Which smoker hasn’t heard stories of fellow-cigarette lovers that have successfully kicked their smoking habit and thought to themselves, “How on Earth did they do it? I’ve been trying for years!” The science behind why it is so difficult to quit smoking is crystal clear: Nicotine is highly addictive. Cigarette boxes themselves warn against their package contents. But nicotine and tobacco cravings can be curbed. If you’ve tried the patches and gum and e-cigarettes with little success and are wondering what comes next… enter CBD.
Studies have shown that CBD can interrupt addictive behaviour and has the potential to affect the intensity of the connection between nicotine and its pleasure triggers in the brain; notably inhibiting the release of serotonin (the body’s ‘happy chemical’) which is triggered by nicotine. Since serotonin keeps a person calm and happy, it is one of the primary reasons smokers find it challenging to stop. CBD, however, triggers a neuroreceptor called 5-HT1A, which is responsible for boosting existing serotonin in the body in a better way. It thus works to provide the same pleasure and calming feelings as nicotine, but without the negative health consequences as smoking.
Habits and addictive behaviours aside, withdrawal symptoms are among the main reasons as to why people find it difficult to quit smoking. Due to its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties, CBD is incredibly helpful in alleviating several side effects that arise from smoking cessation. This includes cigarette cravings, anxiety, irritability, stress, headaches, sleep disturbances, sweating, chills, fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings. All of these factors correlate with smoking in different ways, and alleviating them can greatly contribute to how efficiently smokers can use CBD oil to stop smoking. Because CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that doesn’t get users high, it stands as a promising solution to curb and satisfy smoker cravings that are not body harming.
A study conducted by the University College of London used a double-blind placebo-controlled methodology to assess whether CBD could be effective at treating nicotine addiction. Of the 24 smokers that took part, 12 were given a CBD inhaler, and the other half a placebo, with all told to use their inhaler whenever they felt the urge to smoke. After a week’s observation, those given CBD smoked 40% fewer cigarettes than their counterparts. With smoking being one of the hardest habits to break, experiencing a low 7% success rate among people who wish to quit, CBD thus has the potential to increase quitter numbers and reduce the chance of relapsing.
As mentioned, if you’ve tried all the “answers” and are still coming up short, CBD could be the solution to you stamping out smoking for good. View the Echo Life range of CBD oils to find one that best suits your needs.