I had the same issue. When I started out on opiates, I wasn't nodded out, I was taking low doses and cleaning my house, spending time with friends. Gabapentinoids do the same thing but better imo. If it wasn't for how addictive both substances are (and inconsistent opiate supply) I'd still be on it.

If you haven't tried it, kratom is worth giving a shot. Very similar to opiates, but nowhere near as heavy. The withdrawal is also WAYYY easier than real opiate withdrawal if you get hooked