How Long Does it Take for Nicotine to Leave Your System?

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. When consumed, nicotine enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it binds to receptors and triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure and reward.

After consumption, nicotine is rapidly metabolized by the liver and excreted from the body through urine and feces. The rate at which nicotine is eliminated from the body varies depending on several factors, including the following:

Factor	Impact on Nicotine Elimination
Frequency and Intensity of Nicotine Use	Regular and heavy smokers have higher levels of nicotine in their bodies and will take longer to eliminate it.
Metabolic Rate	People with faster metabolisms eliminate nicotine more quickly.
Age	Nicotine is eliminated more slowly in older adults.
Liver and Kidney Function	Impaired liver or kidney function can slow nicotine elimination.
Pregnancy and Lactation	Nicotine can cross the placenta and enter breast milk, potentially affecting the developing fetus or infant.