AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how to quit tobacco chewing habit
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 04M : 07S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #23533
14 days ago
58

how to quit tobacco chewing habit - #23533

Aayan

I am really struggling with my chewing tobacco habit. It's crazy — I started when I was a teenager, just thinking it was no big deal. But now I’m in my 30s, and I can’t believe how hard it is to kick this thing. I tried quitting cold turkey a couple of times, and let me tell you, the cravings are unbearable. I get really anxious and irritable, which doesn’t help, right? I even went to a doc who suggested patches, but they didn’t really work for me. I’m just wondering how to quit tobacco chewing habit without feeling like I'm losing my mind. I’ve heard about gum and lozenges, but would those actually help? Or should I consider therapy or some kinda support group? I've read that a lot of folks have success with those but I feel kinda embarrassed thinking about it. Have any of you guys had a luck with different methods? Like, how to quit tobacco chewing habit in a way that doesn’t feel so desperate? I honestly don’t want to rely on patches or pills; I just wanna do this on my own terms. Any advice would be super helpful!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Quitting tobacco chewing can be quite the challenge, but there are several strategies you can consider that might work better for you. Since cold turkey hasn’t been effective, combining different methods might increase your chances of success. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) options like gum and lozenges might be worth another try. They provide a lower dose of nicotine to help reduce withdrawal symptoms gradually. Alternatively, medications such as varenicline or bupropion can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, although it seems you’re leaning away from pills. Behavioral therapy is definitely worth considering. It can provide you with coping mechanisms for cravings and help identify triggers. Support groups or counseling might feel awkward at first, but they offer peer support and accountability, which can be quite powerful. Many people find that sharing experiences and strategies with others makes a huge difference. You don’t have to consider them until you feel ready, though. Developing a structured quit plan, maybe setting a quit date, identifying triggers, and making lifestyle changes like regular exercise can also help manage anxiety and improve mood while you quit. Chewing sugarless gum or using other non-tobacco alternatives to manage the oral fixation aspect can also be beneficial. Remember, any slip-ups are just that — they’re not failures, but opportunities to learn and adjust your strategy. Combining approaches and staying patient with the process could be key in gaining control over your habit in a way that feels sustainable and personal to you.

15212 answered questions
86% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions