Dip. Snuff. Chew. Whatever you call it, quitting isn’t easy. As you start your quit journey, you might have some questions. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions and the truth about chewing tobacco.

1. Is chewing tobacco bad for you?

Yes, it is. Many people think that chewing tobacco is safer than smoking, but that’s far from the truth. Dip contains many of the same toxic chemicals as cigarettes and three times the amount of nicotine. This makes it more addictive and harder to quit than traditional cigarettes — not to mention the additional health risks that come from dip.

2. Can chewing tobacco lead to mouth cancer?

Smokeless tobacco and cancer go hand in hand. Dip contains more than 28 cancer-causing chemicals and can cause cancer in the mouth, cheeks, gums and lips, resulting in tooth loss or even jaw removal.

3. Does chewing tobacco cause high blood pressure?

Yes. Some forms of smokeless tobacco and nicotine products increase your heart rate and blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term tobacco use also greatly increases your risk of dying from heart disease or a stroke.

4. How long does chewing tobacco stay in your system?

Studies have shown that nicotine can stay in your body for up to seven days. If you only use dip from time to time, it can still stay in your system for up to five days. Withdrawal from nicotine can be tough, so rely on stress management, cravings busters and exercise to help lessen your temptation to dip.

5. Can chewing tobacco cause headaches?

Nicotine headaches are a very common symptom of long-term tobacco use. While it may seem like using tobacco eliminates headaches, the only way to get rid of them is to quit using tobacco. Once you quit tobacco, nicotine withdrawals can also cause headaches, but you can avoid them by drinking water and using patches, gum or lozenges.

6. How do I quit chewing tobacco?

There are many ways to start your quit journey! The Helpline offers customized Quit Plans so you can choose the path that’s best for you. Choose from FREE patches, gum or lozenges, and supportive texts, Quit Coaching or an online community to help you along the way. You will also get access to cravings busters and 24/7 support, however you need it.

Are you ready to start your quit journey? Sign up for FREE.