A Word on Herbal Alternatives to Chewing Tobacco

Bravo! I think your humble opinion is right on, Katy. I used to be one of those guys, too. There was a time when I had a hard time talking about things, or showing my emotions, but I got past that eventually. I remember it used to frustrate my wife to no end. :) My manager is one of those guys. But, he's on his 25th day without chewing tobacco! He's had some up and down days like anyone who is giving up tobacco, but he's doing very well. Infinite [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 249 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,240 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $273.9 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

Update

Thanks, Shevie! :) I know what you mean regarding the tremendous feeling of freedom having quit tobacco. It feels wonderful, doesn't it? No longer enslaved to the addiction. Every now and then, I run into a trigger that gives way to the thought that a dip of tobacco would sure be nice, but those thoughts are easily defeated now days. I still don't let my guard down, though. I know a guy who once quit chewing tobacco for one full year. He now chews more than he ever did. I'm determined not to be like him! I don't understand how you go back after having quit for a year. My wife and I enjoy watching the dog agility training, although we've never personally participated in any competitions. It looks like a lot of fun. Our family dogs are a black labrador and a bullmastiff, both of whom we've had since they were puppies. Infinite [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 249 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,241 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $273.9 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 44

Monday stats parade - jan. 23, 06

So did I. As a matter of fact, I haven't done a Monday Stats Parade in quite some time, so I think I'm going to join in too. Hey, better late than never! ;) Infinite_D [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 249 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,241 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $273.9 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 32 [B]Seconds:[/B] 1

Update

Thank you for asking, newbkr! I'm happy to report that, yes, my manager is still off of tobacco! Since he quit on January 1st, he's easier to keep track of, so today is his 25th day tobacco free. He has had his up and down days as is to be expected, however, I am very impressed with how well he has handled it so far. He seems to be less grumpy than I was, and he is not using any NRT, such as the gum, patch, etc. All he is using are the herbal replacements, and sunflower seeds. So far, so good! I'll try and make sure I keep everyone posted as he progresses. Infinite

Very disapointed in myself

Stephanie, I know how you feel. I failed before I was successful in maintaining a quit as well - just as many others here have done. You can't dwell on falling and let it drag you down, though. The important thing, is that you dust yourself off, and get back up again. Ol' nic. might knock you down, but only you can keep yourself down. You know you still need to stop. Do yourself a favor that you'll be able to spend the rest of your life thanking yourself for - DON'T GIVE UP!!! You will get through it, one step at a time, one minute at a time, one crave at a time, one day at a time. Infinite_D [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 239 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,019 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $262.9 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 30 [B]Hrs:[/B] 21 [B]Mins:[/B] 43 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23

Update

Thanks all. I will pass along your congratulations to him, and remind him that help is just around the corner if he needs it. He had a rough day yesterday, so I kept reassuring him that it's only temporary, and if he just continues to stick with it, eventually it will get easier and he will be so happy that he turned his back on tobacco and never went back. And another thing - you'll never guess who is jumping on the wagon now! Yes, the guy I told you about who used to put a can of tobacco in my face and blow the aroma towards me when I was trying to quit. I caught him with some herbal chew the other day and I asked him if he was trying to quit too. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "This stuff is pretty good.", and then smiled. I guess that was all the answer I really needed. LOL So, maybe before long my work place will truly be tobacco free! ;) I was just thinking the other day how different of a place that Copenhagen rep would find if she were to visit again! vicki - no need to apologize. I don't make my way around to all of the forums either. I wish I had more time to spend on this site. :) Infinite [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 238 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,015 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $261.8 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 30 [B]Hrs:[/B] 21 [B]Mins:[/B] 8 [B]Seconds:[/B] 35

Didn't cave in a tough situation!

Congratulations on remaining strong, Kleo! It can be done, and you're doing it! Keep up the great work. :) Infinite_D [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 239 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,039 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $262.9 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 31 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 59

Six Months Quit!

Congratulations Shirl! Six months! Woohoo!!! :) Infinite [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 240 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,040 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $264 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 31 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 47 [B]Seconds:[/B] 57

A Word on Herbal Alternatives to Chewing Tobacco

Thanks, Josie. I agree. That is really all I ever want to do when I come here is be supportive and not counter-productive, although, sometimes I think I miss that mark. :( I like to think I give it my best shot, though, the few times that I am able to be here. There is a true lack of individuals on this site who are trying to quit chewing tobacco, so I just try to be as supportive as I can of those who are trying to quit smoking, since, even though it's not the area I have experience in, the addictions are the same. You've always been so helpful and encouraging, Josie, and I can never thank you enough for that! You and Casey were among the first to respond when I originally signed up with the SSC and made my first post. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you both. Without the kind assistance of people like you, I'm not sure that I ever would have made it to where I am today, and maintained a quit for as long as I have. I have no intention of ever returing to my former tobacco-using ways, either. How could I? I can't even imagine. Infinite_D [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 240 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,040 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $264 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 31 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 50 [B]Seconds:[/B] 18

A Word on Herbal Alternatives to Chewing Tobacco

After having given up a 14-year chewing tobacco habit, and using herbal chewing tobacco alternatives to help achieve my goal of quitting, I have developed an opinion on these products that I would like to share. I know when I first began my quit, I had questions regarding these products, and I have also heard and read comments from others regarding them as well. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that these products are no doubt safer to use than tobacco, and if they help someone quit using tobacco, then I recommend the use of them. Of course, I am not a medical professional, and I don't recommend that anyone take my advise over their family physician. :) I also strongly recommend that anyone who is considering the use of any of these products carefully check the ingredient labels, especially if they have any severe allergies. That being said, when I first quit chewing tobacco, I had a strong need for an oral "plug" to take the place that the tobacco had taken in my mouth over the last 14 years. This seemed to help me considerably. Everyone is different so some may find it more beneficial than others. In general, from my own personal experience with these products and from what I have heard from others, most find these products helpful. I'm a little embarrassed about what I'm about to share with everyone, but, when I was still using chewing tobacco, I was too afraid to pay a visit to the dentist, because I was afraid of what I might find out. So, I avoided the dentist for longer than I care to admit. I think I didn't want to hear the lecture that was most likely to ensue about how I shouldn't be using chewing tobacco and about all of the damage it was doing to my teeth and gums. I figured, I didn't need to hear that from anyone, because I already knew darn good and well what it was doing to the health of my mouth. At any rate, I finally worked up the courage a couple of months back to see the dentist. Other than a few "drill & fills", and some receding gum lines, everything looked good. I was informed, however, that although it was commendable that I was able to give up my tobacco habit, I also needed to give up my newfound herbal chew habit, because it was irritating my gums. The hygienist said that as a general rule, you should avoid pla