Quitting snus – smokeless tobacco - withdrawal symptoms

How long you have to fight the withdrawal symptoms is individual. It mainly depends on how much and how often you used snus or smokeless tobacco. The more snus you have used, the higher the probability that you will experience difficult withdrawal symptoms.

At the same time, it is important to remember that the withdrawal symptoms are temporary – they are a challenge, yes, but this, too, shall pass!

The first week after quitting snus or smokeless tobacco is usually the hardest and the period when the nicotine craving is greatest. No wonder – your body has built up a dependency over a long period of time, and when the addiction is suddenly no longer met, the body begins to protest.

Common withdrawal symptoms can be

• Strong nicotine craving 
• Irritation, anger, depression  
• Headache 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Sweet tooth and hunger

How intense and which withdrawal symptoms you get depend on how dependent on nicotine you are. For some, it’s quite taxing; for others, the symptoms can be mild.

For those who experience strong discomfort from nicotine withdrawal, it can of course be difficult to maintain motivation: Is it worth quitting snus if I feel this badly?

The answer to that question is yes – getting rid of nicotine addiction is a great gift to give yourself. It improves your health and mind, as well as reduces the risk of a number of diseases.

There are physical withdrawal symptoms and psychological ones. Which is the worst can vary from moment to moment and from person to person. However, both can be stressful.

• The first day
  This close to quitting snus, the withdrawal symptoms are usually the worst. The nicotine craving is at its peak when you no longer get the dose that your body is used to. You’re probably affected physically with dizziness, nausea, fatigue etc.
  
  
• Third day
  At this point, some people experience that the nicotine craving is at its worst. If you manage to endure this withdrawal symptoms peak, it will be easier within a few days.
  
  
• One month after quitting snus
  The body has become accustomed to being without nicotine, but snus relapses can still come and go, albeit at ever increasing intervals.

The more time passes, the easier it gets, and a life without tobacco becomes the new normal.

For many long-term snus users, there’s a lot surrounding the nicotine dose in each lipper that contributes to the dependency itself. This means that an addiction has many psychological aspects that come into play. For example, there may be special situations, occasions and everyday rituals that are associated with snus or smokeless tobacco.

Maybe it's the snus with morning coffee? The dipper after lunch? Packing a lip to get through certain situations at work? Most people who use snus have their "must-have" lippers. Even if you have got rid of the physical nicotine craving, cravings can be triggered by these types of situations.

Try to avoid places and habits that you associate with snus or smokeless tobacco as much as possible – or try to replace the snus with something useful.  Eat a piece of fruit instead.  Replace the after-meal dipper with a walk. The good thing about habits is that it’s actually possible to create new, healthy ones!

With a clear strategy, it will be easier to manage withdrawal symptoms and remain snus-free.

• List your reasons for becoming nicotine-free

What is behind your decision to quit snus or smokeless tobacco? Are you doing it for your health? Do you want to save money? Regardless of your motives, it can be a good idea to write a list. If you are going through a particularly difficult patch of withdrawal symptoms, the list can actually serve as a motivation booster and help you carry on. We have listed some of the benefits of quitting snus here.

• Celebrate your victories

Every day that you succeed to be free of nicotine is a triumph that deserves to be celebrated. Treat yourself to a reward for every stride you make – go do something you think is fun or indulge yourself with tasty treats. You’re absolutely  worthy of praise!

• Have good people to lean on

Find key people around you that can act as sounding boards and moral support on your journey towards a nicotine-free life. Friends and family should understand your struggle and give you encouragement along the way. Do accept help from any former snus-users you may know. They know what you are dealing with and can hopefully share their experiences and tips.