Quitting smokeless tobacco

Originally Published: January 27, 1995 - Last Updated / Reviewed On: February 2, 2007
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How can a person get help quitting the use of smokeless tobacco? All of the resources in this general area are geared toward helping smokers stop smoking, but a smokeless tobacco nicotine addict does not have a similar usage ritual as a smoker, but does have a similar, or worse, addiction than a smoker because the nicotine absorption levels are many times greater. Any suggestions as to how a smokeless tobacco user can get help stopping this addiction would be greatly appreciated.

—Snuff head

Dear Snuff head,

Smokeless tobacco, or "spit tobacco," refers to chewing tobacco and snuff, better known as "dip." Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is absorbed through the gums and lining of the mouth. The nicotine dose in smokeless tobacco is at least double that of the amount in cigarettes, making smokeless tobacco more addictive than smoking cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco causes tooth decay, gingivitis, and recession of the gums. It also causes oral cancers, and long-term use increases risks for cancers of the cheek and gums.

Yes, most smoking cessation programs focus on cigarette smokers. In many ways, however, the strategies and suggestions are transferable or adaptable to quitting smokeless tobacco, as well. For example:

  • Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as gum to chew, a patch to apply to the skin, or lozenges to suck on, release controlled doses of nicotine into the bloodstream, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine dependency. Then use of the patch or gum is gradually tapered to reduce nicotine craving and eventually wean oneself from the need for the NRT, too. Current research, however, does suggest that NRTs work best for smokers. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not specifically approved NRTs for people to quit using smokeless tobacco, many smokeless tobacco users find these over-the-counter products helpful. For smokeless tobacco users, research suggests that the patch works more effectively than the gum since chewing the NRT gum may feel too much like chewing smokeless tobacco to let the user comfortably break the habit. Before starting on NRTs, consult your health care practitioner.
  • Behavior modification programs conducted in groups build in support for quitting. Although the majority of group participants want to quit smoking cigarettes, the skills taught in this course can be applied to dipping or chewing, as well.
  • Hypnosis and/or acupuncture works for some people. However, there is little evidence to support their effectiveness in the majority of users.

Two elements of quitting are exclusive to smokeless tobacco users. First, a stronger need is present to initially replace the oral fixation associated with the use of chewing tobacco or dip, so oral substitutes, such as gum or candy, are usually helpful. Also, commercial substitutes sold in round containers resembling snuff tins contain a variety of flavored herbal blends. (There is little information available about the potential side effects of this non-nicotinic snuff. In some cases, such herbal blends were able to successfully decrease withdrawal symptoms, but were less effective at reducing cravings than other cessation options.)

The second distinction has to do with the payoff of quitting. When someone stops using smokeless tobacco, s/he experiences fewer mouth sores and/or gum problems. This obvious improvement in oral health, combined with the feelings of mastery and well-being, motivates people to continue their cessation commitment.


  • Providing rewards, even a big red star on a calendar for each day, week, and/or month that someone stays off tobacco, can make a difference.
  • Avoiding "triggers," those certain times, places, and/or situations that are associated with dipping or chewing tobacco, is another way of taking control.

Perhaps the biggest tangible incentive for quitting smokeless tobacco is the noticeable amount of money saved. A person who uses a can of dip or a pouch of chewing tobacco a day can save about $1,000.00 USD/year. That's a big chunk of change! A person can save it to use for a trip or vacation, season tickets to a sporting event, a subscription to the theatre or a concert series, or a donation to a cancer research institute or an organization that helps children whose health is negatively compromised by secondhand smoke.

Columbia students can meet with a tobacco cessation specialist at Health Services by making an appointment through Open Communicator. Although the program provides many smoking cessation resources, the program can also be used for help in quitting smokeless tobacco. Tobacco cessation services include behavioral support, prescriptions for medications to assist with quitting, and access to nicotine replacement products.

Additional resources for those outside of the Columbia community include:




American Lung Association at 1.800.LUNGUSA (586-4872)

The organizations listed above provide information, but a significant factor in a person's success is his/her own readiness to quit. If you feel ready, you can seek support from one of the programs listed here, or make a go of it yourself; either way, best of luck!


June 27, 2012

I am on my second week of not using my chewing tobacco. The first week put me on a lot of roller coasters. I am bound and determine to quit my 22 year habit. I am a female and I am doing this for me...
I am on my second week of not using my chewing tobacco. The first week put me on a lot of roller coasters. I am bound and determine to quit my 22 year habit. I am a female and I am doing this for me first. I have a great support system of friends, family and especially my boyfriend. The things I use to do before when I chewed are the barriers I avoid the most. I have changed my life somewhat so its comfortable for me. Yes this addiction is hard to break and using the patch has been a great help, takes the edge off. I still need help and lots of prayers. This is gonna be a big change for me, who is around me and life in general. I did it for my health of my mouth and teeth. I feel this challenge will benefit me well in the long run.

March 17, 2006

Dear Alice,

I know someone who started eating sunflower seeds when they were trying to quit dipping. Because you can put a bunch in your mouth at once and eat them that way, it helped him replace...

Dear Alice,

I know someone who started eating sunflower seeds when they were trying to quit dipping. Because you can put a bunch in your mouth at once and eat them that way, it helped him replace the need to chew with something healthy and harmless. He finally got bored of eating all those seeds and was able to quit the "chewing" habit completely.