Final answer:
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms typically peak 6-12 hours after quitting smoking, with cravings and other physical symptoms such as headaches and irritability during this time.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person quits smoking, the withdrawal symptoms typically peak during the first few days after cessation. More specifically, nicotine withdrawal symptoms are known to peak 6-12 hours after quitting. This is when the person may experiences heightened cravings for nicotine, along with headaches, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hunger, difficulty concentrating, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Although these symptoms peak relatively early, the craving for a cigarette can persist for months, and successful cigarette cessation often requires additional support, like nicotine replacement therapy, to overcome these challenges.