I think the first line of business would be to get whatever is going on with his back figured out and taken care of, if possible.

The pain clinic should have done something besides tell him about their policy of not prescribing opiates. While opiates do work for many, and are good for short term, the addiction problem is definitely on their minds 24/7. Patients usually have to sign papers that they will NOT seek other treatment (ie: drug shopping) while under the care of the pain clinic. There are other drugs out there for neuropathy. Prialt comes to mind. It is infused into the spine via Medtronic pump, it takes some time to get the dosage right but it isn't an opiate. There are also good results coming from injections of Botox to the offending nerves. Is there another pain clinic he can be seen at?

One thing he will have to do is NOT GIVE UP. He may think they are taking too long, but he has to remember that nerve pain is a trial and error sort of science. He may have to endure it while they figure out what works and what doesn't. Everyone is different and it takes time.

Good luck to him. You are a good sister and he is lucky to have you on his side.