yes,pain management is a huge challenge for any addict. For me, the blown up back and working construction meant my first opiate addiction. Couple years later and i get into recovery. I began to 'love myself' , began to be aware, began to listen to the phys. therapist who told me there was another way to treat my chronic back pain.
So i began the stretches, the crunches, the sun salutes, the asking for help on the job site, the daily walks [and then runs/bicycling]
Today the pain is waaaay manageable. yeah- that constant slightly numb foot messes with skiing . But no "meds" - barely an Ibupro. now and then.
i suppose the message that i had to hear was : no more short cuts/instant gratification. That willingness to work on some aspect of loving myself a bit each day- that's recovery...