Here’s what you can expect after finishing your final cigarette:
- 30 minutes to 4 hours: The effects from the nicotine will wear off and you’ll start to crave another cigarette.
- 10 hours: You’ll be very restless, physically craving a cigarette, and wondering how to fill the time. You may feel sad and hopeless.
- 24 hours: Irritability kicks in and your appetite increases.
- 2 days: You’ll have headaches as the nicotine leaves your system.
- 3 days: The nicotine should be gone now. Your cravings taper off but anxiety will start to rise.
- 1 week: You made it a week. Pat yourself on the back and keep avoiding those triggers.
- 2 to 4 weeks: You still won’t have much energy, but the brain fog will clear up and your appetite will settle down. Your cough, depression, and anxiety will also improve.
- 5 weeks on: The challenge now is keeping a strong mental game.