Duration Terminology Explanation
Monday, May 03 2021
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1 min read
The term duration refers to the length of time over which the subjective effects of a psychoactive compound manifest themselves. The different stages of a substances duration can be broken down into five distinct phases, which are described and documented below.
- Total - The total duration of a substance can be defined as the amount of time it takes for the drug's effects to completely wear off into sobriety.
- Onset - The onset is defined as the period of time until the first noticeable changes in perception become apparent.
- Come up - The come up is defined as the period between the first noticeable changes in perception and highest intensity of subjective effects. This is colloquially known as "coming up."
- Peak - The peak can be defined as the height of intensity for the substance's effects.
- Offset - The offset can be defined as the period of time in which the peak effects fade into sobriety. This is colloquially known as "coming down."
- After effects - The after effects can be defined as any residual effects that may last after the experience itself. Depending on its nature, this is colloquially known as a "hangover" or an "afterglow".