Deseret News | Evils of 'chew' stressed

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Evils of 'chew' stressed

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Nathan | 7:05 p.m. Jan. 19, 2008

The comments that I hear in here about the people that say dip or die, are the words of fools. Or maybe they are just teenagers that are researching the symptoms, and don"t have them yet. That is the key word. There are not too many true adults that would not give up the snoose if they could. I have been chew free now for three months and don"t want to go back. I don't think that I have cancer, but am now trying to take the steps to not get it. So those of you who think that your cool with that dip hanging out your mouth, think again. pinsonfamily01@yahoo.com

sparkey | 8:14 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008

I have chewed for just over 30 yrs. I am 43, I wish
I had never started. Friends had it back in 8th grade, so I tried it. Big mistake. I've quit twice,
once for a year and a half, and also in bootcamp (didn't have a choice there). Work has banned tobacco this year, still seem to find a way to chew.
After seeing some pics, I'm hoping this will help.
Whatever you do, don't chew tobacco, not worth it.

Josh | 12:04 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008

I can see how hard it maybe for some of you people. I'm 12 and im just using this as a source for my report I'm doing for school. I dont chew or anything like that. But I can see what you people may be going through. I've seen so many baseball people use it, and i cant stand them spiting and chewing that non-stop. it disgusts me... I hope you can all find a solution to all your problems.

Comments continue below

Ol' Gramps Billdoff | 4:10 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008

Chewing rocks!! gonna threw in a big fatty right now!

Peter Sekella | 6:25 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008

I used to love chew, I would always throw in a dip before I went to bed, and sometimes would fall asleep with it in my mouth, I loved that! The only 100% way I found to quit is by drinking. If I ever need to put in a dip, i just pull out a flask and start drinking. soon enough, I forget all about the chew! Trust me guys, this is the only 100% effective way to stop. My family and friends all want me to quit drinking. But I think, whats worse, being drunk, or having oral cancer? Than i just sling back another brew!

Anonymous | 5:45 p.m. Jan. 23, 2008

If you dip and then use mouthwash right after, it greatly reduces the risk of cancer.

P.T. | 2:45 p.m. Jan. 25, 2008

I use to dip Copenhagen for 6 years, but I quit cold turkey (it's a mind game) because of all the side effects it causes, it's serious stuff. I still dip but I use "Smokey Mountain" it's an herbal snuff 100% safe, you know what... it's awesome! It feels the same and tastes great as well, so any of you trying to quit try this stuff it really works!

Good Luck!

Morgan | 2:03 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Hey guys, am 16 Well i have been dipin for like a year and i dont do it that often, maybe like 2, 3 times a week.. So does anyone know if that will kill my lip? or somthing?

A.Terry | 10:27 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Hi everyone.
I have just quit.... about 75 days ago. (Feels like yesterday really). But I thank God every night. And every morning, I pray for strength.

I quit for my children. So I can live, for them, and for myself.
My friend died not long ago, from lung cancer (smoking). My partner died long ago- heart attack (smoking). Presently- my neighbor just had all her teeth removed. Smoking. Radiation. Chemo.
I don't yet know the prognosis.

Let's face it- aren't we all sort of secretly hoping - with our fingers crossed behind our backs- hoping that we haven't screwed ourselves? Praying that we haven't painted ourselves into a corner, with no way out? (re: cancer).

If I could show you the look on my friends face- as he lay in the hospital- dying from cancer. My dear friend looked like a wild animal- chased into a corner. And there was NOTHING I could do for him.

You know another good motivator to quit? I picture my peering down a black hole at my casket, weeping. AND THERE IS NO WAY that I have the right to do that to her.
God bless you all.

hmmm | 10:49 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

I think im going to start carrying a picture of cancer patients around with me. I don't dip nearly as much as I use to. I dont know why I can't quit. I have been dip free for 3 weeks. GO d help the cravings.

