nicotine withdrawal

Nicotine withdrawal occurs when someone who regularly uses nicotine, such as through smoking or vaping, stops or reduces intake. Nicotine causes chemical changes in the brain that promote dependence. When stopped, the brain's chemistry begins to adjust, leading to symptoms like irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and cravings for nicotine. These symptoms typically develop within a few hours to days after quitting and can last for several days or weeks. Withdrawal symptoms are a sign of physical and psychological dependence but generally decrease over time as the body adjusts to functioning without nicotine.