Hi there journeyman

Its impossible for me to pronounce anyone as having a substance abuse issue. From what I see from your post though, it doesn't seem to me like extravagant use, but I only have my old use as a comparison lol. And I can say I never stopped at 2 or 3....EVER. I knew I had an addictive personality, so I was always afraid of pain pills aside from over the counter ones, so I never got hooked on those or anything. But it doesn't sound like you're abusing them, it sounds like you take them as prescribed to help with pain? I'm in the early stages of arthritis, and I have multiple sclerosis. For now, Advil and Tylenol help, but I know down the road there's a possibility I'll need something stronger. I take a Tylenol PM every night to help me sleep, but I've never taken anything stronger.

So, from my vantage point, it doesn't look like you've crossed a line. Its good that you're aware of your usage though, my mom was the same way. She caught it in time so it didn't turn into full fledged alcoholism/addiction. She could still stop at 2 or 3. I crossed that line, and once I had one, I drank till I slept, and that was daily. I would just say continue to keep an eye on it, and if you notice the usage increasing, take a look at that. It sounds like you've got it under control, something I sometimes wish I had done so I didn't have to completely abstain lol. I love my sobriety though, so I'm not complaining these days.

and good for you for taking a look at things.

~Rayna