[johnb838]

But Rush's case is a perfect example of the conundrum. To treat pain adequately, you run the risk of addiction. If you get addiction, you wind up with a patient still on the meds 8 years down the road and doing whatever is necessary to get the drugs. I had major back surgery. I understand all about the pain -- and mine worked, so eventually it stopped hurting. But this is a very difficult question.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Agreed. But IMO they are comparing "normal folks" to addicts. Most normal folks want to heal and get on with their lives, not sit in bed pumped with neuro-supressive drugs. The studies that have been conducted in this area, and/or the subsequent mytholgogy have been IMO deeply flawed.