The bigger issue is the medical system in this country doesn't allow enough time to be devoted to patients to properly manage the use of these drugs.
It is very easy to be in pain and find yourself being accused of drug seeking when you are trying to find relief.
the ultimate solution is a complex one! but rest assured the government will find a solution which harms the most innocent people.
Psychological addiction may be different, but avoiding physical addiction to narcotics doesn't seem much different than managing physical addiction to alcohol. When you start building up a tolerance, it's time to back off.