This document discusses opioid addiction and withdrawal. It outlines the most addictive opioids like OxyContin, Demerol, Percocet, and Vicodin. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, nausea and more. Seeking medical help can ease withdrawal symptoms through medications or treatment programs. Intensive outpatient treatment programs aim to help patients develop coping skills, self-awareness, and support systems to overcome addiction.

2. Many people find themselves taking opioids for the painkilling
effects, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop
using the medication. Opiate drugs are extremely habit-forming-
physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms are
all possible. The line between legitimate medical applications, and
recreational and addictive use, can be very thin, which can result
in misuse and addiction, even when use begins with a
prescription. Too often, people who have legitimately needed
pain relief have ended up addicted to opioid medication, New
York City.

3. The most addictive opiates are outlined
below:
1. OxyContin (oxycodone) (helps people with
chronic pain that need relief for 12-24 hours)
2. Demerol (this analgesic comes in tablet,
syrup, and even injectable form)
3. Percocet (acetaminophen/oxycodone) (the
medication was designed to temporarily
treat moderate to severe pain for up to six
hours)
4. Vicodin (hydrocodone) (treats moderate to
severe pain, typically for 4-6 hours, for no
more than a few months)

4. 5. Morphine (the first opioid drug)
6. Fentanyl (this painkiller was designed for
long-term treatment of chronic pain)
7. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) (this potent
analgesic was developed to treat severe, often
chronic, pain that could not be treated by
other opioids)
8. Methadone (this drug has been used for
decades in the US to help people struggling
with heroin addiction slowly overcome their
struggles, and lead normal lives)
9. Codeine
10. Heroin (an illicit drug)

5. Symptoms of withdrawal range from mild to very severe, and
the symptoms that appear are based on the type of drug,
frequency of use, severity of dependence, and your overall
health. Early symptoms (within 6-30 hours of stopping the drug)
include anxiety, muscle pains and aches, excessive sweating,
insomnia, eyes tearing, restless legs, and frequent yawning. One
may experience abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and
vomiting, rapid heart rate, higher blood pressure, and dilated
pupils- that tend to appear later.

6. Inform your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of
these symptoms, or if your symptoms become worse, who may
prescribe other pain-relieving medications to ease withdrawal
symptoms. Opiate/opioid addiction may also be treated with
other drugs, including Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea,
Methadone for long-term maintenance, Clonidine for symptoms
of withdrawal, Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) for nausea, and
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) for
mild symptoms, to name a few.

7. Withdrawal symptoms tend to improve within a few days or
weeks. But seek medical help if your symptoms are worsening.
Quitting opioids can be challenging that may require long-term
recovery support or addiction treatment, including maintenance
medication, support groups, outpatient therapy, inpatient
treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP).

8. There are several different IOP programs, the goals of each varies
depending upon the issue the program is designed to treat. But
the main components of intensive outpatient programs include:
1. Imparting coping skills to participants
2. Developing enhanced self-awareness
3. Improving problem-solving skills
4. Recognizing unhealthy behaviors
5. Practicing asking for and receiving support

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