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How to Quit Dipping -- Kicking Smokeless Tobacco

Dipping, a term used to describe the action of taking a portion of ground or shredded tobacco known as snuff, can cause many health problems, including cancer of the mouth, tooth decay, receding gums and gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. However, dipping can also refer to the use of other smokeless tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, snus, dissolvable tobacco and compressed tobacco. It’s likely that you already know the dangers of dipping, but quitting can be difficult. While quitting will take willpower, you can utilize one or all of a variety of ways to make the process easier and help you remain tobacco-free for good.

  1. Plan to Quit

    • The best way to quit using smokeless tobacco is to pick a quit date and make a quitting plan, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Pick a quit date that’s about a week away, even if you feel ready to quit right now. Taking time to prepare is beneficial. Make a list of reasons why you want to quit and keep it with you at all times.

    Before Your Quit Date

    • Some smokeless tobacco users find it easier to taper their use gradually, leading up to their quit date by using half of their usual amount of smokeless tobacco. Others find that using smokeless tobacco right up until their quit date, then quitting abruptly, also known as "going cold turkey," is right for them. No right or wrong way to quit exists: Decide what you think will work best for you and stick with it.

    Ask For Help

    • Giving up smokeless tobacco all on your own can be very difficult. When you’re ready to quit, you should get support from friends, family members, colleagues, a doctor, counselor or through your local Nicotine Anonymous meetings and support groups. If you don’t have anybody you can reach out to for support quitting, and you can’t find an in-person group in your area, get support from a telephone quit-line like 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or an online group. Many employers also offer treatment programs or provide access to tobacco treatment specialists who are certified to provide treatment for tobacco dependence. Adequate support can help you fight off cravings when they strike and keep you strong until your urge to use smokeless tobacco diminishes.

    Consider Nicotine Replacement Products

    • Tobacco addiction, whether you’re using smokeless tobacco or smoking cigarettes, is both mental and physical, according to the American Cancer Society. Nicotine replacement products like nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers and nasal sprays can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, headache, irritability and cravings for tobacco; in addition, these products can help replace the physical act of using smokeless tobacco, the oral fixation. Drugs like bupropion, nortriptyline, clonidine or varenicline may help as well, but the use of these medications needs to be supervised by a doctor. Oral medications are sometimes used in conjunction with short-acting nicotine replacement therapies like gum or lozenges, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of withdrawal are usually at their worst 12 to 24 hours after you quit, reports Medline Plus, and most symptoms will pass within a week of quitting, even for heavy smokers.

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