My take is physicians prescribe pain meds too much. Opioids are very easy to get hooked on.
We have a tragic true story on my cul-de-sac. A fire department captain, college degree, wife and child.
Injured at work, gets on opioids, but can't get off. Loses family, loses job, kills himself. In his 40s.
The drugs are seriously mind-altering. Anybody who thinks "morality" and "will power" are the solution, basically don't know what they are talking about.
Will power is involved. You have to use it up front, though.
I still have most of a scrip for oxy given to me by a doctor after surgery for a hernia. Twice afterwards (oral surgeries), I was told 'We'll write you a prescription for pain meds" It was for oxy. I handed them back and said, "I'll call you if I need something".
Life isn't pain free. Sorry, but that's just the way it is. If you teach yourself to deal with it, and it isn't overwhelming, then leave the meds in the jar. Ask yourself, "Do I need this? Really? Is it that bad?"
More often than not, the answer is "No, I can handle this." I also believe in the least effective dose.
If half a pill will do, take half, don't take a whole one.
Not being doped up, I find what works with the least pain, and often that doesn't do any further damage.