Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) contains nicotine, a very addictive substance that causes changes in the way you think and act. 

If you are addicted to nicotine, you crave the "buzz" you get from using smokeless tobacco, and you have to use more and more to get the effect you want.

Smokeless tobacco puts more nicotine into your bloodstream than cigarettes do. This is one reason why people who chew or dip tobacco regularly may think that quitting smokeless tobacco is even harder than quitting cigarette smoking.

Using smokeless tobacco might also be a habit for you when you're in certain situations or with certain people.

 For example, you may always chew tobacco when you go to a sporting event or when you watch TV. It can be hard to break this pattern of behavior.

However, many smokeless tobacco users have quit successfully – and so can you.

WHY SHOULD YOU QUIT TOBACCO?

  1. The use of any tobacco product has both immediate and long-term effects on your health and overall well-being.
  2.  Smokeless tobacco stains and wears down your teeth, causes your gums to recede (peel back) and produces mouth sores. 
  3. Bad breath is also a common problem. 
  4. Over time, the use of smokeless tobacco can cause mouth cancer. 
  5. Nicotine from smokeless tobacco also raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and can increase your risk of having a heart attack.

HOW TO QUIT TOBACCO?

  • Set a date to quit and stick to it. 
  • Choose a date 2 to 4 weeks from today. 
  • Quitting can be hard, so develop a plan that works for you. 
  • Prepare yourself for quitting by identifying the times when you will want smokeless tobacco the most. Plan to avoid those situations or to have tobacco substitutes with you (such as sunflower seeds or chewing gum). Get rid of all your chewing tobacco or snuff before your quit date. 
  • Start cutting down now on the amount you chew or dip.
  • Get support from your family, friends and doctor. 
  • Even better, have a friend or family member who uses smokeless tobacco stop chewing or dipping at the same time that you do.