The tobacco withdrawal syndrome in unaided quitters.

Tobacco withdrawal was assessed over a one year follow-up period in a prospective study of 554 persons stopping smoking on their own on a target quit date, the Great American Smokeout or New Year's Day. Tobacco dependence was related to smoking status as well as to the tobacco withdrawal syndrome through the one month follow-up. During the first week of follow-up at least 87% of subjects reported withdrawal symptoms, and craving was reported by at least two-thirds. There was consistency in the rankings of the four most prevalent short- and long-term symptoms: restless, eating more than usual, anxious/tense and impatient. During the first week, levels of symptom severity and frequency fo craving dropped from days 1 and 2 to week 1. Across long-term follow-ups the withdrawal syndrome peaked at 1 month and leveled off at 6 and 12 months. Results are discussed in terms of clinical and treatment implications.