How long does nicotine stay in your system? Nicotine is a chemical that you find in tobacco, and it’s what gives smokers the feeling of a quick “high.” It doesn’t stay in your body for too long, but its effects can be pretty noticeable while it’s there. Usually, nicotine will hang around in your system for about 1 to 3 days after you’ve smoked or vaped. However, if you’re a regular smoker, it might take a bit longer to clear out completely.

How Your Body Processes Nicotine

When you take in nicotine, your liver gets to work breaking it down into several substances, one of which is called cotinine. This byproduct, cotinine, is what doctors or tests look for when they’re checking if you’ve been using tobacco.

Detection Times

In Blood

A blood test can spot nicotine for about 1 to 3 days. Cotinine will stick around in your blood a bit longer, up to 10 days.

In Urine

In urine, nicotine is detectable for about 3 to 4 days after use, but cotinine can be found for up to 3 weeks, depending on how often and how much you smoke.

In Saliva

Your saliva can hold onto nicotine for a bit longer than blood—up to 4 days. And for cotinine, it can show up in saliva tests for as long as 10 days after your last smoke.

In Hair

Hair testing is the marathon runner of nicotine tests—it can detect nicotine for up to 90 days after your last exposure. That’s because once nicotine gets into your hair follicles, it takes a really long time to come out.

Factors That Affect How Long Nicotine Stays in Your System

Your body might get rid of nicotine faster or slower depending on a few things, like how much you smoke, your age, your diet, and even your genetics. For example, younger people tend to process nicotine quicker, so it won’t stick around as long as it would in older adults.

What If You Want to Clear Nicotine Faster?

If you’re hoping to speed up the process, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and exercising can help your body get rid of nicotine a bit faster. But the most effective way to eliminate nicotine is to stop taking it in altogether.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you’re worried about nicotine in your system because you’re trying to quit and finding it tough, you might want to see a doctor. They can give you tips, support, and sometimes even medication to help you kick the habit.

Remember, if you’re dealing with nicotine addiction, getting support from a healthcare provider can make a huge difference. They’re there to help you through the process, so you don’t have to go at it alone.

Further Reading: How to Quit Smoking in 5 Easy Steps