7th Inning:
Your Second Week Off and Dealing With Triggers

You've made it through the hardest part--the first week. If you can stay off 1 week, then you can stay off 2. Just use the same willpower and strategies that got you this far.

Cravings may be just as strong this week, but they will come less often and go away sooner.

Other signs of progress (the 7th inning stretch!)

"I had high blood pressure last year. When I quit the dip, it returned to normal.." (John Franco, Mets)

Be Prepared for Temptation:

You're probably still bothered by tobacco thoughts and urges. They will be strongest in the places where you dipped or chewed the most.

The more time you spend in these places without dipping or chewing, the weaker the urges will become.

Know what events and places will be triggers for you, and plan ahead for them.


We asked a few players to describe their triggers:
"Every once in a while I get the urge when I smell the stuff or see someone doing it. Find myself reaching into my back pocket."
"Spring training: I go without a dip all winter, and once I come into the park I want a dip."
"Boredom, sitting in the dugout, fishing in a pond, hitting a golf ball."
"Right after a meal or while I'm having a drink."
"Putting my cleats on."
Players who quit describe how they coped with triggers:
"Smelling it still triggers urges, and I counter them by thinking how harmful dip can be." (Dick Martin, trainer, Twins)
"I still get urges from time to time when I see someone dipping So I get up, walk off and have a piece of gum or coffee. 'Out of sight, out of mind.'" (Danny Darwin, Red Sox)
Write down some of your triggers. And write what you'll do instead of dip or chew. It may be as simple as reaching for gum or seeds, walking away, or thinking about how far you've come.