Nasty Habit

I am so happy that you asked that...I have had the same problem for about 5 years now too. I just did a search though on quitting smokeless tobacco and there were numerous sites that show the health risks, etc of the habit. This may help...I am going to try it with my husband. But be prepared for the mood changes...they are rough. Whenever my husband has tried to quit I have to remind myself that it is a good thing. I think to when they finally get it in their heads they have the power to quit. Hang in there and please share if you find something that really helps.

I'm so glad you posted this! My husband has chewed for at least 15 years (we've been married 10), though it could be longer. It drives me nuts! I hate the smell, I hate the mess it makes, I hate what it does to his teeth and gums, I hate that our 2-yr old son is well aware and does something similar to what another poster said about handing Daddy his can. He's even opened the can for Daddy! My husband has tried quitting a few times. He did really well for a while, but would sneak some from guys at work and then started back with a vengeance after a very stressful time in our lives. The last time he tried to quit was about a year ago. I didn't know and got on his case for being such a grump with me for a week. That's when he informed me and said he didn't like his behavior, so he went back on the stuff.
It's so frustrating that there are all sorts of programs and websites to help people quit smoking, but rarely is anything ever mentioned about dipping.
I love the idea of the patches, and I've thought about it. Hearing someone say it does help and has worked for their man gives me some hope. I think I'll talk to my husband about it...see what he says. If for no other reason than for our son and my husband's health.
Thank you, again, J., for posting about this! I'm sure there are plenty of us who can sympathize! I wish you both the best of luck in this quitting endeavor. :)

My husband quit about a year ago, which was something that he started when he was very young. He used the Commit Lozenges (you can find them at Costco for fairly cheap). He also said it is very difficult to do if you aren't ready mentally. He said kicking the nicotine wasn't so bad, but the habit of having something in your lip is what he misses. He now chews his nails when he gets a craving. He also said that the craving never goes away. He still wants it, but chooses not to and it is really hard for him when he is around other people that are doing it. It takes time and support from you. Good luck!

My husband quit about 5 years ago, however he still uses the patch. Which I think is much better than dipping. About 3 years ago he was down to about 1/4 of a patch but then had some stress at work and started with even 2 patches sometimes.

Before he quit I would tell him that I would nag him one day a month about it. That way it wasn't so annoying to him but I could voice my opinion. I picked the first of the month so I would remember that I had to keep my mouth shut the rest of the month. Then (after a lot of prayer) I made him a Dentist appointment. I think that is what made him quite. He quit a month before his appointment and honestly he had quit for a week before I even noticed. Good luck but in the big skeem of things it probably isn't that important. He needs to be the one to make the decision. My mom has been a life time smoker. She has quit for as long as 9 mo and gone back so don't be too hard on him. He's the man you chose!

Has he tried to use the Nicoderm Patches? My husband used to chew as well, and I was so sick of it.. and we wanted to move on with our lives and alot of it has to do with our religion. I don't really know how he did it, but he did use the patches, and still sometimes does. He has been good for probably 3 months now, which for him is GREAT. I am not sure what else, I am sure your very supportive, but just keep being supportive. Also there are some websites like this one www.smokefreelife.com and many others as well as hotlines you can call to see what you can do to help, and he can even call as well..