Deseret News | Evils of 'chew' stressed

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Evils of 'chew' stressed

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anonymous | 10:45 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

does anyone know how long it takes to develop mouth cancer from dippin, what if you move it around each time?

mike | 1:50 p.m. Dec. 7, 2007

i dip once in a while. my first one was at a concert in july and i've gone through maybe one tin since. I konw im not addicted but maybe once or twice a month ill throw one in (kodiak ice) am i in any danger of cancer?

mike | 2:07 p.m. Dec. 7, 2007

i had my first pinch in july. I've maybe had about 20 since...I'm not addicted..i just like the feeling once in a while.. what brand makkes that tobacco free mint snuff? cause im guessing its better than what I have now (kodiak ice) I just went 3 weeks without a dip I could stop if I wanted to I just like it maybe once or twice a month

so who makes mint snuff?

Comments continue below

Keith | 4:18 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007

Hello,

I'm 22 and started chewing at the age of 13. I currently chew Cope Snuff and am a little worried after reading this story. I currently have, what I want to call a very large canker sore on my bottom lip. I am second guessing myself although it sure feels alot like a canker sore hopefully its just someone telling me to quit b4 something really happens. I have never had a canker sore on the bottom of my lip like this. It is not where i usually chew but right next to that area. All my teeth look fine... Should I go see someone about this?

ness | 2:23 p.m. Dec. 10, 2007

my son is 18, he dips every day and lies about it. i have shown him all articles on dip, and he still hides the tins in shame. the dentist has noticed redness on his gums and tells him the risks associated with this habit. i test him randomly and of course he fails. he has been doing this since 9th grade freshmen baseball. i've told him i know when he is lying...everytime he opens his mouth. his girlfriend is aware and says she will break-up if he doesn't stop, she is afraid that if they marry someday her life will be turned upside-down with the chance of him getting cancer or any of the horrible side effects this may cause. he loves her so much, and i threaten him that i will tell her. i'm stuck between a rock and hard place cause he says if she leaves him that he will continue dipping even more, and he won't care. WHAT AM I TO DO???????

Anonymous | 7:08 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

i am a dipper at 16 and i like it i dip and ask my friends for some its so hard to stop and i need to but its sooo good why cant i theres no way out help im in a hall and i never tell my parents and they dont have to know cause im a person who likes having my own secrets i love citrus its the best and straight it is all good how do i stop the maddness of the dip craze?

anonymous | 6:54 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

is there any such thing as a casual dipper?

Big D | 4:05 a.m. Dec. 14, 2007

I started using Cope at age 14. I'm now 32 years old and trying to quit again for the 7th time this year. Don't evne try using. I loved dipping and it's only a killer. Big tobacco is making big money off of kids and they don't care about you, your health or your family. Stay away from peach, apple whatever. It is so highly addictive and causes so much stress that isn't worth the risk. Right now I'm on the patch and I pray to God that I'll live to marry my girlfriend and have a family.

Jessica Bissard | 6:58 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

My boyfriend chews rate know and i am trying to get him of it. it is so descusting and hopefully when i show him some of these pictures of what happend he will not chew any more cuz i dont want his jaw to come of or something it is so sick!! and i hope it changes alot of peoples minds about chewing tabacco

Melissa Teal | 12:58 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

My husband of 18 years has chewed for the better part of 22 years. Yesterday, he went for oral surgery and we are awaiting the results of 3 very large lesions being removed from both sides of his inner mouth. Get this, my husband is only 36 years old!

Quitting is very hard. Right now my husband is on a nicotine patch and Wellbutrin, which has been proven to help people with their addiction to tobacco. Of course, he is still on pain meds from yesterday's surgery, too.

I was a smoker for the better part of 15 years so I understand the addiction (even though his addiction is much more powerful than mine). Be patient with people as they try to not use ... it's a horrible addiction and it is literally not mind over matter!

As we sit here scared to death awaiting results, it is our hope that you can talk your children out of using it ... Explain to them that my children do not even know if their dad will survive.

justin | 1:18 a.m. Dec. 21, 2007

to all the people who say they want to quit, do it now. i've been dipping for 2 years and everytime i say i want to quit i just can't. after reading into it tonight i'm going to make a strong effort to stop. i just got engaged and would really like to be there for my future famile as long as god intended. i really hope if you dip you'll consider quiting.

