I have had 2 major abdominal and 1 shoulder surgery since getting sober. I made it through and didn't drink. I used the medications as prescribed or less as I healed.

If your doctor knows you'll need pain meds then believe them! They've done this before, you probably haven't! Right after surgery, just go with it, you don't need to be in pain. Too much pain can set you up for a "I'll take anything to get rid of this pain" mentality. Avoid that, that's dangerous with a capital D! The disease of addiction can be very subtle and so extremely tricky.

It's also important to know that most pain meds are most effective if there's a certain level in your body. So don't take 1 tablet and then wait until you're in supreme pain again before taking another. Use your brain and keep a maintenance level of pain meds in your system. Stay in touch with your pain level and act accordingly.

My best advice, based on my experiences, is to learn to recognize your motivation for what you do (in all things). Awareness of what you're doing and exactly why you're doing it is key. If I fake excruciating pain and beg for pain meds that's kind of obvious. Be honest with yourself. Sneaky faking or exaggeration can be tough to pick up on. And if you realize you're fudging a little bit, give yourself a break! We're all human!!

I made a promise that I would be honest, evaluate and talk with my spouse about the need for pain meds when I needed them. Get a game plan together, make contingency plans, the what if plans, whatever it takes to be prepared. Your next slip could be your last as in never make it back, don't let necessary medication set you up for a relapse.