I am only 24 yrs old, and I have had multiple knee surgeries (I have broken every bone in the same leg as well). Also, I have discs that are herniated that I have battled back from, a torn labrum in my left shoulder, and have broken other bones and had some other surgeries... None of this has stopped me from playing sports as much as I can tolerate. I am a gym rat, and I am constantly pushing myself in the gym... However, I am starting to really feel a lot of pain in my body lately, so I have been taking pain pills. The pills help me sleep regularly and keep me out of those bad moods from being in pain. I am concerned with becoming dependent on them, but don't know what else works as effectively?