Quitting Snuff, Chew Tobacco, or Snus

The nicotine in smokeless tobacco products makes them addictive. It also makes quitting these products similar (but not 100% the same) as quitting regular cigarettes or other tobacco products that you inhale.

These 3 things can help you quit using snuff, chewing tobacco, or snus:

• Have a plan for quitting
  First, you’ll need to understand your triggers. These are the people, places or events that make you want to dip or chew. Next, you’ll need to make plans to cope with those triggers without dipping or chewing. Finally, being prepared to manage withdrawal symptoms and stressors will make quitting easier.
  
  You’ll want to make a plan to replace the feeling of having the snuff, chew tobacco, or snus in your mouth. Some people use a non-nicotine, non-tobacco herbal chew as a replacement. Others use mints or gum. Still others use nicotine lozenges or gum to make quitting more comfortable. Whatever you choose, think about how and when you use your snuff, chew, or snus, and come up with strategies to beat each trigger.
  
  Think of these exercises as the map to hiking Mt. Everest—it won’t get you there on its own, but it sure helps to have in your pocket before you set out.
  
• Line up support from others
  Someone to lean on when times get tough. Someone to ask questions (even in the middle of the night). Someone to celebrate with when you’re feeling proud! Someone who gets what you’re going through, ups and downs and in-betweens.
  
  Climbing Mt. Everest is less lonely and more fun when you’ve got a buddy or two. Plus, you’re less likely to slip. And if you do, there’s someone there to help you get back up.
  
• Using quit medications
  Did you know that most snuff, chew, and snus have more nicotine than cigarettes? That can make them harder to quit. And it can mean stronger cravings when you try.
  
  Quitting medications can make the process much more comfortable. And, they increase your chance of success. When you’re feeling more in control, you can focus on the things that matter to you and the reasons you want to quit.
  
  You’d bring an oxygen tank with you to climb Mt. Everest to breathe when the air gets thin. It’s the same for quitting. Medications can make your climb more comfortable so you can enjoy the view and get to the top.
  
  If you use smokeless tobacco, certain quitting medications may help more than others. Using a long-acting medicine (like the patch) plus a fast-acting (lozenge or gum) is recommended. The nicotine patch gives a steady dose of nicotine and is convenient to use (once a day). But, it may not help with strong cravings. That’s where the lozenge and gum can be helpful. They are fast-acting to get you through tough nicotine cravings. And, they are most similar to using snuff, chew, or snus.
  
  Medications like the patch, gum, and lozenge are supposed to roughly match the amount of nicotine you got from tobacco. But, it can be tough to get the dose right since these medications are labeled for smokers. If you decide to try these medicines, talk with your doctor first. Especially if you use more than one type of tobacco. They can help determine a starting dose.
  
  Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion) are also effective. The nicotine inhaler may not be as useful for smokeless tobacco users. This is because it’s made to look and feel like a cigarette.
  

The EX Community can be a game-changer in your quit journey. Many people who chew or dip can feel like they’re all alone when trying to quit. The EX Community is full of people who have gone through this before, and who are quitting right now. The EX Community is available 24/7 to provide any kind of support you can imagine. Tough love, warm reassurance, quick pointers, answers to your burning questions, and plenty of celebrations. We’ve got it all!

Take a look at the many EX Community discussions to see the wisdom and support our members have to offer!