Smokeless tobacco contains 3,000 different chemicals, of which at least 28 are carcinogens. Using smokeless tobacco can lead to cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus, increased risk for a stroke or heart disease, and bleeding in the mouth. Quitting smokeless tobacco, while not easy, can decrease the risk of ulcers within 20 minutes after quitting; 15 years after quitting, the risk of heart disease is the same as that of someone who does not dip, according to the Kill The Can website. The benefits of quitting smokeless tobacco add up the longer you are dip-free.
Find Support
You can find support for quitting smokeless tobacco in many places. The American Cancer Society suggests getting your family involved. Whether you can convince another family member who uses smokeless tobacco to quit with you, or just get extra support at home, family members can provide an immense boost. Join online support sites or forums, such as Kill The Can. Online support groups give you an opportunity to virtually meet others trying to quit Quitting with another person will give you someone to talk to who can understand your day-to-day obstacles and concerns.
Oral Replacements
Having oral replacements will give you something to put in your mouth other than smokeless tobacco. A doctor can recommend a nicotine replacement product such as a lozenge or gum. Hard candy and sunflower seeds are both positive alternatives to smokeless tobacco. Replacing smokeless tobacco with cigarettes or cigars is not a viable option, since you are only trading one addiction with another that is equally bad for your health, the Family Doctor website notes.
Relaxation Techniques
When craving smokeless tobacco, finding a way to relax and distract yourself can help you get past the craving. The Family Doctor recommends taking a hot shower or aerobic exercise. Meditation can help calm you and distract you from a craving by focusing your energy elsewhere. Participating in physical activity not only improves your overall fitness, but can keep you from paying attention to tobacco cravings long enough to overcome the addiction.