Jason | 2:32 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I started dipping at 15 and am now 29. Have tried to quit numerous times, but something always comes up....golfing, stress, video games, etc. and I go on week-long binges. I'm sick of the worrying associated with dipping and want to be alive for my kids and wife. I just look at my two boys (ages 3 and 7 months old) and think how selfish I am to be doing something that could lead to my death or disfigurement...because it is not fair to them. They need me and I need to start thinking about them, and less about myself. I sincerely hope that everyone who wants to quit can get the strength to do so.

big dipper | 7:16 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

i have been dipping since i was 11 or 12 i am know about 17 and i am wondering if its better to move it around and also i try to quiet but its hard i men redman straight its some good stuff and hard to quiet also is pouches better than the long cut for ur lip

J Roc | 9:35 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

My boy Tony dipped for about 15 years. He was diagnosed with throat cancer about 1 year ago. The doctor wanted to remove his voice box. While receiving chemo, Tony was thinking over whether or not to let the dr perform the operation. Then about six months ago, he was outside one night and died instantly, out of nowhere. Apparently the cancer had spread significantly because it was caught too late, hardly any symptoms. Some kind of clot formed or something. My friend died at the age of 31...and the doctors told us that the dipping caused the cancer, which eventually caused his death. I wish my friend never dipped because he would be here with me now if he didn't. He was only 31, which is proof it can happen to anyone, no matter how young they are. If you dip, please stop now.

justin | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

i have been dipping for 2 year im 13 almost 14 i dont plan on quite by buddy always buy it for me and my dad dose it like crazy my favorite kind is cope strait i dont know wut i will do

Ryan | 1:36 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I dipped everyday 3 times a day for about 3 years...The way I stopped was mentioned above...Everytime I would normally dig I would put coffee beans in my mouth & drink a red bull....Pretty nasty but it would get rid of the craving...After a while I just stopped doing both...& now I am not always looking forward to sneaking in a lip

JP | 5:56 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I am the mother of two teenage boys, 17 and 13. Someone told my oldest son that if you use 'snuff' you will get cancer, but if you use straight 'chew',
brush your teeth when you done, your 'safe'. (anyone believing that...remember, the cheek and under the tung area is the quickest way to administer medicine into the body's system, so brushing later doesn't make you safe) I can't seem to get the truth into his head, I guess friends are smarter than your parents. My 13 year old was just caught with 'chew' the 'safe' type, well we are on this site and going to view as many pictures to get it through his head! We just buried their grandmother, heart attack (smoking) and their Uncle Cancer, 3 years suffering to his last breath (smoking). Both within 6 months. You'd think that would hit home? NO!!
Those of you who think your 'safe' your a fool. Those of you wishing to stop...I pray you find the item, friend, or life dream to help you to quit. Good luck, Jon and Brian's Mom

Safe Dipper | 3:43 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008

Thanks for the advice P.T.(above) I used to dip Copenhagen as well for 15 years, but I never knew about the SAFE snuff "Smokey Mountain" and your right, it tastes great. Before... to get my mind off of Cope it I would use chewing gum, but this stuff is soooooooooo much better. I think "Smokey Mountain" should do a better job of advertising to promote a safer habit.

So any of you trying to kick the bad stuff habit before it's to late, try this stuff and you'll see what P.T. and I are talking about.

Good Luck. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

rick | 4:01 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008

ive been dipin tins for a few years, in the summer i would chew two tins a day at work, but it has worn down on my gums extraorinarilly. the dentist told me i should stop or i will loose my teeth in a few years, so now i chew ALOT of orbit gum and stick it in my lip so its some what good old kodiak

JARED | 1:48 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008

IVE BEEN DIPPING FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS NOW I LOVE IT I HAVE ALSO TRIED TO QUIT. RECENTLY MY BOTTOM LIP HAS BEEN LOOKING WEIRD NOT SURE WHAT IT IS ANYONE KNOW LET ME KNOW.

brian | 7:48 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

i started dipping about 8 months ago my right side of my lip is already somewhat vanishing maybe if i stop for awhile or for good it will heal just a bit i love dip so much tho maybe your warnings will help me stop

Matt | 11:56 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

My name is Matt and I'm 20 years old. I started to dip a year ago. I'm worried about cancer due to the fact that it runs in my family. I would but would not like to quit. I would def. like to dip alot less. I work as a mechanic and usually have a dip in all day long except for my lunch break. This past fall I tried to slow down. I would try not to dip until AFTER lunch. Then ofcourse I'll throw a dip in and leave it till it breaks up. Then I don't put another in till later that night. I would say I go through a can every 5 days sometimes it lasts longer. Recently I've fallen back and have dipped more throughout the day. One thing that has helped me slow down is to find some shredded beef jerky. Its alot like the fine snuff and you can swallow your spit. I get BAD cravings at work, REAL Bad when I'm driving, but I'm trying my best to slow down. Another plus to the shredded jerky is a can of it only cost about a dollar fifty.

