Oh John, I am so sorry to hear this. John and I had a private conversation about this months ago. We discussed the dangers of it, and how inevitably chronic pain leads to addiction, etc. I don't like to talk about it, but hell I feel closer to many of you all than I do with guys I've been to combat with...So I'll share with you all.
I had a very similar habit to John's. Except Army doctors would NEVER prescribe that much dope to a soldier, so I bought most of mine from the streets at $1/mg. I had a problem a bit before I joined the Army, but after getting blown up more than 8 times in 2007-2008, numerous concussions and back problems, etc, I started the habit all over again. This all culminated in the use of about 300-400mg of Oxy a day. That's at least 10 Oxy 30mg pills a day. However, snorting them wasn't enough anymore, so I started to go the IV route. Once you try this, there is no turning back...
What is amazing is that I am not in prison or dead right now. I came close to being kicked out of the military dishonorably. I came close to losing my precious wife, bless her sweet heart, because she had zero tolerance for the abuse of drugs. Essentially, I was able to use a silver tongue that was crafted over many years of learning to scam people to support my habit. It's hard not to feel low and worthless when you are in such a state. But believe me...the power of these narcotics can never be overestimated. Almost everyone knows somebody in their lives that is affected.
I got help, eventually. I joined a methadone program and am currently in the process of gradually reducing my dose until I no longer have to take the drug. Most people at my clinic have been there for quite some time, often years, and so this in itself can be a bad addiction. However, there is a ton of misinformation out there regarding methadone and suboxone, and I can say definitively that the stuff is partially responsible for saving my life. The other half is group and personal counseling, which I have pursued aggressively. The last part, for me, has been miniature painting. This is a hobby that I can focus my addictive nature towards for a good purpose. I imagine it is the same for you, John. My join date on CMoN corresponds roughly with whenI got clean...
Ill close with this, and please don't think I am being judgmental or think anything but the best of you John. I know you are a warrior. As such, we are sometimes afraid to reach out and get assistance. But in my opinion, without of course medically diagnosing you and only basing this off of the tiny threads of info we have shared....I don't think you should find another doctor like your last one. There is probably a reason more than just the one jerk that sold to some narcs, for this doctor going to jail or losing his liscense. He is a quack doc, from all appearances. He grossly and negligently over-prescribes his patients, as he did to you. You will have trouble finding a doc that will make similar risks and cause such harm to his patients (except in Florida). In your own mind, you are reasoning that you are in such pain and so you need to stay high 24/7. You will justify anything and everything to keep them coming. Everything is secondary to these pills. And I mean everything. But always and eventually there is a breakdown. Whether this be from your supplier or a relationship that just won't continue with the way things are. I destroyed everything my friend, and just barely escaped with my wife, my career, and some of my integrity. Please John, kick the pills. Get on methadone and then wean yourself off of this in a controlled setting. I will fly to you and hold your hand through the whole process if that is what it takes. I just know all too well the evil of this stuff....
I feel very strange discussing this so openly, but I do so only because I want to help, John. I love you my brother...Stay Strong!!!