How many times have you repeated to yourself: "This is the last one". O "Tomorrow I'll stop smoking". Then the next day came, you put out what was supposed to be the last cigarette, and you kept postponing the fateful moment when you would say enough is enough once and for all.
I understand you very well. And it's not your fault. Stop smoking in fact it is among the most difficult decisions we can make. Not only for the nicotine itself, but also for the habit, the daily rituals.
But what if we told you that the CBD could it be an unexpected ally in this journey?
As always, it is not us who say it, but science. Which in recent years has indicated cannabidiol as a promising weapon for combat nicotine addiction. But let's go into more detail.
Can CBD help you quit smoking?
One takes care of answering study conducted by Washington State University (WSU), which discovered: CBD inhibits the CYP2A6 enzyme, which metabolizes over 70% of nicotine in smokers.
What does it mean in simple words? CBD has been noted to slow down the way the body assimilates nicotine, delaying the compulsive urge to light another cigarette.
“The significant inhibition of nicotine metabolism pathways by CBD suggests that the cannabinoid may inhibit nicotine metabolism, with potential impact on tobacco dependence and cessation of use", we read from the conclusions of the research.
| For further information: “CBD may reduce nicotine addiction, study”
CBD and nicotine: how it reduces withdrawal symptoms
Why is quitting smoking so difficult?
Not because it has become a habit. It's so hard because nicotine causes a strong addiction. So strong that when we try to stop, all those symptoms take over that immediately make us retrace our steps.
Anxiety, nervousness, irritability, insomnia. And so on and so forth. But this is where CBD could prove to be a valid ally to make a definitive point.
As has been amply proven by science, CBD is an important natural anxiolytic and relaxant. Which in this case, can alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and facilitate our exit path. Without relapses.
To confirm it, there is one study who evaluated CBD's potential for fight addiction from nicotine. The results?
Cannabidiol has been shown to be effective in reducing nicotine cravings, reducing some typical withdrawal symptoms such as: trembling, abdominal cramps and excessive sweating.
How to quit smoking with CBD: the practical guide
The theory is fine. But now it's time to get to the facts. So here are some practical guidelines for quitting smoking thanks to CBD in 4 weeks.
The first step is set a date. Not "soon", not "when I feel ready". A specific date on the calendar.
This will give you time to mentally prepare and get yourself what you need.
We recommend a 30% CBD oil, which thanks to the high percentage of cannabidiol, will help you counteract the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and to lower levels of anxiety and stress during the day.
First week: the hardest
The first days are the scariest. And it's normal.
As we have seen, in fact, nicotine withdrawal it can have some side effects: you feel irritable, you struggle to concentrate, your stomach rebels, you sleep poorly.
It's the body protesting because you took away something it was used to. And this is where the CBD it starts working for you.
You can take 2-3 drops in the morning. After lunch. Or in the evening before going to sleep. Monitoring Always check the effects of CBD oil on your body and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Second week: scale up and replace
The worst is over. Let's start gradually reduce cigarettes. One or two less per day is enough. Don't overdo it, we don't have to prove anything to anyone. The important thing is to move forward, even if slowly.
This week is also fundamental for another reason: understand when you smoke.
There is the morning cigarette, the one after coffee, the one during the lunch break, the one in the evening after dinner. Every cigarette has its moment, its ritual. And you must identify them everyone.
Usually you smoke in the morning after coffee? Try leaving home early. Go for breakfast at a cafe you like. Break that automatic mechanism.
You smoke after meals? Instead of lighting a cigarette, you can try vaping some light cannabis.
The secret is not to resist temptation with gritted teeth, but replace that gesture with something that gives you similar gratification.
Third week: new habits
At this point, CBD is part of your daily routine and you use it almost automatically when those cravings make you want to smoke.
The cigarettes you have left there are fewer and fewer, maybe you are already close to zero.
The body begins to give positive signals: you breathe better, you get less tired, the taste of food is different.
It's time to add something new into your life, something that occupies that space that cigarettes used to fill.
It can be a new one sports, or even just a half-hour walk a day in nature. A course you've been putting off for months. One evening a week to dedicate to yourself. It does not matter. What matters is that you move. Oxygenate those lungs that have been filled with smoke for years.
Week Four: You're close to the finish line
It seemed impossible. And yet, here you are. Look how far you've come.
Today cigarettes are just an old memory. You have resisted the urge to smoke and have already noticed all the benefits of this choice.
The risk of relapse but it is always around the corner, especially in times of stress. So, continue to use CBD regularly to keep you in check when needed.
Also use this time to consolidate the new habits you've built.
And when you feel that the time is right, that you are truly free, celebrate. Really. You earned it.
Graduality: the key to success
As we have already said, quitting smoking is difficult. At first it may seem like an impassable mountain. And that's why quitting might positively revolutionize your life at 360°.
But no one is telling you to throw the package out the window tomorrow morning. Why Quitting smoking is a process, not a single event. It's a path. And it needs time.
Follow the routine we explained above. With your ways and times. The important thing is that every cigarette less is a step closer to who you want to be.
* Photo by Julia Engel on Unsplash
