Ask the Addict: How Long Does it Take to go Cold Turkey?
We received this note from Joe G.
I recently decided that I was going to quit my 4-year Chapstick addiction once and for all, cold turkey. I hadn’t done much research on lip balm addiction, the only thing I knew was that it was a real thing, but I hadn’t seen your website until today. I’m currently in the 48th hour of no Chapstick, and the blood has started to flow out of my lips, but I’m still going strong.
My question is… how long should a cold turkey recovery take? Because while this website is certainly helping, I don’t know how much more I can take of this. If it’s a couple more days, fine. But if it’s any longer than that I might have to consider switching over to weening.
Great site by the way, informative, interesting, and humorous all at once!
Thanks Joe. We’re not sure what you’re talking about with the humor, but we’re always happy to hear from someone who is trying to kick the habit and get their life finally under control.
Cold turkey is a strange thing. There’s no set formula for how long the “withdrawal” of not having Chap Stick will last. But 48 hrs seems like well under what you should expect. I think 4-5 days or maybe up to a week would be most typical. But, seeing how your lips are bleeding, I would say that visiting a doctor might be wise.
Ask the Addict: Making Balm Out of “Safe” Ingredients?
Mikki writes:
I’m just an occasional user of lip balm, but I don’t want to risk becoming addicted. Can I make my own “safe” lip balm out of natural ingredients?
Natural ingredients are certainly better than many of the petroleum-based balms. But, as many have testified, natural balms can be addictive too (especially if you think using more and more is “okay” just because it is natural). So, as with any balm, use sparingly and if you feel you are using habitually be sure to address it but reducing usage or starting our 12 Step Program.
Ask the Addict: Am I addicted?
I really did not think I had a addition until I took the quiz because I am on Accutane and if I don’t put any on for a few hours my lips crack and bleed and I have always had dry skin on every wear except my face (which is extremliy oily) with on exception my lips which were usually dry and I have dandruff because of a dry scalp and a rash becuse my skin is so dry (this started two day affter going on Accutane) and I usually forget to put any on until they crack but I put it on a lot and if I lose mine I just have to buy another and I put it on no matter were I am except on stage.
So do I have a addition or not?
Kara C.
Addictions of all types are not uncommon in the performing arts, so your question is important and timely. The good news is that your acne should fade as you age out of your teenage years, making your skin much more moist and less susceptible to dryness and cracking. But, given the issues, it is probably best to talk to your dermatologist about your problems with your acne medicine.
Are you addicted? Well, your rambling description might be signs of being “out of it” due to your addiction, or might just be poor grammar. It sounds like you use lip balm only when your lips are really cracked and dry, and once they return to normal you stop using. That would lead me to believe that no, you are not addicted at this time.
Ask the Addict: Sunscreen
Hi there,
I’m starting the “weaning” process today after 39 years of always needing balm. I have a question though. If I’m not careful, my lips will burn and get cold sores in the summer. Once I get this habit kicked, what is the best sunscreen lip protection to use? I don’t want to re-start the need in my lips for balm, but I don’t want them unprotected either.
Any thoughts?
Thanks so much!
Julie L
I’m fairly certain cold sores have nothing to do with sunburn. As such, if cold sore are your concern I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
That said, we know that with summer approaching that sun issues are an important concern. As such, we will continue to recommend traditional sunscreens for those who feel that using lip balms with SPF factors too high a risk. As always, consult with your dermatologist.
After nearly four decades of use, it’s clear you’re gunshy about giving up the balm. This looks less like a physical problem than a psychological one, so we would recommend seeking a therapist to discuss the mental model of your balm usage.
