I agree with what you said. In my state, Oregon, the contracts have become required, as are periodic drug tests-which I don't like because I feel I'm being labeled as a problem when I'm only seeking pain relief. I've been on the same pain meds since 1997&my doc refuses to give me anything stronger&is satisfied when I say that my pain is only relieved 50% all of the time. It affects what I can do&when my back goes out due to sciatica-watch out!-I'm usually down for a week with that&am given additional Vicodin for a brief period&sometimes some very painful injections in my neck&back that make me cry to the point that my doc has asked if I want to continue the injections when I get sciatica. I just want to be able to walk&not be in so much pain that I can hardly stand it. I've requested physical therapy&have been refused it this year. Don't know why&doc isn't very forthcoming. He's a very serious person. But, I just grin&bear it&accept that I have a continuing chronic pain problem that can't be relieved except w/carefully monitored meds. Sigh.