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What to Expect when Detoxing from Nicotine?

Flowers in the shape of lungs

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is found in tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. When a person becomes addicted to nicotine, their body becomes physically dependent on the substance and will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.

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Here is an overview of what a person can expect to happen to their body as they detox from nicotine:

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Hour 1:

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  • Within the first hour of quitting, the levels of nicotine in the body begin to drop.

  • The person may experience cravings for nicotine and may feel irritable, anxious, or depressed.

  • The more fluids you consume, and the more often you urinate, the faster the nicotine will leave the blood stream. It is also believed that the more fluids you drink, the lesser the cravings.
     

Hour 2-12:

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  • The withdrawal symptoms may continue to intensify over the next several hours.

  • The person may experience difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and insomnia.

  • They may also feel hungry and have an increased appetite.
     

Hour 12-24:

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  • The withdrawal symptoms may peak within the first 24 hours after quitting.

  • The person may experience strong cravings for nicotine, as well as symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, and tremors.
     

24 hours-2 weeks:
 

  • After the first 24 hours, the withdrawal symptoms will begin to decrease in intensity.

  • The person may still experience cravings and mood changes during this time.

  • They may also experience physical symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea.
     

2 weeks-3 months:
 

  • After about two weeks, most of the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal will have dissipated.

  • The person may still experience some cravings for nicotine, especially in situations where they previously used tobacco products (e.g., when drinking alcohol or feeling stressed).
     

3 months and beyond:
 

  • After three months, the cravings for nicotine will become less frequent and intense.

  • The person's brain chemistry will begin to return to normal, and they will likely experience an improvement in their overall mood and quality of life.
     

It's important to note that the timeline for detoxing from nicotine can vary from person to person. Some people may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than others, and the duration of the detox process can depend on factors such as the amount of nicotine the person was using before quitting and their overall health.

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If you're trying to quit smoking or using other tobacco products, it's important to be prepared for the challenges of nicotine withdrawal and to seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare provider.

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