Nicotine withdrawal symptoms and how long they last

Common symptoms

The US National Cancer Institute lists these as the most common:

• Cravings for a cigarette
• Irritability, frustration or anger
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Feeling down
• A bigger appetite

Less common symptoms

Some people also notice headaches, tiredness, dizziness, coughing, mouth ulcers or constipation. Coughing more in the first weeks is common as the airways start clearing themselves.

The timeline

The NHS says withdrawal is strongest in the first week, especially the first three days, and lasts three to four weeks on average. Cancer Research UK describes the same pattern: a peak in the first few days, easing over two to four weeks. Occasional cravings can return months later, often in a familiar situation, and they pass the same way.

If low mood is severe or does not lift, talk to a doctor.

Making the hard days visible

Freewill has a ten second daily check-in for happiness, confidence, craving and irritability. Over a few weeks the chart usually shows craving and irritability falling and confidence rising, with bad days in between, which makes a bad day easier to put in perspective. The community has rooms for the first week, the second week and beyond, so you can talk to people on the same day as you.