As someone newer to sobriety, the physical withdrawal is surprisingly short, about 5-7 days and I don't feel it anymore (aside from insomnia). Which is amazing considering I've been drinking heavily for 10 years, and a fifth per day when I quit. But the symptoms are so intense it is really, really hard to get started on that 5-7 days
It's the psychological stuff that gets to me. And the first drink does make us feel good. Quitting smoking has never been difficult for me (I've done it a few times--all years apart so don't laugh) because smoking itself really isn't that great. Smoking becomes ore annoying the longer you do it. But drinking messes with your emotions.