In treating chronic pain, the use of strong medications such as Morphine SR, Fentenyl Patches are being used. If a person has chronic pain what chances do they have of becoming addicted to the medication that allows them to live a somewhat "normal" life? What other effects can these meds have?

well first things first, there's a genetic component to addiction, so just because you take an addictive medication, doesn't mean your body will become dependant on it. also if you use it as prescribed, it's less likely to happen as well. if addiction runsin the family, or if you're uncomfortable, there are other ways of managing pain, physical therapy, acupuncture, there is one non narchotic med i know of , it's a strong NSAID ask your dr about it, I take it for my migraines,it's for "narchotic level" pain.

I have had chonic pain for many years.

I found out I was diabetic about 17 yers ago, when I presented with complications, in my case, neuropathy. Neuropathy pain is so hard to explain because it is always changing. It can be a horrid burn and itch, to a stabbing pain, to what I call bone pain, a deep throbing pain, to everything in between.
I also have siatica, pain that runs from my low back to my ankels.

I would like to think I am the kind of person who would not have addiction problems. Addiction does not run in my family, although I was a smoker for many eyars. I have been smoke free for more then a year and a half. Even so, sometimes when I smell a lit one, I crave but for a very short time.

I watched my ex husband become an alcoholic, and he uses pain meds all the time, so when it came time for me to explore how I could be more comfortable, it was with a clear mind that I did NOT want to become like my ex...sleep all day, up all night, no relationships with anyone basically.

Neuropathic pain is much worse at night, and has a tendancy to keep it's sufferer's up at night. I have tried many meds to ease the pain. From IB, to gabapentin, to tramadol (brand names NURONTIN and ULTRAM). None really help much, but the combination of Amitriptilene and gabapentin makes me sleepy enough that I can get a full nights sleep.

I take 800 mg of IB 3x a day for the siatica. It helps a bit, but I have to add a tramadol to the mix if I plan to go out and do much walking.
I have flexiril as well, but have had a script for 90 pills for ther last 7 months, so I don't take it often. I DO NOT want to be a veggie, trapped in an endless cycle of what time it is and when do I get my next pill, so I try to be very careful.

The best and most recent "medication" I have found for nueropathy pain is a bio-oil called "NURAGEN". It is plant based. I mix a couple of drops with a carrier oil, such as olive or sesame oil and rub it on my feet. It takes most of the pain away instantly!
The drawback is that it is expensive, so I use it sparinlgly.

I want to dump the gabapentin because I feel I don't need it anymore, and up the amitriptilline from 50 mg to 100 for sleep. I believe the typt. is non-habbit forming...hopefully.

Is there any advise you can give me to avoid having to live the rest of my life in a toxic soup cloud?
I think I am clear headed enough now, I just want to make sure I don't become unwittingly addicted.

PT, Acupunture and alternative methods are out of the question right now. Insurance will nt pay for it, and living on a fixed income and gassing up the car have become almost unmanagable, so what I have to do has to be in the comfort of my home.

A way I have found to help deal with chronic pain is hot showers/baths. You can also still do your own "physical therapy" by yourself. Or even just go to the physical therapist once and tell them you can't afford to come back and most of the time they will give you a packet of info on what to do. Many times it's more of a mental addiction than a physical one, where you think you NEED the drug, but you really aren't ADDICTED. Hope you can get some relief from the pain. good luck.

Desertrose1 sounds so familiar. I too have chronic pain. I take meds, and sleep til noon- then up all night. Now it is five in the morning, and I have been trying not to cry, so I dont wake up my kids asleep in the living room. I too have neuropathy pain. I have fibro, and every curve of my back is wrong. The nerve pain in my buttocks is burning, and I know what you mean about the changing sensation of it, and the onset at night.
Good luck to you.