I avoided opiods for three years because I'm a recovering alcoholic with 11 years sober. When I was finally diagnosed correctly with RSD and met a competent and compassionate pain mgt doctor he assured me the clinic would monitor me closely. I was at the end of my rope with the pain and it affected every part of my life for the worse. After seven years the RSD has not improved. Every couple years I have had to increase the opiods. At one point I was on a daily dose of 90 mg of Avinza (time released morphine) and four 5/325 norco. I wanted to try and reduce the Avinza in favor or more norco for break through pain. Two years ago I cut down to 60 mg. and increased the norco to five a day. Now the pain is worse with the cooler weather here in the midwest and I'm going to ask my doctor to consider putting me on 7.5/325 norco and stay with five a day. I know better than to tell my doctor this but I currently run out of the norco in about three weeks and get refills every four. I have to hold back a few days supply to take before my appointment because everyone at the clinic is urine tested for what they are supposed to be taking and not taking. I've been keeping a pain diary for the past two months which I find helpful in sharing with my doctor when trying to change my meds. I also recently posted asking for advice from anyone who has experience with Soma. We have to be our own best advocate and a forum like this is helpful. The difference between addiction and physical dependence in the relief of severe chronic pain is well understood by people in our postition. Keep up the good fight.