Tips for Quitting Smokeless Tobacco

Similar to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco such as snuff or chewing tobacco contains nicotine. A very addictive substance, nicotine causes changes in the way you think and behave. If you develop an addiction to nicotine, you crave the way it makes you feel and your body requires more and more to get the effect you want. 

Using tobacco may be a habit for you. If you are one of the tens of thousands of people who want to quit smokeless tobacco, you are not alone. Products available on today’s market such as smokeless tobacco alternatives may help you on this difficult path to become tobacco free. Read on for helpful tips to quit snuff or chewing tobacco.

Make a List

Write down your own personal reasons for wanting to quit. Whether your reasons are to improve your health, save money or to set a better example for loved ones, by writing them down you are taking a step in the right direction. Keep your list of reasons in your wallet or purse and reflect on them when you have a nicotine craving.

Be Specific with Your Timeframe

Once you have decided you want to quit and identified the reasons why, you must set a date. Often times, we tell ourselves we will quit ‘tomorrow’ or ‘next week’.  The date keeps getting pushed further and further away. Set a plan and stick to it. Begin by selecting a date within the next month.  That will be your quit chewing tobacco date and you will stick with it. Prepare for the quit day by having your teeth cleaned, not buying smokeless tobacco and avoiding situations that trigger your urges to use tobacco. You can succeed.

Try an alternative

There are alternatives available to help you on this difficult, yet attainable journey. Products such as non-tobacco chew can help you succeed. These products will mirror the chewing tobacco in texture and flavor without the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine. Other oral substitutes include chewing gum, hard candy, licorice, or even sunflower seeds. Breaking your tobacco habit may be easer than you think through the use of tobacco or other alternatives.

Get Support

Studies have shown that people who have support from their family, friends and primary care physician have an increased success rate of quitting and maintaining a nicotine-free lifestyle. If you have a friend or family member who also uses nicotine, encourage them to embark on this journey of becoming smoke free with you. For questions or information about support groups, speak with your primary care physician. Your doctor can also assist you in which smokeless alternative may be best for you.