If you take pain killers regularly starting at a young age, will they continue to work later in life?

What is your opinion of pain killers. My pain is chronic headaches and most doctors say they don't prescribe medicine for chronic headaches. I have managed to get on ultram which is effective only in high doses. I think I am a bit dependent on it even though it is not a narcotic. Yet I crave something stronger. I think I need to change the way I view this whole situation because of the chance of addiction. Your thoughts?