Ditch the Dip
Start with the Great American Spit Out
Do you dip, chew, or use snuff? Have you ever wondered what your life would look like without it? For starters, you could smile more often and more confidently. You could appreciate the extra money in your pocket. And, most of all, you could also feel better, both physically and emotionally.
Taking steps to leave tobacco behind may seem daunting. But small changes you make today can add up over time and help you quit for good. Learn how VA can help you by joining the Great American Spit Out on February 25.
VA has many resources for Veterans who wish to stop using tobacco, including the best combination for long-term success: counseling and medication. You need to change behavior and break emotional ties to using tobacco. Medications such as nicotine replacement therapies (like gum, patches, and lozenges) help to relieve the physical cravings that come with nicotine withdrawal.
The Great American Spit Out
For the Great American Spit Out, VA invites you to think about the small changes that you can make today that can help you quit. Without dip or chew, you won't experience the elevated heart rate and blood pressure associated with smokeless tobacco. You will notice healthier teeth and gums, as well as improved senses of taste and smell.
That’s just the beginning. Living free of smokeless tobacco will also:
Reduce the risk for cancer: Within a few years of quitting, your risk of throat, esophageal and pancreatic cancers are greatly reduced.
Improve oral health: Chewing tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, and dental implant failure. Five years after you stop, your risk of getting oral cancer is cut in half.
Better Can Start Today
Every week, month, and year without tobacco improves your quality of life. During the Great American Spit Out, you're encouraged to talk to your doctor about ending your relationship with smokeless tobacco. You should also learn about resources that can help along the way, like:
Guide and workbook: Help evaluate your use of smokeless tobacco and learn what to expect if they decide to stop.
Quit VET: You can call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) to receive cessation counseling. It'll also help you get help building a plan to quit. Counselors are available to help you prepare for challenges and avoid relapse. They offer continued support through follow-up calls and counseling.
SmokefreeVET: For tools and tips to quit, sign up for SmokefreeVET by texting VET to 47848. It'll provide regular text messages and extra support at your fingertips when you text the keywords URGE, STRESS, or DIPPED to 47848.
When you're ready to explore a life free of tobacco, VA can help with cessation counseling and medications available at all VA medical centers. Sign in to My HealtheVet and ask your health care team about your first step.
Para inscribirse en SmokefreeVET en español, manda el texto VETesp al 47848.
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