I haven't personally used Lortabs, but my husband has. He hasn't had any problems taking them. He's been using them everyday for over 2 years and what he can't stand is pain; and these help him so much.
Maybe you could try them tonight to at least get a good night's rest and see how they work for you. My husband takes them round the clock, but you could probably get by with just using them at night.
I've always been afraid of becoming addicted to pills, too, and I only use what I absolutely have to, so I understand your fear. But, why not try it for one night and see how you do? My daughter had to be on pain pills recently and she was afraid of them, too. But, she only needed them for a few weeks and then stopped them with no problem. I'll be thinking of you, Terri