While those are obvious, scientific health reasons for quitting smokeless tobacco, the Academy for Family Physicians says that it is important "for you to have your own reasons for wanting to stop using smokeless tobacco.  You may be concerned about saving money, giving up an addictive habit or setting a good example for family members and friends."  These doctors say to "write down your reasons for wanting to quit using smokeless tobacco and keep that list in places that you will often see it.

Now why is it so hard to quit using smokeless tobacco?  "Compared with cigarettes, smokeless tobacco puts more nicotine into your blood stream."  And those nicotine effects quickly become addictive.

There are many ways to help you quit using smokeless tobacco. Some are social and psychological; others include nicotine patches or even prescription drugs.  For more information on quitting smokeless tobacco and a copy of this script access our web site, speakingofhealth.com.  Speaking of Health, I'm Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, for CBS News.

Reference:  American Academy of Family Physicians, Information from Your Family Doctor, July, 2001 Issue