I had a severe back injury (lumbar) 10 years ago. I was initially prescribed Oxycontin and Morphine in addition to 1800 mgs. Gabapentin. I took this combination for four months while bedridden. I knew I was becoming addicted, bit the bullet and weaned myself off of all but the Gabapentin.
Prior to all that, I was on Duloxetine 90 mgs. nightly for chronic pain and continued that after I weaned off the above cocktail.
For now, Duloxetine has numbed my pain enough for me to push through what pain there is. At one time I ran out of Duloxetine and had difficulty getting a refill. After a week, I was in terrible pain. So I guess you could say I was addicted. But it worked.
Opioids make me constipated to the point I landed in the hospital for five days. The constipation and straining has resulted in a large Hiatal Hernia I will need repaired. Two-thirds of my stomach is in my diaphragm.
Use opioids only when in intractable painbut don't count them out altogether. Know how to manage the constipation so you don't end up in my situation.