Smokeless tobacco also delivers nicotine, a drug which can be addictive.  if you or someone close to you uses smokeless tobacco you might be interested in some information published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the nation's ear, nose and throat specialists, in cooperative with Major League Baseball.

The Academy notes three "early signs of addiction" to nicotine.  First, "you no longer get sick or dizzy like you did when your first used dip or chew."  Secondly, "you find yourself dipping or chewing more often, and in different settings."  and third, "you switched to stronger products with more nicotine."

Then they say there are four signs of hard-core use and addiction to the nicotine in smokeless tobacco.  One, "you dip or chew early in the day."  Two, "you find it hard to go more than a few hours without it."  Three, "you start to feel like you need it."  And finally, "you have strong cravings when you try to quit."

Because of these hazards and the cancer-causing potential of smokeless tobacco, these medical specialists are sending what they call and "S.O.S." message to parents and school officials throughout the nation this year.  The message:  Help these kids "spit it out and keep it out"  before it's too late, (Smokeless tobacco is) not a safe alternative to smoking.  Speaking of Health, I'm Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.