People with a quit date of 2/22/2006 - 3/23/2006, this is your Quit Group.

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 476 - macpond - (6/24/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 476 - Tbabes - (06/29/2007) The band is gettin together this weekend! Gig in August...
Day 468 - Slush - (6/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Cool Tbabes, what type of music do you guys play?

Junkie, burn-out, addict, drug abuser,
drunk, alcoholic, chew-a-holic
________________________________________


Some people would argue that chew-a-holic is just a cute euphemism which should not be compared to what they consider degrading syndromes. Contrary to this belief, nicotine addiction can be equally as strong and deadly as any of these other conditions. In fact, if you total the number of people who die yearly of all these other conditions combined, they would not add up to the number of premature deaths attributed to chewing and smoking.

Until recent times, the idea of nicotine being a physiologically addictive substance was controversial in the world-wide medical community. For a drug to be considered addictive, it must meet certain criteria. First, it must be capable of inducing physical withdrawal upon cessation. Nicotine abstinence syndrome is a well documented, established fact.

Second, tolerance to the drug usually develops. Increasingly larger doses become necessary to achieve the same desired effects. Chewers experience this phenomenon as their chew consumption gradually increases from what probably was sporadic occasional use to a required daily consumption of one or more cans.

The third criterion is that an addictive substance becomes a totally consuming necessity to its user, usually resulting in what is considered by a society as anti-social behavior. Many have argued that chewing and smoking fail to fulfill this requirement. True, most chewers do not resort to deviant behaviors to maintain their dependency, but this is because most chewers do manage to easily obtain the full complement of chews they need to satisfy the addiction. When chewers are deprived of easy accessibility to chews, the situation is totally different.

During World War II, in concentration camps in Germany, prisoners were not given enough food to fulfill minimum caloric nutritional requirements. They were literally starving to death. A common practice among smoking prisoners was to trade away their scarce supplies of life sustaining food for smokes. Even today, in underdeveloped countries, such as Bangladesh, parents with starving children barter away essential food for smokes. This is not normal behavior.

During the "stop smoking clinics" I conduct, numerous participants admit to going through ashtrays, garbage cans and, if necessary, gutters looking for butts which may still have a salvageable value of a few dips when their own supplies are depleted due to carelessness or unforeseen circumstances. To them, it is sick to think that they ever performed such a grotesque act, but many realize that if they were currently chewing or smoking and again caught in a similar predicament, they would be fully capable of repeating the repulsive incident.

Nicotine is a drug. It is addictive. And if you let it, it can be a killer. Consider this when you get the urge for a chew. One dip can and most often will reinforce the addiction. Don't take that chance.


Joel

© Joel Spitzer 1982, 2000
Page last updated by Joel Spitzer on August 24, 2003

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 476 - macpond - (6/24/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 477 - Tbabes - (06/30/2007)
Day 468 - Slush - (6/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

I suppose we're best described as hard rock / alternative with a dash of punk / grunge. Or maybe the other way around. The basement was rockin today!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 476 - macpond - (6/24/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 478 - Tbabes - (07/01/2007)
Day 468 - Slush - (6/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 483 - macpond - (7/1/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 476 - Tbabes - (06/29/2007) The band is gettin together this weekend! Gig in August...
Day 468 - Slush - (6/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 483 - macpond - (7/1/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 476 - Tbabes - (06/29/2007) The band is gettin together this weekend! Gig in August...
Day 469 - Slush - (7/01/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 483 - macpond - (7/1/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 478 - Tbabes - (07/01/2007)
Day 469 - Slush - (7/01/07)Happy Canada Day Hosers!
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 483 - macpond - (7/1/2007)
Day 481 - blacknsquid - (6/29/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 478 - Tbabes - (07/01/2007)
Day 470 - Slush - (7/02/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Do you guys cover the Dead Milkmen?

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 483 - macpond - (7/1/2007)
Day 484 - blacknsquid - (7/2/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 478 - Tbabes - (07/01/2007)
Day 470 - Slush - (7/02/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 483 - macpond - (7/1/2007)
Day 484 - blacknsquid - (7/2/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 479 - Tbabes - (07/02/2007)
Day 470 - Slush - (7/02/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 484 - blacknsquid - (7/2/2007)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 479 - Tbabes - (07/02/2007)
Day 470 - Slush - (7/02/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

No Dead Milkmen on the set list...although Big Lizard brings back some memories...but we'll be playing pretty much all original stuff at our little gig next month. Originals are always a good thing live...harder for the crowd to tell if you've f'd up!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 484 - blacknsquid - (7/2/2007)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 479 - Tbabes - (07/02/2007)
Day 471 - Slush - (7/03/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 484 - blacknsquid - (7/2/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 480 - Tbabes - (07/03/2007) Have a happy 4th of July!
Day 471 - Slush - (7/03/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 485 - blacknsquid - (7/3/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 480 - Tbabes - (07/03/2007) Have a happy 4th of July!
Day 471 - Slush - (7/03/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Happy 4th everybody. (She's got stars and stripes on, you just have to look REALLY close...)

