BRC,

I do some smoke cessation counceling in my office and recently took a continuing education course on the subject. The lecturer cited a study that showed that the addiction to nicotine was stronger than the addiction to heroin. That sure says something. I'm sure that the OCD makes it even tougher for you to quit.

In the previous thread, I think it was Gary that gave you a link to an OCF memeber's website, www.outdoortexan.com. I think that it might be helpful if you went to this site. He very graphically shows what he went through after developing oral cancer from chewing tobacco. He has a warning about the pictures, but I think that it could be just the motivation that you need to try a little harder to stop.

Everyone on this site has been touched by oral cancer in some way and we all are thrilled when someone comes here for advice and they are successful in quiting or their tests come back negative.

From personal experience with patients, I can tell you that if you don't have cancer now and you stop dipping, you will probably find that your mouth tissues will return to normal. No guarantees that it can't develope later, but it sure increases the odds that it won't.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Jerry

Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"