Interesting...... most seem to be accepting of the loss of their sharpness on chronic opioids....... I do not lose this whatsoever, and have a very reliable benchmark of work output, innovation and peer review, that actually goes UP when I'm in less pain, and doesn't dwindle whatsoever until 1.5-2 month mark when it's time to take 1.5 week off (minus acute needs, at which point there is a full or partial counting reset). I wonder wtf makes some people get a bit dulled on them while I do not feel it at all. I do get slightly more prone to moodiness close to a vacation , but NOTHING like the snapping I can do when in severe pain.
I do think Greycie is correct that there is a contingent that needs the medication less than physical symptoms dictate, but I think that takes a while longer and perhaps staved off with frequent vacations ? Of course they may be taking care of part mental pain as well, which honestly I would rather see them do that and do something positive, than to always be in the dumps.
My hypothesis is that the opiate derivatives have a HUGE spectrum of treatment applications...... BUT, are VERY tricky to apply for consistently good results in cases where pain decreases or the mental component is needed.
Guess the mental acknowledgement means I won't be getting my M.D. anytime soon eh ? Oh well, I like running with the big boys with my lil' high school diploma.
Do what ya gotta do just be SAFE!