6th Inning:
Your First Week Off Smokeless and Coping With Withdrawal


The First Week Is the Hardest.

Withdrawal symptoms don't last long. Withdrawal is strongest the first week after you quit. The worst part is over after 2 weeks. By a month, you'll feel better than when you chewed or dipped. So be patient with yourself.

For these reactions

-Urges to dip, cravings--especially in the places you used to dip the most

Try: Waiting it out (each urge lasts only 3-5 minutes, whether or not you dip or help you feel better right away. Try the 3 D's.

-Feeling irritable, tense, on edge, restless, impatient

Try: Walking away from the situation. Deep breathing and exercise to blow off steam. Ask others to be patient. Nicotine gum helps too.

- Constipation/irregularity

Try: Adding fiber to your diet (whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables)

The 3 D's: For Getting Through Tough Times

-Deep breathing: Take four slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Great for high-pressure situations.

-Doing something else: Reach for gum seeds, or nontobacco mint or herbal smokeless substitutes; take a quick walk; leave the scene of the urge.

-Drinking water: Up to 8 glasses a day. Ice chips are good too.

Some Players Look Back on Their First Two Weeks Off Dip and Chew

"When I first quit, it wasn't bad. I was ready for the shakes and cravings. I chewed a lot of gum when I first stopped. Now I only chew gum when I'm on the mound." (Danny Darwin, Red Sox)

"I just quit cold turkey. I'd get cravings after lunch and dinner and would chew lots of bubble gum and sunflower seeds." (Norm Charlton, Reds)

The first day was the worst. I was counting the hours. In 2 weeks, I felt fine." (Steve Davis, former Blue Jay)

"The first 3 days, I was crazy. I chewed gum and told myself I just was going to do it. After 2 weeks, I was out of the woods. I felt much better." (Ted Landon, former minor league pitcher)

"For the first 2 weeks, I was always looking for tobacco. After that, as long as it was out of sight, it was out of mind. I chewed a lot of gum." (Glenn Hoffman, former Angel)

"I climbed the walls for 2 weeks, and was extremely irritable. The best thing I did to cope with tobacco cravings was to go for a run. Any physical activity helped. Or I'd get up and get some coffee." (Dick Maffin, trainer, Twins)