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 485 - blacknsquid - (7/3/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 481 - Tbabes - (07/04/2007) Picnic at the park today; Porterhouse and Cabernet!
Day 471 - Slush - (7/03/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 482 - Rockape (06/25/07) Back from Canada, and still nic free! Not even an urge.
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 485 - blacknsquid - (7/3/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 481 - Tbabes - (07/04/2007) Picnic at the park today; Porterhouse and Cabernet!
Day 473 - Slush - (7/05/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 485 - blacknsquid - (7/3/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 481 - Tbabes - (07/04/2007) Picnic at the park today; Porterhouse and Cabernet!
Day 473 - Slush - (7/05/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 485 - blacknsquid - (7/3/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 482 - Tbabes - (07/05/2007) We're gettin close to 500....
Day 473 - Slush - (7/05/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 484 - macpond - (7/2/2007) I bumped mc4g&e back below us blacknsquid.. he's not posting enough!
Day 487 - blacknsquid - (7/5/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 482 - Tbabes - (07/05/2007) We're gettin close to 500....
Day 473 - Slush - (7/05/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 487 - macpond - (7/5/2007)
Day 487 - blacknsquid - (7/5/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 482 - Tbabes - (07/05/2007) We're gettin close to 500....
Day 473 - Slush - (7/05/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

I Chew Because I Like Chewing!
________________________________________


Ask almost any current chewer why he continues to indulge in such a dangerous activity and he will normally reply, "Because I like chewing." While he may say this in all honesty, it is a very misleading statement, both to the listener and to the chewer himself. He does not chew because he enjoys chewing, rather he chews because he does not enjoy not chewing.
Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug. The chewer is in a constant battle to maintain a narrow range of nicotine in her blood stream (serum nicotine level). Every time the chewer's serum nicotine level falls below the minimum limit, he experiences drug withdrawal. He becomes tense, irritable, anxious and, in some cases, even shows physical symptoms. He does not enjoy feeling these withdrawals. The only thing that will alleviate these acute symptoms will be a chew. The nicotine loss is then replenished and, hence, the chewer feels better. He enjoyed chewing.
A chewer must also be cautious not to exceed his upper limit of tolerance for nicotine or else suffer varying degrees of nicotine poisoning. Many chewers can attest to this condition. It usually occurs after parties or extremely tense situations when the chewers finds themselves exceeding their normal level of consumption. They feel sick, nauseous, dizzy and generally miserable.
Being a successful chewer is like being an accomplished tightrope walker. The chewer must constantly maintain a balance between these two painful extremes of too much or too little nicotine. The fear which accompanies initial chewing cessation is that the rest of the ex-chewer's entire life will be as horrible as the first few days without chews. What ex-chewers will learn is that within a short period of time, the physical withdrawal will start to diminish. First, the urges will weaken in intensity and then become shorter in duration. There will be longer time intervals between urges. It will eventually reach the point where the ex-chewer will desire a chew very infrequently, if ever. Those who continue to chew will continue to be in a constant battle of maintaining their serum nicotine level.
Included in this battle is the great expense of buying can after can and the dangerous assault on the chewer's body of sucking the poison nicotine along with over 4,000 other toxic chemicals inherent in the tobacco. These chemicals are deadly by themselves and even more so in combination.
So the next time you think of how much you once seemed to enjoy chew, sit back and take a serious, objective look at why you have such an idealization of this dangerous product. Consider all the consequences. You will probably realize that you feel physically and mentally better now than you ever did as a chewer. Consider all of this and - NEVER TAKE ANOTHER DIP!

Joel

© Joel Spitzer 1983, 2000
Page last updated by Joel Spitzer on August 24, 2003

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 487 - macpond - (7/5/2007)
Day 487 - blacknsquid - (7/5/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 482 - Tbabes - (07/05/2007) We're gettin close to 500....
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 487 - macpond - (7/5/2007)
Day 487 - blacknsquid - (7/5/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 483 - Tbabes - (07/06/2007) Start: 265 Current: 225 Goal: Studly Man
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 487 - macpond - (7/5/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 483 - Tbabes - (07/06/2007) Start: 265 Current: 225 Goal: Studly Man
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Babe 'o the week. Sea ya Monday...

