It is all the above things you mentioned...illegal, etc. And as planielsen said, it can happen to anyone...that's why you hear so much about the "hydro holiday", to prevent this type of thing. I took one after my hospital stay...not a real long one, but long enough to help and now I can take a half of a Lortab with a 200mg Ibuprofen and feel the same relief I was getting from 1 whole Lortab before my "holiday". The break sucks...but do some research on the board and there is lots of good advice as to how to make it more barable. It's a good idea for anyone, and at least you have the "awareness" that it is an addictive behavior. Some people don't, and get into a very vicious cycle. That's one of the many benefits of DB...helping you keep a level head about all the addiction, etc issues involved in this.