The Root Of All Evil

I have mentioned it in my previous posts. And after getting some mails from readers abroad asking me what "Snus" is, I have decided to write a quick post about this evil habit that I have plans to get rid of, but haven't yet succeeded in doing so. Hey, that's what addictions are.

I decided to use Snus a few years ago to wean myself off of cigarettes after four long years working in the hospitality industry. Yes the hotel and hospitality industry can be a bitch with the long, unpredictable working hours, the demanding (and sometimes irritating) clients, and having to wear a suit even during the warmest of summer months. Yes, it took its toll on me. I lived a very unhealthy lifestyle, eating fatty fried meats, smoking, and drinking out with my colleagues after working hours. It was not a pretty sight! Now that I work in the fitness industry, I have cut down on all these bad habits. I don't smoke anymore, I have become a vegetarian, and work out 4-5 times a day. I have lost a tremendous amount of weight. I am fit as a fiddle and can run a marathon any day of the week. But the nicotine is something I have yet to be rid of.

The one advantage of Snus is that it doesn't give you lung cancer. The disadvantage is that it is still a tobacco product. Snus is simply ground tobacco mixed with salt and other crap, either sold loose or packed into small pillows as you see pictured above. It is placed under the upper lip, and the tobacco and the nicotine it contains slowly penetrates the skin and enters the blood stream, giving the same effects of smoking.

And the fun facts: Snus has been found to be even more addicting that cigarettes. And the statistics: men in their 20's who are physically active, have average to above average IQ's and have successful careers are the biggest consumers of Snus. And the female demographic is slowly but surely following suit.

In Norway a canister of Snus cost roughly US$12. Assuming you consume two canisters a week, that adds up to a staggering US$1152 a year! That is almost 1/8 the price of a new Leica M9-P, the main reason why I want to give up this habit to begin with. I know having this thought in mind is enough motivation for me to give it up. Today though, I was weak. I bought a new canister after experiencing withdrawal symptoms at work (nausea, headache, irritability). And not to mention the munchies!

If anyone has any good ideas on how to gently but surely wean myself off of this evil, it will be most appreciated!


Photo courtesy of Dean Robinson at Eat Drink One Woman.