I've been where you are, journeyman, and am again off and on...always will be with my condition.

Just always keep the concern, self-honesty and vigilence that you have now and you should do just fine. Whenever you have questions, talk with your doctor. May she/he could switch the type of med you use every so often to combat your concern with dependency even. That might not be an option because when we find something that helps our pain, why on earth would we risk three months of trying something that might not? scary...

Just keep being honest with yourself and do regular introspection regarding using your meds.

KD