E, I'm just someone like you. I got started in 1996, when I was first diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis (years of sports). Of course, my doctor never told me that I would become addicted with prescribed usage, and over time, once my body's tolerance built up, it took more and more medication to function at the same level. What I didn't know was that to function physically, I would impair my mental function, being drugged and clouded by the opiates running through my brain. I'm 44, an investment banker, been physically active my entire life, always fit, with the exception of a poor back. On top of that, I inherited migraine headaches, starting at age 14. Fortunately, I realized that hydrocodone was ineffective for my migraines, and Imitrex turned around that part of my life. Poof! Headache gone, no buzz. What I am now learning is how close I came to loosing everything with the Vicodin use. More startling, and I have alluded to this previously, is how many friends, colleagues, my doctor, and family have now commented on their suspicion of abusive drug use, once I admitted it. When I have told certain people, their reaction is one of non-surprise. We think we can hide it, but I know now that we are only kidding ourselves. A brain on opiates is not as perceptive and cognitive as a clean one. I only wish I had either realized it or had been intervened upon sooner. One thing, E, that I see in you, which is similar to me, is the fact that you realize that you must overcome this problem, with some mental toughness and choice. I respect that. One has to hit bottom, kick themselves in the arse and commit to getting clean. Is a week or a month of discomfort such a bad price to pay for our own choice of abuse? I think not. The medical problems in my case still exist, and have come back as strong as ever, without the numbing of the Vikes, however, I am seeking alternative treatment, in the form spinal blocks, etc., but no narcotics. I cannot take them again, so I will not. I think it is just like a reformed alchoholic knowing they cannot drink, so they choose not to. Take care.