Final answer:
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first two days after quitting and may include cravings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Nicotine replacement therapy can help manage these symptoms, but many individuals relapse within a year. Nicotine, whether from traditional tobacco products or e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and harmful.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms generally peak within the first two days after quitting. Symptoms such as cravings for nicotine, headaches, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hunger, difficulty concentrating, and lower heart rate and blood pressure can significantly affect an individual during this time. The intense withdrawal experience lessens after the peak, although cravings for cigarettes can persist for months. Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like gums, lozenges, or patches can help manage these symptoms by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the high associated with smoking.
It's important to note that while NRT can aid in easing withdrawal symptoms, about 90% of individuals who use NRT may end up smoking again within 12 months. Furthermore, the addictive nature of nicotine—found in cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and now popularly in e-cigarettes or vaping devices—poses substantial health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and various cancers.