Hi, Gerry,
I am lucky enough to have satellite tv and that particular prog scared the life out of me earlier this year. But, as you say, my Pain Specialist is an expert - he's actually a working anaesthetist and I have literally trusted him with my life (on the table). Abuse leads to far worse side effects than medical use, but I am still cautious.
I just wonder as to the prevalence of use of these drugs as they have been shown to work so well for neuro pain - and personal experience confirms this.