Duration Terminology
The term duration refers to the length of time over which the subjective effects of a psychoactive compound manifest themselves. This can be further 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 of action 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 amount of time between feeling the full effects and coming down into sobriety. This is colloquially known as “coming down.”
- After effects - The after effects can be defined as any residue effects which may last after the experience itself. This is colloquially known as a “hangover” or an “afterglow” depending on the substance.