Duration
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 a total duration, an onset, a peak, an offset and after effects. Depending upon the substance consumed, each of these occur across different durations of time.
These are defined and listed below.
Total
The total duration of a substance can be defined as the amount of time it takes for the substance's effects to completely wear off into sobriety, measured from when the substance was taken.
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.