Hello fordman,
Everyone is different and not every situation is the same but, I tapered successfully. I was determined at the time (18 months ago) to lose my ten year painkiller habit. Just to be really different I kept a full scrip under my nose during the taper. I wanted the taper and the final kick into freedom to be on my terms. Not the drugs. I know I know, foolish and risky but it worked for me. A taper requires a ton of personal diligence and mental discipline so I'm sure it's not for everyone. My legitimate back pain increased a lot when I first quit but I attributed that to hyperalgesia. My pain is quite manageable now with zero pain meds. Not even Tylenol. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Good luck in your journey.