Most young people do not use smokeless tobacco.
A recent Missouri survey indicates that:

• Only 14% of high school seniors are current users of smokeless tobacco; of these, one-half are daily users.
• Although two-thirds of senior boys have ever tried smokeless tobacco, only 15% of senior girls have tried it.
• More Missouri males use smokeless tobacco than cigarettes; however, by a large ratio, more Missouri females use cigarettes than smokeless tobacco.
• Smokeless tobacco is used more often in the rural areas than in the urban areas.
• Of those students who have used smokeless tobacco, the majority first tried it in grade school.

• Rapid absorption of the stimulant nicotine through the mouth into the bloodstream.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Constricted blood vessels
• Addiction to nicotine
• Reduced physical performance and/or productivity.

• Chemicals in the tobacco produce three carcinogens (cancer-causing agents); when combined with saliva, additional carcinogens are produced.
• Application of these carcinogens can produce white, thick patches called leukoplakia on the lining of the mouth; these lesions are considered to be precancerous.
• Extensive studies conclude there is a positive correlation between smokeless tobacco use and cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. In an Arkansas study, 91% of patients with oral cancers had used smokeless tobacco.
• Damage to gum tissue
• Increased sensitivity to cold and heat
• Loosened teeth which can eventually fall out
• Reduced sense of taste and ability to smell.

• Breath does not smell like tobacco
• Unstained teeth
• Approval by most people

• Make a list of all the reasons you want to quit; keep it with you and look at it often.
• Be assertive. Tell others clearly why you are quitting tobacco.
• Make it difficult to use tobacco; wet down and throw out all cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
• When the urge to use tobacco hits, take a deep breath. Hold it for ten seconds, then release slowly. Deep, rhythmic breaths are similar to smoking, only you inhale clean air instead of poisonous gases.
• Stock up on low-calorie "nibbles": sugarless gum, hard candy, carrots, sunflower seeds, fresh fruit, popcorn.
• Avoid situations where you usually use tobacco: the "smoking area" at school, the convenience store or mall, riding with friends who smoke or chew, etc.
• Keep busy. Acquire some new hobbies. Write a letter, play an instrument, take a walk, call a friend.
• Get rid of "tobacco mouth" by brushing your teeth several times.
• Announce your plan to quit. Ask for help from friends and family members who will offer encouragement.
• Figure out how much money you will save by not using tobacco.
• Reward yourself frequently. Quitting is hard; you deserve credit for your efforts. Plan to reward yourself with each success; buy a new record or tape, a new pair of jeans, or do something nice for yourself.

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