Probably all of us in one form or another. Some of us get a script for an injury, or score for a particularly stressful event coming up, or for "one last go". For me, that's when the sneaky addict voice starts to tell me how I can keep it under control this time, I got them prescribed so it's ok to keep taking them even after the script runs out/I actually need them, I don't need to give them someone I trust to meter out (I'm not a child!), just a few more to taper, just one last weekend, just tonight, just to get going in the morning, spring back after lunch, get through the afternoon... and I'm right back where I started. The entire cycle is addict behavior and a clear sign of pending relapse, in fact it's the first phase in the lifecycle of a relapse.

It's especially complicated when there is a legitimate medical need, but of course there is very often non-narcotic alternatives if the Dr is asked (not that I have ever admitted that to myself, the Dr GAVE them to me, it's not my fault!). Even if they are necessary, there is almost always someone that could be in charge of dispensing, as expecting an addict to responsibly use their drug of choice is incredibly naive. If nothing else proactive accountability to a sponsor, SO or trusted friend, though of course I always convince myself that's unnecessary, how else would I be able to get away with using?

Sorry to be long winded, but I've seen this exact scenario play out in my own life and to addicts I'm acquainted with far too often. You CAN get back on track, this is a lesson in your ongoing recovery. The first step says powerless and unmanageable for a reason. You are already past the biggest hurdle, acknowledgement. Now you can act on it, go to a meeting, call a sponsor, engage with your support and know that one instance does not define the journey. Future sober you will look back on it as an educational side note in your transition from powerless addict to empowered and in active recovery. Good luck!