Withdrawal feels chaotic — but it follows a predictable curve. Knowing what's coming, and when it ends, is half the battle. Here's the map, plus a coach for the hard hours.
Symptoms start within 6–12 hours and climb to a peak around hours 12–36: restless legs, sweats and chills, nausea, insomnia, and sharp cravings. This is as bad as it gets — and it crests.
The body quiets, but an emotional wave arrives around day 5 — heavy sadness and low motivation as your brain rebuilds. It's predictable and temporary, and it's when support matters most.
Sleep and appetite return; post-acute waves roll in shorter and weaker each time. Patience is the whole game now.
Acute withdrawal is about 5–7 days, peaking at hours 12–36. Milder post-acute waves can come and go for several weeks.
The peak is roughly hours 12–36. Many people also describe a separate emotional crash around day 5.
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