Duration

Duration refers to the length of time over which the subjective effects of a psychoactive substance manifest themselves.

Duration can be broken down into 6 parts: (1) total duration (2) onset (3) come up (4) peak (5) offset and (6) after effects. Depending upon the substance consumed, each of these occurs in a separate and continuous fashion.

These are catalogued as follows:

Total

The total duration of a substance can be defined as the amount of time it takes for the effects of a substance to completely wear off into sobriety, starting from the moment the substance is first administered.

Onset

The onset phase can be defined as the period until the very first changes in perception (i.e. "first alerts") are able to be detected.

Come up

The "come up" phase can be defined as the period between the first noticeable changes in perception and the point of highest subjective intensity. This is colloquially known as "coming up."

Peak

The peak phase can be defined as period of time in which the intensity of the substance's effects are at its height.

Offset

The offset phase can be defined as the amount of time in between the conclusion of the peak and shifting into a sober state. This is colloquially referred to as "coming down."

After effects

The after effects can be defined as any residual effects which may remain after the experience has reached its conclusion. After effects depend on the substance and usage. This is colloquially known as a "hangover" for negative after effects of substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, and MDMA or an "afterglow" for describing a typically positive, pleasant effect, typically found in substances such as cannabis, LSD in low to high doses, and ketamine.

It should be noted that the after effects of the substances listed on this site are not included as part of the total duration.