You know, I'd define "addiction" as taking the medication after not needing it.
If you've got chronic pain and NEED the medication every day, then that's not an addiction. IMHO.
(by the way, I've had a herniated disc and surgery myself. Luckily the surgery was successful and my daily pain is tolerable without meds. Before the surgery the pain was excruciating. I cannot imagine living with that every day. I feel sorry for Rush.)
Huh?
Rush is an addict and this is his rationalization. I don't buy his story. This is a guy who has spent endless hours on air describing his golf game and experiences in pro-am tournaments. I can't imagine someone swinging a golf club regularly with this self-described condition even with painkillers. I think there is more to the story. It wouldn't surprise me that he was taking uppers and diet pills to cope with depression related to his physical problems including his loss of hearing. He is under investigation now so he is going to rehab as part of his legal defense.