Opiates and opioids, also known as narcotics, are the strongest pain relievers available. They are also some of the most widely abused and addictive substances known to man. Abrupt cessation of the use of these substances leaves the user in great physical and psychological pain. The symptoms can include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, yawning and sweating at first. They are sometimes followed by restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, fever, tremors, severe, severe depression, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, chills alternating with flushing, excessive sweating, pains in the bones and muscles of the back and extremities, and muscle spasms. The acute portion of opiate withdrawal typically lasts 3-5 days.