DaveOB | 8:48 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

I am 18 years old started chewing at 15, i started getting a ton of bumbs inside my lip and didnt want to worry about it anymore. Right now im on my second day of quitting and its real hard. I have been using nicorette chewing gum which seems to help a little. And i can already tell that the bumbs are going away.

Matt | 5:33 p.m. Dec. 25, 2007

im 23 and have been dipping copenhagen long cut since I was 16. I never smoked, but I truly beleive dipping is worse. I never thought i would get hooked but I am. the thing is, you associate dipping with everything. After I eat, I'll put one in. watching a movie, throw one in. studying, throw one in. when im playing golf, fishing, watching a movie,everything.Ive tried to quit before but it very hard mentally, when the situation I stated above arise.My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and I still do it.But im gonna stop.

Jan 1, 2008.
objective= dipping is over.adios
ammo= sunflower seeds, mint leaves, coffee grains, lifting weights, running, punching bag eating veggies and fruits, . Carrying around pictures of disfigured cancer patients its also a great weapon.

phase 1 ( 1 -14 days). Hardest part. I'll use my ammo but the biggest thing that will probably help me is lifting hard at the gym. This is a HUGE stress releiver and is a great way to get your mind off of it, plus you will look better in the process.

frank mauk | 3:06 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

this is a true comment from my heart. I have been chewing skoal straight for 49 years and i have not quitand i wont until the day i die. Most other chew is not good for you but skoal straight is obsolete. If you chew anything other than skoal straight you will get cancer And if you do chew skoal than you will be a heqalthy man for the rest of your life an for all the people who are against chew than you need to go andjump off a bridge, skoal straight all the way and i will never chew different

Bryan | 11:22 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

It's amazing to read all of these comments. There is so much that I can relate to. I started dipping at 14. I did that pretty regular for about 3 or 4 years (whatever age I realized that girls are NEVER going to like that). Then I started smoking and Loved that! Till about the age of 32ish. It was so much more socially acceptable. Plus, you add in the drinking, it just fit. Well, I overdid that. So, I quit by dipping again. Skoal, to be exact. I have been doing that ever since. I'm 36 now, and I think it is time to quit it ALL! I'm also tired of worrying about the latest sore in the mouth or that funny feeling in my throat. Now, there is a numbness or "funny" feeling in my throat. I can only hope it is not my worst fears. All of the other comments are correct. It's not worth it. I empathize with all of you, just by the shear virtue of having "been there".

Christopher Smith | 11:42 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I am 30 and started chewing when i was 5. I quit a little more than a month ago. I started on Levi Garrett at age 5. When i was a Freshman in high school, I started dipping Snuff. My parent actually gave it to me and in doing so encouraged it. Just wanted to share with you guys how i was able to quit. Ween yourself off the snuff by chewing Redman leaf tobacco. It has half the nicotine content and is easier on your gums and mouth. Chew the Redman for about a month, until the cravings for the snuff are gone. In the meantime schedule an appointment to get your teeth cleaned and quit the Redman cold turkey on that date. Make sure you tell a girlfriend, wife, or daughter you are quitting so you can see the disgust on their face when you mention buying another can. Although i chewed for 25 years, i never got cancer. That didn't stop me from worrying everyday about it, and eventually motivated me to quit. It's not going to be easy, Im still climbing the walls for a chew sometimes. It's like loosing a best friend.

Joe | 12:42 a.m. Dec. 28, 2007

My Grand dad taught me to chew at age 10 and I dipped snuff for 20 years. It is just as addictive as any drug or alcohol. I quit cold turkey 20 years ago but still have craving for it, especially after eating. If you chew or dip or smoke now...quit it's a waste of money and a tremendous health risk. The best way to quit is just "say no"!

ben | 1:58 p.m. Dec. 29, 2007

my dad chewed for probably like 20 years. my mom and little sister made him quit but he still does it now and again. he says the nicotine gum doesnt work, none of that stuff works. he quit by chewing just normal gum all the time. literally on the floor of his truck there would be empty packages of gum. he was probably up to a can a day at the time he quit. I am 19 and i chew sometimes, about once every three days. I dont feel bad about it and i like the feeling. Im not addicted and i dont plan on getting addicted becasue i dont want to end up like my dad. i am really worried he will end up with mouth cancer..

buddy | 5:10 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

i start 2 weeks ago but today i change my think about chew...
thanks buddys for write..
GOD BLESS YOU

