How Long Do Nicotine Withdrawals Last? A Comprehensive Nicotine Withdrawals Timeline

Nicotine withdrawal is a temporary condition that can occur when someone stops using nicotine-containing products, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or chewing tobacco ¹. The severity and duration of nicotine withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the length of time nicotine was used, the amount of nicotine used, and the individual's metabolism ².

Phase	Typical Timeframe	Symptoms
Peak withdrawal	24-72 hours	Intense cravings, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue
Middle withdrawal	3-4 weeks	Cravings, irritability, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue
Late withdrawal	4-8 weeks	Cravings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue

Severity	Symptoms
Mild	Cravings, irritability, difficulty concentrating
Moderate	Cravings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue
Severe	Cravings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Success Stories

"I used to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day for 10 years," says Mary. "When I finally quit, the first few days were hell. I had intense cravings and was super irritable. But I stuck with it, and after a few weeks, the cravings started to go away. Now, I'm a year smoke-free, and I feel so much better."

"I was a heavy e-cigarette user for 5 years," says John. "When I quit, I had headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. I also had intense cravings. But I was determined to quit, and I used nicotine replacement therapy to help me get through the withdrawal symptoms. After a few weeks, I started to feel better, and now I'm 6 months nicotine-free."

"I used chewing tobacco for 15 years," says Sarah. "When I quit, I had cravings, irritability, and dificuldade concentrating. I also had headaches and fatigue. It was tough at first, but I persevered, and after a few weeks, the cravings started to go away. Now, I'm 2 years tobacco-free, and I'm so glad I quit."

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

Set a quit date and stick to it.

Tell your friends and family that you're quitting so they can support you.

Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help reduce cravings.

Get regular exercise. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods can help improve your overall health and well-being.

Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can make nicotine withdrawal symptoms worse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't try to quit cold turkey. Quitting cold turkey can be very difficult and can increase your risk of relapse.

Don't use other tobacco products. Using other tobacco products will only prolong your withdrawal symptoms.

Don't give up. If you slip up, don't give up. Just start over the next day.

Making the Right Choice

Quitting nicotine is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you're thinking about quitting, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan that's right for you.

American Cancer Society. (2022). What is nicotine withdrawal? https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/quitting-smoking-and-other-tobacco-products/nicotine-withdrawal ↩

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Nicotine withdrawal. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nicotine-withdrawal ↩

How Long Do Nicotine Withdrawals Last? A Comprehensive Nicotine Withdrawals Timeline