What makes dip so addictive

They are the main tools used to help people quit using smokeless tobacco. Remenchik also recommends going to a support group. UT Health Center holds free support group meetings every Wednesday at noon. Call for more information. Skip to content. See it, Snap it, Send it. Sign Up for ThunderCall. Lake Levels. Meteorology Minute. Cowboys Camp.

East Texas Kitchen. Main Dish. Recent data show that smokeless tobacco products vary widely in their nicotine dosing capabilities. Low-dose products tend to be those commonly marketed toward, and used by, young people without previous smokeless tobacco experience. Instead, this type of tobacco is usually placed in the mouth between the cheek or lower lip and the gums, where it mixes with saliva and releases juices that contain nicotine. The nicotine is then absorbed through the tissues in the mouth.

Smokeless tobacco is sold in cans or pouches, as both leaf tobacco that is moist or as plugs or bricks. It can be dry or moist. Dry smokeless tobacco is called snuff and is usually sold in a can. These products carry a number of health hazards for consumers. Smokeless tobacco is known to contain 28 carcinogens, including very high levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines TSNAs.

TSNAs are known to be some of the most potent carcinogens present in chewing tobacco, snuff and tobacco smoke. According to a study published in , people who use dip or chewing tobacco could possibly increase their risk of oral cancer by up to 27 times as compared to those who do not use these products.

This includes cancer of the lip, tongue, cheek, roof, and floor of the mouth, as well as cancer of the larynx. Dip and chewing tobacco contain more nicotine than commercially manufactured cigarettes. The amount of nicotine varies by type of smokeless tobacco and brand. However, in the long run, blood levels of nicotine are about the same for users of smokeless tobacco and cigarette smokers. When used according to package directions, the nicotine in smokeless tobacco is easily absorbed through the lining of the mouth in quantities sufficient to cause addiction.

Smokeless tobacco creates an unhealthy environment in the mouth that leads to a variety of nasty problems. Research published in found that people who use smokeless tobacco have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke compared non-users. Smokeless tobacco is less deadly than cigarette smoking—there is no disputing that.

That said, smokeless tobacco poses serious risks to the user that do not make this class of tobacco product a safe alternative to smoking.

Cigarette smoking is part addiction to nicotine and part habit, born out of many years of associating smoking with every activity we have in our daily lives.

Smokers who switch to smokeless tobacco are still addicted to nicotine and still link tobacco to the activities in their lives. Because of this, the risk of a smoking relapse is substantial. All tobacco products carry the risk of disease and addiction, and as such are not good choices as quit aids.

Using harm reduction as a fix for smoking can also be disempowering. While a person might think of the switch as a proactive move to improve one's health, they are also telling themselves—usually on a subconscious level—that they are not strong enough to quit using tobacco altogether. And to make matters worse, this justification can become a pacifier, causing the user to put quitting tobacco on the back burner indefinitely.

This is one reason why quitting smokeless tobacco can be harder than quitting smoking. Using smokeless tobacco is a developed habit for most people. You may use it in certain situations, such as social events or sporting games. It can be hard to break these patterns of behavior. However, smokeless tobacco users have quit successfully, and so can you. Your family doctor can help you quit. The tips below can help, too. To help you commit, write down your reasons for wanting to quit. For example, quitting prevents possible health effects.

It saves you money. It helps you set a good example for family and friends. Keep your personal list where you can see it each day. It will serve to motivate you along the way. Once you decide to quit, set a date and stick to it. Choose a date 2 to 4 weeks from today. Quitting can be hard, so map out a plan that works for you. To start, identify the times and places you normally use smokeless tobacco.

Then, plan to avoid these situations or have tobacco substitutes with you. Get rid of all your smokeless tobacco products before your quit date. It may help to cut back on the amount of chew or dip you use before that. Your family, friends, and doctor can provide support. If possible, find a friend or family member to quit with.

Studies have shown that people who quit with a partner are more successful. You also can ask your doctor to recommend a support group that can help you quit. Talk to your doctor about whether nicotine gum or another nicotine replacement product is right for you.