This has probably been the longest 72 hours of my life. At least it is the longest I have had since the last time I tried this. I quit chewing tobacco. This time, I am pretty sure it is going to be permanent. I have needed to do it for a long time but have always found an excuse to keep doing it: stress, bad mood, I really just like it and the famous I-can-quit-at-any-time.

Well, I want to thank the politicians of People’s Republic of California for thinking that its population is too stupid to make decisions on their own and forcing people to quit or pay a tax. I know it is not a bright move to chew tobacco and I fully accept the responsibility and the consequences that come with using tobacco. If I end up with cancer, that will be my fault and I will not sue everybody who has so much as looked at a cigarette and I will use the insurance that I have been paying into for the last twenty years for my cancer treatment. No one will pay for the consequences of my decisions except for me.

But what I refuse to do is pay another tax to this bloated and sick state so they can give free healthcare to those who do not put into the economy (or may not be legally in this country). I am not naive enough to believe that the state is looking out for the best interest of its people. Like the gas tax, it is not meant to get people to stop smoking or driving but to pay for something that they cannot afford. When people actually DO stop smoking, this dumb state will raise taxes on something else (that is exactly the problem they are having with the gas tax both in California AND Oregon). So I am going to screw the state of California and stop chewing. By the way, that rant was probably because I am moody as all hell right now and am pissed that I have to stop chewing!

Listen. I know I have to quit. For more than one reason. It is a disgusting habit. It is one thing to have to spit, but a stream of thick, brown liquid spewing from my mouth every thirty seconds is enough to kill any date. What is worse is when I cannot spit, the putrid saliva builds in my mouth and someone asks me a question. It will end up all over my shirt or the floor. And, God forbid, if I do not put my cups in the trash can at the end of the day. I leave that little gem for the next person to deal with (it is an asshole move). I would worry about my girlfriend leaving me if it were not for the fact that I think she will kill me first if I do not quit.

Then there is the health aspect. This is an addiction. It controls me. I would spend my last dime just to make sure I had a can. When I run, I need to carry a can with me just for the security. Kind of sick, right? Nothing should control me like that (unless it is my girlfriend. Need to say that in case she is reading this). Next, my teeth. I love my teeth. I would like to keep them. With healthy teeth comes good breath. Chewing tobacco is a fresh breath killer. Finally, the big “C”: cancer. Not only do I have to worry about mouth cancer, but I will swallow sometimes. Throat and stomach cancer are a concern. I just had my first grandchild. I want to watch him grow up.

So, how am I going to do this? First, I need a substitute. The oral fixation is an issue. I kind of quit on a whim. I was out of tobacco and I just decided not to buy another can. Chewing gum keeps my mouth busy (and breath fresh) but it is not the same. So I decided to use coffee grounds. Guess what? Problem solved. Because I do not like the fine grain of the grounds, I will by a mint substitute. No nicotine, non-addictive, tastes great, is chewed like tobacco and even comes in the little can.

Finally, I need to just deal with it. I need to not ignore the cravings and that this sucks. I need to avoid replacing the void with something else (especially alcohol. I quit that too). When I am in a mood and bitching, I need to tell whoever that I am in a mood and bitching because I am getting over an addiction. When I am tired because the lack of nicotine is sapping my energy, I need to go run or take a walk (or DO SOMETHING). I need to continue doing what I do. Do not change my routine. Even if I change my routine, I will have to, eventually, follow my routine which will bring back the same thoughts. I need to face getting clean. Not try to forget that I have an addiction.

I remember watching an interview with baseball Hall of Famer, George Brett when he was talking about quitting chewing tobacco. He said tobacco was his best friend and worst enemy.  I understand and agree with what he said. But some relationships are toxic. There are lots of reasons to quit. My family, my health, my appearance. But there are two reasons that motivate me the most. I no longer want to be a slave to my habit and I want to stick to those arrogant leeches in Sacramento and not give them that two bucks a can!

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mensjournal.com
theganggreen.com
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keywordsking.com
medicalanddentaltopics.blogspot.com
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