Dan | 10:35 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

I'm 19 years old and started chewing grizzly green when i was 15 years old. I come from a small town where many people chew. My cousin gave me my first dip when i was 13. I have tried quitting many times but its so hard when im hunting or fishing or riding in my car. I have chew about 5 or 6 times a day or one to two cans a week. I know thats not alot but it still concerns me. I know i have changes in my gums form it. I also notice my teeth are more sensitive. I remember how i used to get older kids to buy me chew and thought i would do that for kids i knew when i was older. Now there is not a chance. I will never supply tobacco to a minor and i will never suggest it to a non user. I know i will quit someday, i just hope that day isn't when its too late. Good luck to all and god bless

Sales cleark | 11:58 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

I recently began working at a gas station. I Smoked in 5th and 6th grade and chewed in 7th and 8th grade, im now a junior in highschool and working at a gas station with all the cigarettes and chew made me want to start again. I only had one can of skoal and developed a large lesion in the back of my mouth. It scared me straight for 2 weeks, then my mouth healed and i started again, its a vicious cycle, and i worrie about every little bump, I would just like to say that tobacco is not worth it, and it haunts me every day that the pack of cigs that i sell them could be the straw that breaks the cammels back

Anonymous | 9:11 p.m. Jan. 1, 2008

i started dipping when i was 13 now im 15 go threw a can or two a week my mouth feels fine dont plan on stopping soon good idea or not?

Josh Sudano | 6:38 a.m. Jan. 2, 2008

i started dipping lyk 2 years ago im 16 now and after reading all this i want to quit. iv tryed be 4 but didnt make it 2 days i think now ill be able
to. thanks all of you!!!!!
Josh Sudano

anthony | 3:01 a.m. Jan. 3, 2008

i started dipping about six months ago, at age 17. i first dipped skoal vanilla long cut, stuck with skoal for a while and then went to brands like kodiak, grizzly, and copenhagen. i now stick with kodiak and go through a couple cans a week. i think i'm definitely addicted and need to quit. it's gonna be a big striggle, but i think i can do it. i just have to want to quit, but its really hard, especially because it's a fun thing to do with my friends, while driving, watching a movie, etc. if anyone has good tips, post them up here!

Brandon | 11:01 a.m. Jan. 3, 2008

Ive been chewing since i was 14 an im now 18 but i did it off and on for 4 years. i chew untill i get sores and then i quit till my mouth heals up then i start back up but i am going to quit so i am going 2 get an empty can n put coffee grounds in it n hopefuly that helps me quit.

kody | 2:22 p.m. Jan. 3, 2008

ok imma 15 year old n ive chewed since i was 12 i can c the affects good because i got one of my teeth falling out all the chew at at my gums i go thru a can a day and ive tried to quite and it dont help i smoke too

Eric | 4:43 p.m. Jan. 3, 2008

I have chewed for 19 years and today I quit. Every comment I read on here is true. This stuff tastes great, the craving for it never goes away, I associate chew with things I do such as: driving in a car-especially long trips, after-dinner cravings, playing video games, watching my favorite sporting event, etc. But I finally decided my health, my wife, the cost(both physical and financial) are TOO MUCH. Sunflower seeds, gum, physical exertion are all healthy alternatives. One day at a time.

Chaz | 3:19 p.m. Jan. 4, 2008

I began chewing about 11 years ago to help get past an alcohol addiction. I've been fortunate and blessed that I haven't had any physical problems yet. That's why I'm quitting before cancer hits - and I know it's just a matter of time. I don't want my family to have to deal with a disfigured father, husband, and grandfather...or maybe a dead one! I'm encouraged by others who write and say they have successfully quit. If I quit alcohol, I can quite tobacco. How is it we get ourselves in such messes anyway. I want to be the person that God intended me to be. I'm on my way, wish me luck.

Justin | 9:54 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008

Been dipping on and off for a few years now, mainly use dipping for a "quit smokig" crutch which I have recently started again( new years ). These comments did it for me, it'll be tough....but I'm done! Thanks to all. Time to kick it!

