After having given up a 14-year chewing tobacco habit, and using herbal chewing tobacco alternatives to help achieve my goal of quitting, I have developed an opinion on these products that I would like to share. I know when I first began my quit, I had questions regarding these products, and I have also heard and read comments from others regarding them as well. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that these products are no doubt safer to use than tobacco, and if they help someone quit using tobacco, then I recommend the use of them. Of course, I am not a medical professional, and I don't recommend that anyone take my advise over their family physician. :) I also strongly recommend that anyone who is considering the use of any of these products carefully check the ingredient labels, especially if they have any severe allergies. That being said, when I first quit chewing tobacco, I had a strong need for an oral "plug" to take the place that the tobacco had taken in my mouth over the last 14 years. This seemed to help me considerably. Everyone is different so some may find it more beneficial than others. In general, from my own personal experience with these products and from what I have heard from others, most find these products helpful. I'm a little embarrassed about what I'm about to share with everyone, but, when I was still using chewing tobacco, I was too afraid to pay a visit to the dentist, because I was afraid of what I might find out. So, I avoided the dentist for longer than I care to admit. I think I didn't want to hear the lecture that was most likely to ensue about how I shouldn't be using chewing tobacco and about all of the damage it was doing to my teeth and gums. I figured, I didn't need to hear that from anyone, because I already knew darn good and well what it was doing to the health of my mouth. At any rate, I finally worked up the courage a couple of months back to see the dentist. Other than a few "drill & fills", and some receding gum lines, everything looked good. I was informed, however, that although it was commendable that I was able to give up my tobacco habit, I also needed to give up my newfound herbal chew habit, because it was irritating my gums. The hygienist said that as a general rule, you should avoid pla

Thanks, Josie. I agree. That is really all I ever want to do when I come here is be supportive and not counter-productive, although, sometimes I think I miss that mark. :( I like to think I give it my best shot, though, the few times that I am able to be here. There is a true lack of individuals on this site who are trying to quit chewing tobacco, so I just try to be as supportive as I can of those who are trying to quit smoking, since, even though it's not the area I have experience in, the addictions are the same. You've always been so helpful and encouraging, Josie, and I can never thank you enough for that! You and Casey were among the first to respond when I originally signed up with the SSC and made my first post. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you both. Without the kind assistance of people like you, I'm not sure that I ever would have made it to where I am today, and maintained a quit for as long as I have. I have no intention of ever returing to my former tobacco-using ways, either. How could I? I can't even imagine. Infinite_D [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 240 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,040 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $264 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 31 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 50 [B]Seconds:[/B] 18

Bravo! I think your humble opinion is right on, Katy. I used to be one of those guys, too. There was a time when I had a hard time talking about things, or showing my emotions, but I got past that eventually. I remember it used to frustrate my wife to no end. :) My manager is one of those guys. But, he's on his 25th day without chewing tobacco! He's had some up and down days like anyone who is giving up tobacco, but he's doing very well. Infinite [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/21/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 249 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,240 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $273.9 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

it's just my humble opinion that the vast majority of chewers are guys....and guys as a rule don't post on sights like this as freely as women do. My son used the herbal, he also took lots of support from his family to beat the monster..he didn't have an easy time of it....of all of us, he easily had the hardest time..but he would no more admit that than he would post on a forum. I don't particularly understand that, but that's the way the men of this family are LOL He seemed at times embarrassed by the fact that he needed help with beating the addiction and I think that is just a natural male ego thing....our men...our protectors and providers, don't want to admit to feeling weak in the face of this addiction. and this of course leaves the few who do use the site feeling a bit on the lonesome side. I realize that quitting the smokeless is a daunting task....I think you receive a much larger slam of nicotine from chew than you do from smoking a cigarette. I really commend any guy who is able to give that up....My hopes are that you all just come on up into the other forums and join us....we are all after the same goal in the end.....so fight on! Katy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/4/2002 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 1478 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 59,137 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $8129 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 192 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 10 [B]Seconds:[/B] 28

Infinite D, We thank you for your honesty! We know not everyone will agree, but what works for some may not work for others. We are always here to support and not judge, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, Josie ______________________ The SSC Support Team.