dillon | 6:07 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008

i have been dipping since i first started playing baseball in 6th grade and now i do it in class on the bus at home doing chores and its became a bad habit but im only 16 and i still have time to quit before it gets too bad

Matt...again | 10:25 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008

I wrote a comment yesterday and had to write again. When I read this forum yesterday is when I learned about GOLDEN EAGLE and SMOKEY MOUNTAIN. I decided yesterday was the day I quit SKOAL and move on to SMOKEY MOUNTAIN. Today I had the last pinch of my last can of Skoal and my first pinch of Smokey Mountain Wintergreen. I tell you. Its some good stuff. I still feel like I have a pinch of skoal except I don't have the worries of mouth cancer anymore. I love it. I don't think anyone who posted before me is going to come back and read this. But I must say thank you to everyone who posted about Smokey Mountain And Golden Eagle. I hope that I stoped soon enough (1 year of being a dipper)to save myself from cancer. I found my Smokey Mountain at Wal-mart. I don't want to sound like some anti tobacco person but. If you are like me and worried about cancer. Go get yourself some Smokey Mountain.

Safe Dipper | 4:09 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Congrats Matt! I knew someone out there would like SMOKEY MOUNTAIN, because it's not much different from Cope and Skoal, but Smokey Mountain will NOT harm your health because it's 100% safe. I hope others will try it so they won't have to worry about the side effects.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!

THE HackJunter | 5:56 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

i <3 skoal

Donovan | 11:11 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I been dippin since i was thirteen. I did not worry about it that much. Because someone told everybody dies from something

david young | 12:42 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I'm a dipper and ive been for 16 years and i dont plan on quitting anytime soon unless I get skinny

Twinkie | 12:54 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I came to this website because i am doing a project for school and after reading a couple of comments about chewing tobacco I need to write a brochure about chew and I think I found the right website. and OG LOC you've been playing way to much GTA san andreas

nick | 2:02 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

hey wats up i just wanna say im 14 yrs old and ive been packing since i was 12 i know its bad for u but my boys got me into it and plus i play lax so id rather do skoal then smoke i got cuts in my mouth and stuff so i havent packed lip in 2 weeks but im thinking of quitting or a least trying too =/ but i dont know i wanna still do but i know its bad for ur mouth and stuff if anyone has any ideas to get ur mind off it comment me back

cody | 3:13 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Ive been dipin for almost a year,my father,my uncle,and just about all of my friends use some sort of chewing tobacco.It is really hard to stop, trust me i know.I always say ill finish this can and be done with it,but you know what happens? The money in my pocket always seems to run away and the new resident is the cancer can.my lip, just after a year has little cuts in them from all the dip that i put in.I will try my hardest over the next month to quite all together,as well bring the knowlege to the mouths of my family and friends,its not worth it guys,its just not worth it.so please reconcider, as i have and stop chewing cancer.

bigred | 4:42 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

i was wondering will you get sick from using for the first time?

bigred | 1:06 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

please help need info

please | 1:35 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

will i get sick from using skoal or coppenhagen

James | 10:04 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Shouldn't try it in the first place.

doggy | 6:13 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

someone i need help will i get sick from using skoal or coppenhaggen need info not from james

chase | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

i have been chewing for about one year now and have not been able to quit, plan on it though

Road Warrior | 1:06 a.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I used to chew tabacky, and it was a hard thing to quit. I'm just glad I did, and I'm also glad I never got into smokin' cigarettes.

