newbie snus contemplator

[Livewire]

:?
Ok, here goes: I'm a forty year old ex-smoker (stopped around 5 years ago) although I still smoke the very occasional cigar.

I would like some views/feedback/advice.

Although, by virtue of the fact that I no longer smoke, I have kicked the nicotine habit, I still often crave the idea of ingesting some nicotine since I feel that it really helps my concentration, confidence, memory and general quickness of thought.

I have heard snusers say that if you do not actually smoke then starting on snus is not generally reccomended since it will created nicotine dependence. This is something I am aware of and, although I am curious about trying snus for the reasons mentinonedl, I don't want to become a slave to nicotine again, like I used to be with cigarettes.

Do you think it's' possible to regulate snus to occasional use (perhaps with a mild brand) or will full blown nicotine addiction result?

I think nicotine is a fascinationg substance and I like its effects which is why I smoke the odd cigar which I seem to be able to regulate. Do you think I could do the same with snus?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated - thanks.

[Ainkor]

Hrmmm....

Why tempt fate? Nicotine is highly addictive as you know and if you start, there is a pretty decent chance you will be back with the rest of us pimping our selves out to the tobacco man.

Your a grown up though, so it's your call. As with everything in life there is a risk vs. reward situation going on and only you can decide if the potential outcome is worth it.

If you do start snusing, just don't come running back here blaming us when your ho'ing yourself out in front of the quickie mart for a pack of camel frosts :P

[BadAxe]

I agree with the why use nic if you have kicked it, but hell, I am not here to judge.

As a smoker, I will say that I believe it will be easier for me to control my snus usage way easier than I could control my smoking habit. I believe the reason is because there are not mental habits associated with snus like there are smoking. But, that being said, there are members here who are definitely as addicted to snus as they were to cigs. It all depends on how you are personally with the nicotine habit, how your body handles it.

And with snus, there are varying levels of nicotine in the various brands, so you can wein urself down the nic chart to quit as well.

I would stick with nic free, thats my official advice. But if you do enter into the snus world, there is no clear cut answer about how easy it will be for you to control if you like it, I really think that depends on the individual.

[visiON]

I agree with the why use nic if you have kicked it, but hell, I am not here to judge.

As a smoker, I will say that I believe it will be easier for me to control my snus usage way easier than I could control my smoking habit. I believe the reason is because there are not mental habits associated with snus like there are smoking. But, that being said, there are members here who are definitely as addicted to snus as they were to cigs. It all depends on how you are personally with the nicotine habit, how your body handles it.

And with snus, there are varying levels of nicotine in the various brands, so you can wein urself down the nic chart to quit as well.

I would stick with nic free, thats my official advice. But if you do enter into the snus world, there is no clear cut answer about how easy it will be for you to control if you like it, I really think that depends on the individual.

What does the nic free snus actually give you? I do snus because of the nic hit but does the nic free snus give you any kicks?

[lxskllr]

What does the nic free snus actually give you? I do snus because of the nic hit but does the nic free snus give you any kicks?

It gives you some flavor, and the mouth feel of snus, but that's it. I'd be leery of using them myself. The older Swedish Match formulation(Onico) cause tooth rot due to the materials used. They've reformulated to product to eliminate that. I don't know if other companies have as well, but it's a concern.

[LaZeR]

What does the nic free snus actually give you? I do snus because of the nic hit but does the nic free snus give you any kicks?

The nic free snus just gives you the feeling of something in your lip. Mainly aimed at "attempting" to be an aid to "dippers" in quitting. Trust me, I've tried it and nothing special here. It pisses with your mind for a bit but the magic Vitamin N wins out in the end in most cases...

With that said, Welcome Livewire and it's your choice of course. Nicotine is Nicotine and once you re-establish that habit in any way with whatever... you risk the dependence.

[sagedil]

First, welcome to Snuson Livewire

Interesting question.

the most honest advice is of course you will end up with a full blown nicotine addiction. No other answer than yes, of course.

But....

I have a question from you. You wrote....

I still often crave the idea of ingesting some nicotine since I feel that it really helps my concentration, confidence, memory and general quickness of thought.

Question. Have you ever been diagnosed with ADHD, or think you should have. If so, do a simple Google on nicotine and ADHD. You do that and you will discover all the studies that have been done showing nicotine is as effective as Ritalin in treating ADHD.

That is the ONLY reason I use snus. I was a speed addict 20 years ago, so simply can't use amphetamine drugs to treat my ADHD. Without nicotine, I am completely non functional. So for me, nicotine is not a choice. Snus is the safest way I have ever found of getting it consistently

Regardless. So yes, you will develop a nicotine addiction if you start using snus. Up to you to decide if that is approrpiate for you or not.

[tom502]

You could get some low nicotine snus like General Silver, or mini portions.

I had basically quit tobacco use, having been a regular smoker, who would still smoke on occasion, like when drinking.

But really, it was very uneventful job, that got my thinking about something I could do as I sit here, other than eating junk, so I thought I'd get some Skoal Bandits, so I searched that online, and somehow came across Camel Snus, which I decided to try, but didn't like. My 1st trial of snus, I didn't like, and quit it.

