[kelnos]

Abuse and misuse of opiates is the key problem though. "Just don't abuse them" isn't a solution. As far as I understand, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are not addictive, while opiates are.

Opiates are only the best option if we ignore addiction, but we can't seriously do that.

AFAICT, I don't tend toward addiction, but I would much prefer ibuprofen or acetaminophen over opiates; I know that I can use those responsibly and not overdose and damage my gut or my liver, but I don't have the same confidence toward opiates. Not to mention I can't get opiates without a prescription, while the others are available OTC. I'm not going to go to the doctor to get an opiates script just for a headache or minor-injury pain.

I've been prescribed codeine before after minor surgery, and I was fine from the not-getting-addicted perspective, but wow does that drug mess with your brain. Sure, I'm not going to deprive myself of an effective painkiller when I really need it, but I'd rather not be in a fuzzy mental state if the pain is manageable with something else.

[johnisgood]

I am sorry it made you feel fuzzy. I did not say it works for everyone. My grandma gets delirious from Tramadol, for example. Many people are just simply pain-free on it without getting "high", let alone delirious. I personally do not experience these mental symptoms of opiates so I have no first-hand experiences. I know what euphoria is like, I have taken MDMA, but opiates works more peripherally for me, even the ones that are supposed to pass the CNS greatly.

Of course, I think, ultimately it is for you to decide whether it is worth the risk (feeling fuzzy) or not. It is not for me to decide what works for you. :)