I'm on methadone. originally I was put on oxycodone but the side effects became problematic so I was transferred to methadone. the pain I have is very severe and almost completely treatment-resistant so the doctors considered using opiates. I haven't had any problems with side effects on Methadone but I am now coming off it after several years. Withdrawal has not been easy but I have no regrets about trying methadone. I think for some people there is definitely a place for the use of opiates and I guess it's an individual choice. At the time it enabled me to do a lot more as it contained the pain at a manageable level. I'm coming off it now for a range of complicated reasons but I would be open to trying an opiate again in the future. All the best with your decision making.