Long term opiate use - problems?

At 52, I was injured in a severe accident at 20. I have been on many opiates throughout the years, long acting, short acting etc. Morphine derivates cause way too much sedation for me and therefore I was on OxyContin for 20 years. It is critical that while taking narcotics that you take the minimal dose possible at all times. I never took the prescribed amount in less I was in critical distress. This system worked for me for 20 years and allowed me to finish college and engage in a meaningful career for 20 years however rebound headaches are very real on OxyContin, and I now refuse to take it. I use short acting Hydrocodone and Tylenol to manage my chronic pain and again, take the minimal amount possible. Fluctuating dosing seems like a critical aspect of keeping yourself functional (take less whenever possible, snap pills in half, extend dosing timings when possible). Continual increase in dosing (titration) is a huge red flag; I would avoid that at all costs. At some point you will have to cut back and then deal with the pain again and withdrawal pain is very real. Hydrocodone is by far perfect, opiate treatment is not intended to reduce all of your pain, it is intended to cut the edge on your pain so you can use additional strategies to manage. I have had 13+ spinal surgeries, stimulators, failed stimulators, fusions, adjacent segment disease and high-grade spinal stenosis. Like a financial investment, diversify your treatments. Bio Feedback, deep breathing, exercise, distraction (music, meditation), psychotherapy (critical 1 x a week) are all super helpful. Have a pain therapist to talk to, it does really help. Opiates have been gaining a bad reputation for years, but super responsible usage can have great efficacy and be a lasting PART of an overall treatment plan. It takes some discipline. Never titrate up before surgeries, you will suffer terribly. Just my opinions, I hope this can help someone, thanks for letting me share.