Heartbroken Mon | 1:52 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008

I just found out today that my 14 year old son has started chewing tobacco because he wants to be like his dad and his 16 year old brother. How can I show him how wrong this path is? I'm devestated because I know first hand how hard this addiction is on relationships. My 20 year marriage suffered because my ex husband always had a dip in his mouth and consequently we rarely kissed. This lack of intimacy has an affect on a relationship. Also the bad breath is just a horrible thing to expect a partner to have to deal with. I hate chewing tobacco! It ruins lives. How can I help my baby realize this before it takes hold of him too? Please help!

kelly | 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008

I have dipped for 30 years and quit Dec. 1. I have gotten through the worst of it but it is still tough. Cold turkey is a hard row to hoe.

chris | 12:22 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008

I have been dipping since I was 18. I am now 31 and have been trying to quit for some time. The stuff is so addictive. Every now and then my mouth will get sore but Ive never noticed any bumps or sores. After reading this I am going to finish my last can and be done with the stuff. Just lately I bought sunflower seeds and have done that to avoid taking that extra dip. I hope people reading this will take notice and quit. I could probaby save a couple hundered bucks a month as well.

dipper | 4:55 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008

I started to dip when I was 11 years old. I am now 36 years old. My doctor says I mit have to surgerie, because he says I have some tip of cancer that he doesent know about. So he going to do some kind of surgerie.

Big D | 5:52 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008

OK, So I'm at the one month point of quitting Copenhagen...SO far so good....been dipping for about 15 years and I can't tell you how many time I've quit, but this is the longest stretch so far. I'm on the patch and although it's expensive, it gets me through the cravings. Good luck!

friend | 2:36 a.m. Jan. 9, 2008

good luck, i have been trying to quit smoking for about a year on off but i have not bought a pack since 2007, about 8 days, but i have smoked a few from my friends. they all smoke. it's really hard when all or most of your friends use tobacco, although i do not know anyone who uses chewing tobacco i found this sight because there are other ways to get oral cancer, such as some hpv viruses associated with cervical cancer. When I was younger i though the most terrifying thing to ever happen would be to get cancer or AIDS. now i know that there are a million other horrible diseases that you can get more easily than you think, and of course you feel it will never happen to you, i know i feel that way. hopefully we all wake up and realize that we need to stand up to temptations so that we have a better chance to stay healthy in the era of newly emerging infectious diseases, drug resistance, and health insurance problems.
stay strong, you can do it, let me prove it to you!

goel | 10:27 a.m. Jan. 9, 2008

hi, im from india & well educated person. I started chewing tobacco when I was doing my PostGraduation.I use it, when I feel stressed. I know the bad results of it. But I feel help less bec. I could not quit it. Now I am planning to quit it. I think, when I will achieve my destination I will quit it automaticaly. Actually, I have very big goals. I want to achieve them. Before that I can not stop chewing.Still I am not able to have them. But I am sure, I will quit it after achieving them. I hope God will help me....God will fulfil my dreams & I will quit this baaaaaaaaad habbit. Thank you.

Diamond | 8:50 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Hi, my name is Diamond and I just want to say that chewing tobacco is not good for you it's actually putting yourself at risk. your Body is a temple of the Lord's so you shouldn't just put any and everything into your Body.... Well God Bless you all

Stiffler | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

im 15 years old i took my first dip when i was 12 and did it for a little while and quit and just started doing it alot agian lovin it

Kristin | 9:50 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I'm 15 years old and came upon this while I was doing a project on chewing tobacco and its unhealthy effects.

I must say that despite anyone's addiction, they should seek to quit this nasty habit. Although I can't see any user's personal reason of their use, I think that they should realize that they are putting too much at risk. These genrally include their health, their family standing/status, and their lives. Get up and do something.

Spread the word of the risks and help save a life.

God Bless.

P.S. For those people like the previous poster 'Stiffler', I must say that what you are doing is ridiculous and idiotic; you're harming yourself. You'll be in my prayers, for I know that when you develop jaw or mouth cancer...you won't be 'lovin it'.

Siobhan | 10:01 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

My boyfriend has been chewing for a while and I really want him to quit... I have been reading the testimonies above and I'm even more scared for his health.
I don't want to be left behind.

big dipper | 3:41 p.m. Jan. 13, 2008

Of course, I dip.

I've read many of these stories and I believe that I can truly relate. But there's one thing that many people don't seem to understand. When someone's going through 1 or 2 cans a day, it's pretty obvious that they don't have much else going on in their day. If someone can find something else to do, a hobby, they can find ways to avoid dip. I try to only throw in a digger when I really "need" one, not necessarily when I have nothing else to do. This can help to not become too dependent on the dip and I haven't ever gotten any sores or anything in my mouth. I go through a tin for every 5 days, about. By using dip in moderation, it can be a safer way to avoid smoking, but not necessarily keeping one healthy. Other than that, dip can be something good, if you're smart. Good luck quitting, hopefully I'll quit one day....maybe.

