How to Quit Chewing Tobacco

In order to quit chewing tobacco, one must put a lot of thought and effort into it. Some of the more popular ways to quit chewing tobacco include:

- using a nicotine patch/gum or a prescription

- chewing substitutes that are tobacco free like mint-leaf snuff, sugarless gum, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, raisins, or dried fruit

- becoming involved in healthy activities like weightlifting, playing football or soccer, running, or walking

- thinking about the cost and all the money you are wasting to damage your health

- getting a psychological evaluation to customize a quitting plan

- talking with friends and family about your desire to quit and getting their support

- one on one and group counseling (this is provided free by Nicotine Anonymous)

- hypnosis or acupuncture

Before quitting, you should motivate yourself by sitting down and composing a list of your reasons for quitting. It could include things like:

- I want to be healthier

- I already have or am getting problems with my gums/teeth and I don't want them to get worse

- I am spending too much money on this

- I am unable to chew at work or school

- I want to be able to go out without worrying if chewing is legal where I'm going

- I want to take control of my life

- The people I care about want me to quit

- I want to set a good example for kids