TL, I don't know how you feel about it, but when I was in a lot of pain I was pretty grateful to be sober because in the past alcohol abuse provided temporary relief but made the overall pain worse, especially in the morning. My next challenge was the painkillers. Be careful of that. Though I had been over a year sober when I had my back surgery, I found myself eating painkillers after the pain was gone. Slippery slope. I feel for you and hope the nerve block helps.