Jason | 6:52 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I am 34yrs old and have been chewing snuff (copenhagen and skoal) since I was 16yrs old. I have been tobacco free for the past 36 days and I just want to say that this is a very hard habit to quit. The first 10 days were rough, and after that it got better. There are alternatives out there that can help you quit, like nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges, but none of these products will help you unless you really want to quit. I have tried to quit many times in the past, but I plan on quitting for good this time. I am extremely lucky to have chewed for 18 years and not have gotten some form of oral cancer. I have a wife and two little girls and I plan on being here for them in the future. Besides, I feel alot healthier since I quit. I have more energy and am able to concentrate alot better. God Bless

jiff | 5:28 p.m. Feb. 17, 2008

i dip big lips of every kind of skoal and like many of you guys everything became an excuse to pack a lip. golf, fishing, driving, in class, after a night of drinking, when stressed, with friends, moives, and many other "special occations". i used to live my life around the slogan "man up, pack a lip and get on with life". i recently gave it up for lent, well not gave up but i reduced my lip packing to only saturdays. i am currently packin a lip as i read this even though its sunday but that is because i didnt pack yesterday. that just shows that dipping has not been one of my top priorites anymore. the first 2 days were really hard but by setting a goal and one day a week to dip, i got through the week. even if i wanted to dip during the week i just held off because i knew i only had a few days left till saturday. after 2 weeks or so its easy not to dip. if you are looking to quit try this out.

brandon | 12:39 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

i hav ebeen dipping for about 12 years now i started when i was six years old with redman. dippin has its pros and its cons like you having to pull the dead skin out your lips from the tobacco you used the night before. i have considered to quit but have never really acted upon it. i now have sores in my mouth and they wont seem to go away i dip skoal straight, cope , skoal wintergreen finecut, skoal wintergreen longcut.

skyler | 12:49 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

hi i ve ben dipping for less then a mont and im already experincing simptims of mowth canser. my tooth have really ben hurting, my mowth beeds alot sometimes i sleep with a dip in and i wake up wiht it al ovar my bed and my hare when i spit sumtimes muy teech cum with it. dippine has ruint my hole lyfe. i urg you to quit.

Josh | 2:02 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

I dip about every day, its not fun and its a waste of money, take it from a dipper, dont start!!!!

Dental Hygienist | 7:02 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

Keith - Go see someone ASAP. The lower lip is a high risk area for Squamous Cell Carcinoma - a very deadly oral cancer. Any time you get any form of tobacco you are testing your luck. Some people get it after one try, some get it after years, and some lucky people don't get cancer at all. However, there are many oral problems caused by this stuff and I'm 100% against it.

Dental Hygienist | 7:14 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

Thought I'd throw in something helpful while I'm at it...here's some signs of oral cancer...if you see any of these, as small as they may look, go get help!!
- a sore in the mouth that doesn't heal
- a lump/thickening in the cheek
- a white/red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
- soreness, feeling like something is caught in your throat
- trouble chewing, swallowing, moving your tongue or moving your jaw
- numbness of the tongue
- swelling of the jaw

as well, combining any form of tobacco (smoking or dip/chew) with alcohol increases your risk of cancer by a huge amount. It technically goes over 100% if you do it enough. Hope this helps some of you...good luck

Randall of Morehead Ky | 7:03 p.m. Feb. 19, 2008

I like to say this guy is a life saver cuz i never met him or anything but i had seen the pics and read the story i've been off of the stuff for some time now and i am a happier person for quiting i would love to talk to this guy and if you're ever on here reading these comments e mail me
-randall-

Matt | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 20, 2008

Hey i dip sometimes maybe 2-3 times a week, usally only pouches though. Are pouches better then longcut?

Zack | 1:10 p.m. Feb. 20, 2008

I just wanted to thank everyone for the reviews i have been chewing tabacco for about a year now and after reading these comments i thought about how important life it as a 18 year old kid. I tried to quit but i always had that urge to put tabacco in my mouth and i found a alternative. I was looking through the cupboards and saw a big bag of shredded coconut. It helps fight the urge and there is no risk. So thanks again everyone for making me realize how great life is.

Zack | 1:29 p.m. Feb. 20, 2008

Anyone asking if they will get sick chewing or dipping there first time are you dumb? Everyone here chewed or dipped and most of them are saying they wish they could stop why would you want to start?

tim | 8:52 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008

im a 16 adn i chew 6-7 cnas a day what sould i do to qut is it to late get back to me t_man_mil_2010@hotmail.com i need some help thanks

Jeremy | 9:38 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008

I am 28 years old and have been dipping for around 20 years or so. I am a country boy that thought it was cool to start and didnt know it would be hard to quit. I have been dipping cope all this time and have just decided to quit cold turkey. It has been 5 days. ANd it has been a little hard but not bad.. Note to yourself pay at the pump dont tempt yourself by paying inside..

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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.