Interesting research indeed but its a damn shame that the media is using these findings to perpetuate this "marijuana is a gateway drug" bullshit. Once the mind has been introduced to any psychoactive substance chances are that it will be more prepared for any other psychoactive substance. Besides, if I was a lab rat given a life-time supply of pharmaceutical grade diamorphine I would go fucking wild.

Opioid tolerance is dependent on past or present usage and most importantly individual biochemistry. These are the safest, most effective pain relievers known to man but unfortunately law and society prevent many people from getting the opioids and relieve they are entitled to. Due to media hype and ignorance many doctors are reluctant to prescribe opioids even to those who really need them.

Faultydesign,
I am assuming your prescription is for 5/500 hydrocodone/APAP. This is the lowest dose available and simply isn't suitable for treatment of moderate to severe pain. If you get relief from 30mg of hydrocodone then ~20mg of instant-release oxycodone should provide relief at a similar level. So long as you don't look like a fiend you should be able to tell your healthcare provider that your current prescription just is not working very well. You might also mention that you tried a higher dosage successfully but are concerned about the amount of acetaminophen you would be ingesting if you did this frequently. He may be persuaded to prescribe a higher dosage of hydrocodone (they come up to 10mg) or something else entirely. Good luck.