alex | 10:44 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008

to add to my above comment i would like to add that i, like many, associate chewing with activities, driving, video games, hanging out with friends, it just makes it that much harder to quit. my friends chew and everytime one of us throws one in the rest follow. strangely enough i just got a call from my dad and hes out of the hospital and is feeling better, hes been sober for a month now and he still chews but im fine with that, if you need to choose an addiction never turn to alcohol its caused my whole family stress and my dad regrets ever drink he ever took. it caused him health problems and his wife of 25 years. and he is 52 and knows he wont see 65 or 70 once again god bless, everyday is a blessing and everyday tell people you love them with all your heart because it might be the next day even the next hour that you cant tell them it anymore. i love hiim whith all my heart and i wish he could live to see his grandchildren, but thats the price he has to pay for his addiction

dixie | 10:51 a.m. Jan. 15, 2008

I have been dipping for 5years now and my brother git me started on it i have tried to quit many times but it don't work all the time i dipp grizzly wintergreen i dip 2 or 3 cans a day but i can't help it thats all the time i sleep with a dipp in and still get another one when i wake up it don't matter to me but my girlfriend won't me to quit i proble will. but it gets harder and harder every time you try to quit i know i've tried about 10 times. the addiction is what gets everybody people don't under stand about it. I git mouth cancer but it still don't stop the addiction the doctors say if i don't quit i will die at 17years old my dad does it my bother does it my uncle my cousion my step dad my hole family does it so it's in my blood my great grand father died for mouth cancer but i don't care all i think about all day is how can i get a dip but who every reads this don't think i'm bad person i just need a dip.

OG LOC | 11:35 p.m. Jan. 15, 2008

man i been chewing skoal for 3 years now i feel the crave everytime it try to quit is it the the nicotine that makes me addicted for the crave not sure but hopefully this is my last tin its taken ove my freaken life

Dylan | 11:44 p.m. Jan. 15, 2008

I am 18 and have been dipping since i was 15. cancer really didnt scare me till i heard a freind got it right out of highschool. to quit i just drank a spitter. i threw up for a good 30 mins. but in the end i cant even put a dip in with out gaging. so i would say it worked for me. good luck to everyone else out their trying to quit

Aaron | 2:33 p.m. Jan. 16, 2008

please god take the craving away

Bubba Ron | 3:20 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

oh yea i forgot i keep my chew on my left side and its scary cuz my right side lip is more stronger or in other words my left side lip got thinner and i quited successfully for like a week but i had very bad cravings for cope, i go thru like 4 cans a week and im getting concerned that i might get cancer but idk its kinda hard to quit when youve done it for awhile, and to the people who havent tried it shut up because when youve done it dont criticize about us because u dont know how the craving is really bad its very very very very hard to stop it its like the craving women has for chocalate ya know what im talking about? i chew cope whiskey, cope fine, cope long cut, skoal berry blend, skoal straight, kodiak, and redman its hard ya know?

klaus | 11:39 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I consider myself lucky ï¿½ Iï¿½ve been chewing Copenhagen for over 25 years. A tin lasts 2 or 3 days. I started because all the ï¿½COOLï¿½ guys on my swim team in high school was using. I still really enjoy it, but damn it, Iï¿½m smart enough to know Iï¿½m playing roulette. I have a high profile job, and dip during meetings. I think Iï¿½m fooling myself that nobody notices. I hope that someday I act my intelligence that GOD gave me ï¿½ and stop this nonsense.

mark | 2:35 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

I started using chewing tobacco when i was nine. Started with scraps and plug then went to the canned stuff after that. I know how miserable it is to quit ive tried numerous times but just cant seem to kick it. I am a heavy equipment operator and there are days where i put it in my mouth when i get to work and just add to it all day. on average im a two and a half can a day chewer. It never bothered me before about the repercussions of the stuff. however my teeth hurt now more than ever i have a terrible taste in my mouth constantly gum recession white patches in my lip and every time i get a sore throat or belly ache i get really nervous because i dont spit the stuff i swallow it always have. Im glad i fell into this site to know im not alone.

Adam | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

I'v been dippen for about a year and a half now. iv had many ppl tell me about the cancer you can get but as bad as i want to i just cant stop. iv quit for about 2 weeks but i needed some bad. So i dont think ill ever stop.

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Stuart Johnson, Deseret News

Former baseball player Rick Bender speaks at UVSC about surviving oral cancer caused by chewing tobacco. He lost part of his tongue and jaw in surgeries.