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What Is Nicotine Withdrawal?

Withdrawal from nicotine, an addictive drug found in tobacco, is characterized by symptoms that include headache, anxiety, nausea, and a craving for more tobacco. Nicotine creates a chemical dependency so that the body develops a need for a certain level of nicotine at all times. Unless that level is maintained, the body will begin to go through withdrawal.

For tobacco users trying to quit, symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine are unpleasant and stressful, but temporary. Most withdrawal symptoms peak 48 hours after you quit and are completely gone in six months. But even after that you may still have to deal with the fact that many people trying to quit smoking find themselves eating more and gain weight in the process.

What Causes It?

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are physiological responses to the removal of a substance on which the body has become dependent.