AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 4/14/2008 Subject: Skoal
Question I know all the worries, all the bad things that smokeless tobacco brings. I just
want some advice on how to quit. I started in 11th grade of high school, I'm
now a junior in college. I've quit for a few weeks, and sometimes even 2
months, but then start up again. I don't even really like to chew, it's more of a
boredom thing. I work part time in a machine shop at a large corporation. I
run a lathe that takes 20 minutes to make parts, so I sit there, bored most of
the time. Many others there chew as well. I'll be bored when driving long
distances, or when sitting at home in between classes. These to me, are times
to throw chew in. I'll finish off a tin, and not do it for 2 days, but then as soon
as I go to the gas station, I'm buying another. I know the problems that come
with chew, I have an awesome girlfriend, great schooling, job, friends, family,
I'd never want to lose that if I could prevent it. I also have to lie to my
girlfriend about it, which I hate doing. She goes to school 150 miles away,
and thinks I quit a long time ago. I get paranoid when I lie to her, because it
makes me think she's lying to me. I also have this weird karma feeling,
because everytime I chew for a few days in a row, we'll end up fighting over
something stupid, or something worse will happen. Once I'm off chew, then
it's smooth sailing. Any tips??
Answer Dear Ryan,
I am glad that you wrote, and happy to help.
You are right to be concerned. People your age have died of mouth or throat cancer.
There are many methods to quit, basically all the same approaches as for smoking.
You can try cold turkey. I'd suggest you read "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and you might find it useful. It is targeted to smokers, but most of the same arguments apply to you.
You should also call 1-800-QUIT-Now and find out about resources in your state. Some states provide free therapy and telephone quitlines, and these are useful.
There are a number of new drug therapies that are highly effective. Talk to your doctor about prescribing both Chantix and Zyban. Chantix is a new drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban.
Nicotine replacement therapy is another option. I would think that nicotine gum would be best to try first. It is cheaper that the chew that you are buying.
Maybe you buy some new music to listen to when you are bored, or books, or free audiotapes from the library. I think if you occupy your mind with something else, it might help.
I used to work in a brake shoe factory. I remember how boring that was!!!
