I'm 43 yrs old and didn't take any pain pills until a back injury. That was back in 2000. It took 10 years to finally stop. There were periods of time when I didn't use at all. I would go to any length, lie to anyone, (doctor's, police) in order to keep using. It wasn't until I told my Doctor the truth and asked to be cut-off that things turned for the better.
I have taken many steps to "burn any bridges" that may lead back. I told my wife everything. I gave her my insurance cards so I wouldn't change doctor's. I carry very little cash. I started seeing a counselor once a week.
The physical stuff is long over and I know it seems unbearable when you go through withdrawal, but if you just hang tough it does get better.