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 488 - macpond - (7/6/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 470 - SkoalNoMore - (06/16/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 483 - Tbabes - (07/06/2007) Start: 265 Current: 225 Goal: Studly Man
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 488 - macpond - (7/6/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 483 - Tbabes - (07/06/2007) Start: 265 Current: 225 Goal: Studly Man
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Having a rough time with the weight loss. So far this year I've had a major ankle sprain, a shoulder impingement, and 24 stitches in my left hand. Hopefully the worst is over now and I can get back on a regular exercise schedule.

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 488 - macpond - (7/6/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 484 - Tbabes - (07/07/2007) Have a great weekend!
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Happy 34th birthday to Jeremiah "Was a Bullfrog" Inks! ;)

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 488 - macpond - (7/6/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 485 - Tbabes - (07/08/2007) Have a great weekend!
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 485 - Tbabes - (07/08/2007) Have a great weekend!
Day 474 - Slush - (7/06/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 485 - Tbabes - (07/08/2007) Have a great weekend!
Day 477 - Slush - (7/09/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 492 - Rockape (07/5/07) Fighting a hangover. I think I am still drunk!
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 486 - Tbabes - (07/09/2007) 2 weeks to 500
Day 477 - Slush - (7/09/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Sounds like me a year ago minus the stitches. Get yourself fixed up good before you hit it hard again. I made that mistake. You will get there. Losing weight is a breeze compared to quitting the nic!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 488 - blacknsquid - (7/6/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 486 - Tbabes - (07/09/2007) 2 weeks to 500
Day 477 - Slush - (7/09/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 491 - blacknsquid - (7/9/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 486 - Tbabes - (07/09/2007) 2 weeks to 500
Day 477 - Slush - (7/09/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Make sure you're healed before you hit it hard again.
I haven't had much luck with the weight loss either, but I wasn't looking to lose a lot.
I've just tried to be consistent with my workouts since the beginning of the year, and I'm definitely
stronger and faster--the weights and the stopwatch don't lie.
I think in quitting I may have permanently gone from 'about 220' to 'about 230', which
is what I was in high school before I started chewing copenhorseshit all the time.
I might have to accept the ~10 extra pounds, and as long as they're not making me have to go out and
buy new pants, it shouldn't be that hard.

Caring for Your Recovery

The recovered cocaine addict, the heroin addict, the nicotine addict, each knows the law of addiction. They’ve heard it over and over and over. Just one, just once, that's all it ever takes and it's back! They’ve also read or heard about the relapse study data indicating that 95% to 97% of recovered addicts who take just one chew, one hit, one snort or one injection, experience full and complete relapse. They know the rule of addiction and they know what happens if they break it. Then why do we?
There are three primary factors associated with relapse: (1) rewriting the law of addiction; (2) an excuse; and (3) a vague memory. It doesn’t matter if it happens within two weeks after quitting, two months, two years, or twenty years, the factors remain the same and apply to all of us. Rewriting the law of addiction is easy and you don’t need a pencil, paper or computer to do it.

“Just one chew” and then “do not pass go, do not collect $200, but go directly to the addict’s prison and surrender your freedom for good.” It isn’t that the recovering nicotine addict doesn’t know or believe the law of addiction, because we do. It’s just that we begin to believe that we’re the exception. We convince ourselves that we’re stronger than those who wrote the law, and wiser than the addicts who came before us. We amend the law. We put ourselves above it. “Just one, it’ll be ok, I can handle it, I'm stronger than the others, a little reward, it's been a while, I’ve earned it.”

I’m sorry. As soon as those words are spoken, it's over. Instead of saying that you can handle“ just one ” a truthful statement would have been “I can handle them all, give them all back to me, my entire addiction, all the spittoons, the sore throat and tongue, the bad breath, I want it all back.” It’s far easier to create an exception to the “law” than to admit the truth. A one can a day addiction is approximately 4,000 chews of tobacco a year. Don’t picture chewing just one. Picture taking 4,000 slave-driven chews each and every year. “To thine own self be true.” You deserve the truth - you paid the price - you earned it.

The excuse can be anything. Usually the addict waits for that great excuse to come along, but some get tired of waiting and any old excuse will do. Even joy! A reunion with an old chewing buddy, a few drinks with friends, a wedding, a graduation, or even a baby’s birth and a free nicotine laden cigar, why not! But joyful relapse is harder to explain to yourself and to those you love.

The smart nicotine addict waits for the great excuse, the one that we know we can sell to ourselves and others. As sick as it may sound, the easiest to sell and the best of all is the death of a loved one. Although everyone we love is destined to die and it will happen sooner or later, for the reformed addict it’s the perfect excuse for relapse. I mean, who can blame us for ingesting highly addictive drugs into our bodies upon our mother’s death. Anyone who does would have to be extremely insensitive or totally heartless! Right? Losing a job, the end of a relationship, illness, disease or financial problems are all are great excuses too - it’s drug time again! The addict is back!

