy.
Wayne
 
May Your daughters faith and love for you be the inspiration and strength you need to stay the path. My mother quit smoking last year... at age 75 She has smoked since she was 12. IT can be done.
 
Well done with a terribly difficult challenge. I hope today goes well. "Today" has been they key for me - not yesterday, or tomorrow, but today.

Be well Curtis!
 
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Curtis,
Your experience brought back a flood of memories to me. I remember as a child begging my father to quit smoking. Unfiltered Camels; how I hated that awful smell.
I remember well the day he quit smoking, it was January 15, 1957. I stood by his bedside and watched as he took his last breath. He was 44 years of age. The anger of what this habit did to him, and his family, is difficult to forget.
When you walk down the isle with your daughter and give her to the "next most important man in her life", I trust you will remember March 29, 2014, and be thankful.

Bill Sampson

Note: Looking forward to seeing you at the MAPG in May. I have not been involved this year due to another woodworking venture. I will however, be available to provide transportation for you, if you need it. Let me know.
 
Way to go Curtis in listening to your daughter and for quiting. Your over the hardest part now so stay strong. I was a 2 pack a day smoker for 25 + years and quit cold turkey so I know it not easy. We'll be praying for you.
 
Good luck, Curtis, and hang in there! I started dipping Copenhagen and chewing leaf & plug when I worked on a farm all through college. It's hard to climb up on a tractor without a fresh dip! I continued for a few years after college until a couple very embarrassing events convinced me to quit. (Chewing tobacco and a professional desk job are not compatible!) It was misery, but I did it. About 10 years ago I needed gum surgery to repair the damaged that I had caused with my 7 year addiction. Oral surgery is no picnic either. I still worry that I've got some lingering chance of getting mouth cancer.

So, good luck and be strong. You'll get through it.
 
Congratulations Curtis, it's a rough road but worth it. I smoked for over 50 years before quitting 2 years ago, I still get the urge but no way am I going back.
 
Well done sir!! Having kicked the cig habit (pack a day of Cowboy Killers) cold turkey 25 years ago, I understand some of what you are going through. Keep it up and buy your daughter an ice cream for caring!
 
Well Done Curtis now with all the money you save on nicotine products, you can put towards your other addiction. PEN TURNING!!! No really great job I watched both my parents suffer through it.

Dennis
 
Well done, and best of luck to you on this new chapter in life Curtis.

I really think cold turkey is THE way to quit. My uncle quit smoking about 8 years ago, but he has maintained a Nicorette habit ever since! I believe that God speaks to us through our children. My oldest son (really, stepson) was my savior from the demons in my past. Had I not realized how wonderful it is to be a role model to my children, I'd likely be buried already as alcohol wasn't doing me any favors in the "good decisions" department. I quit drinking cold turkey, and have not had any desire to have a drink in the last five years.

I know you can do this. Any time the thought of tobacco enters your mind, think of your precious daughter and the man that you want her to look up to as her hero.
 
Your in for a long haul. I quit smoking almost 20 years ago and want a cigarette almost daily. Keep very very busy and don't count the days. Counting days keeps it in the front of your mind. Tell your family you are going to be an ass for a while but they will have to accept it because the other option is you chewing. This is also permission for you to hide in the shop and do what you want.

Oh yeah, take the kid out for a special father daughter dinner with the money you are saving. She earned it.
 
Congratulations Curtis! It is a long hard road but you will be happier at the end of the road!
 
Curtis,
I too was addicted to nicotine. For twenty five years I smoked cigarettes, pipe, & cigars.
I chewed plug tobacco from time to time while hunting or fishing. I stopped smoking cold turkey no problem. Then about a year later I started chewing tobacco big time. My wonderful wife decided I must quit chewing and I honestly tried to quit, but it was a long hard struggle. I have been nicotine free for some twenty five years now. I know what you are facing and how hard it is. Congratulations, keep up the good work!!

Ben
 
As I am a smoker, I feel your pain. I once quit for 2 1/2 years. Then there were 4 or 5 deaths in the family in a matter of just a few months. Yup made the trip home to the last funeral and didnt even think at the check out, a pack of smokes were in my hand.

My wife is a oncology nurse, so she rides me pretty hard about it. So after this deployment, I will be in your shoes. Its time to quit!

Good on you Curtis, they say quitting nictine is worse that quitting heroine.
 
Curtis, Better go buy some chap stick.You'll be getting a lot more kisses now that you don't have snuff breath...

Don't remember the year I quit my 4+ pack a day Habit, I know it was about the time the Commissary on post quit selling a carton for $3.00, 10 plus years ago, but it's was a New Years morning. Watch the fire works over Pikes Peak, did a toast and tossed our packs into the wood stove.

My wife tried but kept smoking 1/2 pack a day for the next year or so...She'd go outside or to the garage to smoke and then come back in and want a kiss...Blech...rather lick a toilet. Still have the urge and an unopened pack in my tool box.

Hang tough Curtis!
 
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Good decision Curtis. You are doing the right thing with the accountability plan and not letting your daughter down. You will be in strong position to have expectations of her soon and glad you did. I will add you to my prayers.
 
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