I'm so glad so many folks found my answer helpful. I am working hard with a large group of physicians and other professionals to educate others on the real issues with opioid addiction --and it's NOT prescription medication. It's illegal Fentanyl that has doctors and lawmakers confused and taking drastic steps that have prevented REAL PAIN PATIENTS from getting the help they need by misinterpreting CDC & DEA guidelines.

Thank you for a very enlightening and insightful explanation of addiction vs. physical dependency. I do not crave opioid euphoria; I take my generic Norco as directed by a physician who is a pain specialist, and I find it more helpful than anything else I've tried. When the pain feels more mechanical than nerve-related, I take generic Aleve. These meds work on different pain receptors, and I think it's a good combination--for me, anyway. I've taken hydrocodone for many years without increasing the dosage or frequency of the medication; I've had to temporarily take higher dosages for post-surgical pain and for the extreme pain of two fractures. I suffer chronic pain--sub-migraine daily headaches and ongoing low back pain; I'm currently also experiencing pain from a shoulder fracture sustained 3 months ago, which is healing with physical therapy and calcium supplements, without surgery. My physical medicine doctor has suggested spinal injections at two specific sites for the low back pain; I continue debating that because I fear the worst (and least frequent) side effects, such as *paralysis.* Someone mentioned that they had stomach upset from taking opioids; I take generic Zofran for the nausea, and it helps me greatly. I hope everyone has courageous, sympathetic, and truly *helpful* physicians!