HABITS, CRAVINGS & CANNABINOID RESEARCH

Why does your brain ask for a cigarette or drink — even when you have decided to stop?

By the SOOTHRA Care Team  ·  22 October 2026  ·  4-min read
“Bas kal se band.” Sounds familiar?

You finish a long day. You decide not to smoke or drink. Then a stressful moment, a familiar place or the evening routine brings back the urge.


Why does this happen? It is not always as simple as willpower.

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THE EXPLANATION

Your brain learns routines. Sometimes, it learns cravings too.

Our brains connect behaviours with cues and rewards. The end of a workday, meeting certain friends, stress or a familiar location can become a powerful reminder of a cigarette or drink.


That is one reason changing a habit can feel harder than making the decision to change it.

“Deciding to stop and being able to stop are not always the same thing.”
Quitting can also involve physical dependence and withdrawal, particularly with nicotine or heavy alcohol use. Those experiences deserve evidence-based support — and alcohol withdrawal can sometimes be dangerous.
⚠️  Please read if you drink heavily or every day
Do not stop suddenly without medical advice. Government helplines in India: National Tobacco Quitline 1800 112 356 · Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7). In an emergency, call 112.
CURIOSITY ABOUT CBD

Where does cannabidiol (CBD) fit into this conversation?

CBD is one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. Researchers are examining how it interacts with biological systems involved in stress, reward and responses to addiction-related cues.


A few early studies have explored CBD in people who smoke or have alcohol-related problems.1,2

Does this mean CBD helps people quit?
Not as an established treatment. Results are early and mixed, and CBD has not been proven to help people stop smoking or drinking. Studying a compound is not the same as proving a product works.
MYTH VS REALITY

“Natural” is not the same as “right for you”

MYTH
“Natural means safe for everyone.”
REALITY
CBD and other cannabinoids may have side effects and drug interactions. THC-containing preparations can have different effects and risks from CBD-only products. Product composition, legality and clinical suitability matter.
A note on SOOTHRA’s own range: our Ayurvedic Vijaya preparations differ in composition. Some are CBD-dominant and some are THC-dominant. None is intended or proven to help anyone quit smoking or alcohol, and research on CBD alone does not tell us how any specific formulation will work for you.
WHY SOOTHRA

Less hype. Better questions. Doctor-guided conversations.

Cannabinoid care can sound confusing: CBD, THC, Vijaya, full-spectrum, extracts. Before deciding whether any preparation is right for you, it helps to understand what the research says, what it does not say, and what risks may apply to your situation.


SOOTHRA invites adults to enquire about cannabinoid care and, where available, discuss suitability with a qualified clinician.

What happens when you book
1
You book and pay ₹499
Tap the Book Consultation button and pay ₹499 for a 30-minute doctor consultation at secure checkout.
2
Your doctor consultation
In your consultation, the doctor explains the process and whether cannabinoid care is suitable for you.
3
Consent first
We ask for your consent before collecting any sensitive health information.
4
An honest outcome
A consultation may conclude that cannabinoid care is not appropriate for you and point you to established alternatives.
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Fees, transparently
A 30-minute doctor consultation costs ₹499, paid at checkout. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription or product recommendation.

Book Consultation – ₹499
30-minute doctor consultation · ₹499 · Private and consent-based
FAQ

Honest answers to common questions

Can CBD make me quit cigarettes?
CBD is not an established smoking-cessation treatment. Proven options include behavioural support and approved stop-smoking medicines selected with a clinician. India’s National Tobacco Quitline is 1800 112 356.
Can CBD help me stop drinking?
It is not an established treatment for alcohol-use disorder. If you drink heavily or regularly, do not suddenly stop without medical advice, because withdrawal can be serious.
Is CBD the same as THC?
No. They are different cannabinoids with different effects and safety considerations. Ask for the exact product composition, lawful status and relevant testing.
Will SOOTHRA recommend a product to everyone?
No. A suitability discussion should consider medical history, current medicines, potential interactions and legal requirements.
What happens after I contact SOOTHRA?
You book a 30-minute doctor consultation for ₹499. The doctor explains the process and whether a qualified consultation pathway is suitable for you. We will request consent before collecting sensitive health information.
START WITH A CONVERSATION

Curious about cannabinoid care? Start with a conversation.

No miracle claims. No pressure to buy. Just an opportunity to ask questions and understand the next appropriate step.

Book Consultation – ₹499
A 30-minute doctor consultation costs ₹499, paid at checkout. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription or product recommendation.
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Your privacy. Please don’t share detailed health information in the booking form. We will ask for your consent before collecting any sensitive information. Read our privacy policy.
References. 1. Morgan CJ et al. Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings. Addictive Behaviors, 2013 (small one-week pilot study). 2. Effects of cannabidiol on alcohol-related outcomes: a review of preclinical and human research. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2019 (concludes human evidence is too limited for firm conclusions).
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. SOOTHRA products are not intended to treat smoking, alcohol use or any addiction. For adults 21+ only. If you are struggling with tobacco or alcohol, speak to a qualified doctor. National Tobacco Quitline 1800 112 356 · Tele-MANAS 14416 · Emergency 112.

Book Consultation – ₹499
30-minute doctor consultation · ₹499