I then got into nasal snuff. You might like that. But then I started getting really congested, I guess from menthol overuse, and I decided to give snus another try. And that time it worked out.

So, I guess it was boredom that guided me to snus, and snuff. I guess it's better than heroin and crack.

[sagedil]

That's you Tom and I am sure true for many folks.

But I realy suspect Livewire is different. I was reading his post to Debra, and when I read what exactly he said about why he was interested in nicotine, she blurted out... "He is one of us!!" Debra has ADHD and instantly thought of that when I read what he said.

So..

Am real curious to hear what he says when he comes back.

[BadAxe]

I agree with the why use nic if you have kicked it, but hell, I am not here to judge.

As a smoker, I will say that I believe it will be easier for me to control my snus usage way easier than I could control my smoking habit. I believe the reason is because there are not mental habits associated with snus like there are smoking. But, that being said, there are members here who are definitely as addicted to snus as they were to cigs. It all depends on how you are personally with the nicotine habit, how your body handles it.

And with snus, there are varying levels of nicotine in the various brands, so you can wein urself down the nic chart to quit as well.

I would stick with nic free, thats my official advice. But if you do enter into the snus world, there is no clear cut answer about how easy it will be for you to control if you like it, I really think that depends on the individual.

What does the nic free snus actually give you? I do snus because of the nic hit but does the nic free snus give you any kicks?

lol, I actually meant my advice is staying nicotine free. I just feel better when I say that to someone that is not addicted to nicotine and contemplates snus. Once i make myself feel better, then i can talk about snus till the sun goes down.

[Mordred]

Re: newbie snus contemplator

:?

I have heard snusers say that if you do not actually smoke then starting on snus is not generally reccomended since it will created nicotine dependence. This is something I am aware of and, although I am curious about trying snus for the reasons mentinonedl, I don't want to become a slave to nicotine again, like I used to be with cigarettes.

Do you think it's' possible to regulate snus to occasional use (perhaps with a mild brand) or will full blown nicotine addiction result?

Of course it's possible. Will it be easier with Snus than with cigarettes? I doubt it. My personal experience is that Snus is just as addictive as cigarettes, only much less harmful. So if you want to go down that road, know what you're getting yourself into: safe tobacco pleasure... and nicotine addiction, but meh, who cares.

[bipolarbear1968]

I guess it's better than heroin and crack.

...and cigarettes

[bipolarbear1968]

Re: newbie snus contemplator

:?

I have heard snusers say that if you do not actually smoke then starting on snus is not generally reccomended since it will created nicotine dependence. This is something I am aware of and, although I am curious about trying snus for the reasons mentinonedl, I don't want to become a slave to nicotine again, like I used to be with cigarettes.

Do you think it's' possible to regulate snus to occasional use (perhaps with a mild brand) or will full blown nicotine addiction result?

Of course it's possible. Will it be easier with Snus than with cigarettes? I doubt it. My personal experience is that Snus is just as addictive as cigarettes, only much less harmful. So if you want to go down that road, know what you're getting yourself into: safe tobacco pleasure... and nicotine addiction, but meh, who cares.

I like your avitar and username, Mordred.

Actually, I find snus to be more addicting than smoking. Last night, when I ran out, It was a bit more uncomfortable than ciggs. Just my opinion.

[RRK]

Well, I will go ahead and be the one to say that I think you could do it. But, I am one of few (or maybe the only one) that would say that on here so its probably not very likely that you will be able to keep from becoming just as addicted as you were to cigarettes.

For me, I just started snusing with the mind set that I would use no more then 3 per day and I have been able to maintain that level. I have skipped days and didn't notice any cravings or mental problems. I have also vacationed without snus. Mostly I think it depends on how addictive of a personality you have. Nicotine is nicotine and it is physically addictive. No denying that. I do think that snus has less psychologically addictive traits. By this I mean the act smoking a cigarette for me got attached to a lot of the routines in my day and for me that was the hardest thing to break. After a meal, on breaks, sex, coffee, waking up... etc. Also the feeling in your lungs and fingers is also very powerful. I don't get that with snus. I pretty much don't even notice I have one in most of the time.

Since you said you are an occasional cigar smoker I can relate that I had quit smoking cigarettes for many years before trying snus and it was actually cigars that made me want to try it. I really enjoy the flavors of tobacco and snus is a great way to sample those flavors. I only smoke a cigar once a week or so and I like snus as a daily tobacco. I think like cigars you should keep cycling through different types of snus rather then getting stuck on one type because I feel like that may add to the psychological addictiveness.

It is a gamble of course but at least with snus the stakes are not that high.

[texasmade]

That's you Tom and I am sure true for many folks.

But I realy suspect Livewire is different. I was reading his post to Debra, and when I read what exactly he said about why he was interested in nicotine, she blurted out... "He is one of us!!" Debra has ADHD and instantly thought of that when I read what he said.

So..

Am real curious to hear what he says when he comes back.

That was the exact thought that came to mind....right after I thought "that sounds like me" Heh I haven't filled a prescription for ADHD medication since I've started snusing.