What is dipping tobacco?
Dipping tobacco is also commonly known as chew tobacco or spit tobacco. It refers to tobacco leaves that are chewed instead of smoking them. This is why it is also called smokeless tobacco. It comes in two forms, chew tobacco and snuff. Snuff is sometimes chewed but is more often sniffed.
How to quit dipping tobacco?
The first and most important step towards quitting is to make up your mind that you want to quit. You need to have a strong will power to make such a decision and hang on to it. Once this is done, nothing and no one can make you go back to the habit. You can reinforce this by writing it down and pinning it up in your room or someplace where you will keep looking at it and it will act as a reminder.
Along with this, chart out a plan for yourself. You can either slowly reduce your intake and finally quit, or cold turkey. Plan your quitting and time frame accordingly.
Secondly, if you happen to give in to craving, which is usually pretty strong especially just after quitting, and have a little dip tobacco, do not get discouraged. This is very common with addicts. But the important thing is to not give up and keep trying till you are successful in quitting and staying quit. This also means that you will need to control your cravings to stop yourself from giving in again and again and having to start over every time.
Withdrawal symptoms can be mild to very strong depending on the level of addiction. Find ways to deal with withdrawal. It could be exercising, Yoga, meditation or even distracting yourself by chewing gum or hard candy. Even drinking water helps at times.
A very important thing when quitting is to seek support. This could come from a medical health practitioner, a rehab center, a counselor or support group or from family and friends. Make sure they know about how you plan to quit and your schedule for the same.
Reward yourself whenever you are on schedule and stay quit for a decided period of time, saving money in the process. It could be chocolate, ice creams, or even take a holiday and travel someplace.
Dipping tobacco is highly addictive due to its nicotine content as nicotine is a highly addictive chemical. The individual may not even realize that he/she is addicted till a very long time. Getting over any addiction is not very easy, and same is the case with chew tobacco. Although difficult, it is not impossible to quit and many have successfully done away with this addiction.
