In the earlier days of treating pain, I found codeine T-4s, or even T-3s, quite effective. However, after an off and on regimen of "higher octane" PKs (hydro and oxy) for the relief of several injuries (since healed), I find that fairly large doses of pure codeine, and even various strengths and types of hydro, barely effective for the occasional severe backaches, headaches and misc. pains of a 50+ year old person.
I guess I'm wondering if, after ingesting the stronger pain meds, there is a permanent effect on the receptors of one's brain, if tolerance exists from here on out, despite long periods of abstinence. Do codeine and hydro become "bunk" forevermore hereafter following a year or so of intermittent prescriptions for percocets and it's cousins?
I hope this makes sense -- I just concluded a ten hour work shift.

I have been off and on pain meds for some years, and find that since being on the stronger pain meds, something like Codiene won't work for me anymore.

Hope this helps.

Lisiebear

There are definitely tolerance levels that are permanant and you don't need to take stronger meds for it to happen. When I first started having back problems in 1991 1 5mg vicodin would make me blissfully pain free for hours. I took the regular strength hydro for aboy 9 months and was up to about 2 to 3 5mgs every 4 hours. Stopped taking them for about 2 years then my back started to act up again. At this stage 1 5mg did nothing for me and had to take at least 2 for any effect. Now after being back on opiates due to constant cronic pain for the last 4 years I need at least 2 to 3 10mgs every 4 hours to find pain relief. I just started on MS-Contin this week a fortunately have found that 1 30mg tab does quite well for me every 12 hours.