I really wish people would stop demonizing narcotics. They work and are medically appropriate for controlling pain. Not everyone who pops a pain pill becomes "addicted". In fact very few do. I have been taking an increasing dosage of hydrocodone for the past three years. Not once have I ever experienced a "high" - only pain relief. I don't think I am addicted since I can (and do) easily reduce my usage when the pain is not so severe. The only thing I may be "addicted" to is pain relief. But if you have a hang up about using "narcs" then maybe your pain isn't insufferable like the pain of those who do need this medication. And yes, there are people who may be using narcotic pain relievers for the rest of their lives without a problem.