Ive been thinking about this as well. Im in the process of titrating off from a high level after 7 yrs of oxy use. I also have OIH (opioid induced hyperalgesia) so I must get off them. I also still have serious, real pain i will need to control. I am planning to try cannibis but have considered kratom too. There is a Youtuber named "Adele" who has some vids posted on her experiences. Someone above says its an opiate, but it probably doesnt behave the same on the brain receptors. Which means, you'd still go through withdrawl to a certain degree because only a drug acting the same on the receptors is going to be a replacement. Maybe start the kratom and then start titration off the opioid would work best? Theres lots of things to try. Kava kava is another. Im about at the point where i need to pick. I also started using turmeric ( helps me better than ibuprofen), tart cherry juice, pineapple (anti inflammatories) and you could ask your family dr for an anti anxiety prescription to help you through titration withdrawl. Tell him your having panic attacks over your health issues. Just be careful with these.
As far as addiction, i personally much rathered be addicted to something natural. And , is it truly addiction if you use it for a purpose? Pain mngt is a noble reason imho to use a substance as long as you know the risks and plan to manage them. Like not running out. Its only a problem when you run out. The other thing you could explore is using poppyseed tea as an aid in titration. Theyre legal to buy. The tea tastes like an old wet shoe (so you wont love it) it has significant morphine content (sooth withdrawls) and makes you sleep like a rock. I used to go to noddingturtle for my "soap making supplies."