But an excuse doesn’t work alone. It needs help. Failing memories of “why” we were willing to climb walls and endure tremendous internal agony in order to break free, breathes fatal life into any excuse. Most of us failed to keep a detailed record of why we quit or what it was like. Instead, we're forced to rely upon our memory to accurately and vividly preserve the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But now, the memory in which we placed all our trust has failed us.

It isn’t that your memory is bad, faulty or doing anything wrong. In fact, it’s working as it should to preserve in as much detail as possible the joyful events of life, while forgetting, as quickly as possible, all the pain and hurt that we’ve felt, including all of the wrong we’ve done. To have our brains do otherwise would make life inside our minds unbearable. If women were forced to remember the true agony and intense pain of childbirth, most would have just one. God blessed us with the gift to forget.

So how does the reformed nicotine addict who failed to keep accurate records of their journey, revive their passion for freedom and recall the price they paid for liberty. If we forget the past, are we destined to repeat it? Not necessarily. It doesn’t have to be. But just as any loving relationship needs nourishment to flourish, we can never take our quit for granted or the flame will eventually die and the fire will go out. We have to want to protect it until the day we die. We have to turn that "want" into action. If we do, we win. If not, our fate may be similar to almost all who don’t - relapse followed by crippling disease or early death.

Whether daily, weekly or monthly our quit needs care. If you don’t have a detailed log to regularly review upon each quit anniversary or birthday, do your best to create one now. Talk to chewing friends and ask for help in revitalizing your memories. Encourage them to be as truthful as possible. Although they may look like they’re enjoying chewing, their primary joy is in keeping their body’s nicotine level within the comfort zone, so as to avoid the onset of early withdrawal. Show them your pen and paper. Let them help make your list. You may even spark their desire for freedom. Be kind and sincere. It wasn't long ago that those were our shoes.

Think about that first week. What was it like? Can you still feel the powerful craves as your body begged and cried to be fed? Can you still feel the pain? Do you see yourself not being able to concentrate, having difficulty sleeping, feeling depressed, angry, irritable, frustrated, restless, with tremendous anxiety, a foggy mind, sweating palms, rapidly cycling emotions, irrational thinking, emotional outbursts or even the shakes? Do you remember these things? Do you remember the price you paid for freedom?

If you have access to a computer, you wont’ need a Chewer’s help. You can go on-line to scores of chewing cessation support groups and find thousands of battles being fought, hear tons of cries and watch hundreds who won’t make it through “Hell Week” to the hope that lies beyond. Visit as often as possible. Make a few posts to those in need. Share your valuable quit wisdom and give the gift of hope. Most don’t know what it’s like to be free. Most have few remaining memories of the days before their addiction. Fear of the unknown is frightening. Help them and in doing so help yourself.

If you find yourself attempting to rewrite the law of addiction, stop, think, remember, read, revisit, revive and give to others, but most important, be honest with you. Terrible and emotional events will happen in each of our lives - such is life. Relapse won’t fix, correct or undo any of them. In your mind, plan for disaster today. How will you cope? What will do? Remember, your addiction is real. Today it sleeps. Will it sleep tomorrow?

John R. Polito

© WhyQuit.Com 2000, 2002

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 491 - blacknsquid - (7/9/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 487 - Tbabes - (07/10/2007) Good post by Rob aka Indy below...take a few minutes and give it a quick read
Day 477 - Slush - (7/09/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 491 - blacknsquid - (7/9/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 487 - Tbabes - (07/10/2007) Good post by Rob aka Indy below...take a few minutes and give it a quick read
Day 478 - Slush - (7/10/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 492 - blacknsquid - (7/10/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 487 - Tbabes - (07/10/2007) Good post by Rob aka Indy below...take a few minutes and give it a quick read
Day 478 - Slush - (7/10/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 492 - blacknsquid - (7/10/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 487 - Tbabes - (07/10/2007) Good post by Rob aka Indy below...take a few minutes and give it a quick read
Day 479 - Slush - (7/11/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!

Blacksheep Squadron
"Fighting for Our Lives"
Perpetual Roll Call
================
Day 496 - Rockape (07/9/07)
Day 490 - macpond - (7/8/2007)
Day 492 - blacknsquid - (7/10/2007)
Day 491 - SkoalNoMore - (07/07/2007) Start 246 Current 233 Goal 205
Day 488 - Tbabes - (07/11/2007)
Day 479 - Slush - (7/11/07)
Day 451 - mc4g&e (5/30/07)
Day 440 - InksJ² (5/22/07) WOW good to see that my group is still here. I am also on the new site as well.
Day 365 - KrisM715 - (3/14/2007) Great job to everyone here and thanks for all the support and reminders to STAY QUIT!!!