"Quitting is a process, and everybody's quit is different," Michael Amato, PhD, a research investigator and methodologist at Truth Initiative, told POPSUGAR. While some people can successfully quit cold turkey, many find it helpful to gradually cut back. Dr. Amato explained that this allows you to learn how to navigate withdrawal symptoms and establish new routines, building your confidence and coping skills for when you decide to quit for good.
Dr. Scott added that, whether you decide to quit cold turkey or gradually, it's important to know what to expect. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms typically peak one to three days after quitting and then decrease over the next three to four weeks. Knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel can help get you through the first few days, "when the symptoms will be most intense," Dr. Scott explained.