I don't like this poll. You list several different kinds of pain pills... But lump every benzo into the same category. This leads to a higher vote count for benzos, which at first glance gives it sort of an edge as the worst w/d. I've had withdrawl from dilaudid at one point in my life, and methadone at another point and Oxycodone at a further point. I can tell you that the only MAJOR difference between the three in withdrawal phase is the duration. Oxy and dilau, it's hard to say which one took longer to come off of, I wasn't keeping track.. It wasn't a perceptibly different amount of time though. Methadone (the most sinister drug on the planet, imo) took about 1/3 of a year for me to feel 'normal'. The symptoms were just as bad as oxy and d w/d with twice the duration. No difference in how much I suffered moment to moment. Now I have no experience with benzo withdrawl, but I know people who do. 2 people to be exact, and both said opiate withdrawal was worse. my point is... This poll is a little too specific about opiates, and too general about the benzos. Note: I'm not saying ones worse than the other, I don't mean to belittle the accomplishments of those of you who have kicked benzos, I'm sure it was incredibly difficult. Also! The reason methadone/sub Is something I consider might have spawned from satan's asshole is because of the duration of withdrawal, not how bad it feels. It's so hard to quit a drug that clings on to you that long because hey.. You have to work, you have to feed yourself, and how does one do that when they feel like they have a fever for weeks on end.
edit: I've been reading this thread a little more and from what I can gather, benzos seem to mess with people in the head more while opiates are more of a physically uncomfortable thing. I guess it all has to do with your perception of things. Still though, I think the duration aspect of it is key, so methadone still takes the cake for me. The more time you spend feeling like shit, the more likely you are to say, "screw it, let's get high"