My one significant experience with opioids — six weeks in connection with a pituitary tumor and its removal by surgery — convinced me of how easy it is to become habituated. Even though relatively brief and medically justified by pain, at the end of six weeks, I went through several days of flu-like withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, they are very addictive and I have seen numerous people struggle after a brief time on them.
I guess I am really lucky, was prescribed Vicodin for migraines for over thirty years and had no problem not taking them or stopping. I know some people have a more addictive personality than others, that’s why we have smokers that can’t quit and alcoholics.