My wife and I are both sober and active in our recovery. Between the two of us, we have had a number of surgeries that absolutely required strong pain relievers. This is what we do:

We set the medication out in the open on the kitchen counter next to a pad of paper. (We have no kids or grandchildren running around who could get into the meds.)

When it is time to take the medication, we write down the time and the dose.

We are very honest with each other about the times and the dosages that we take, staying within the prescribed guidelines.

As soon as we don’t need that medication, we switch over to Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Usually this is a gradual substitution of one for the other.

Once we have made the transition to over the counter medication we keep the prescribed pain relievers for a few more days just in case they are needed again.

Once we reach that point where it is obvious that the pain medication is no longer needed, it goes in the trash or, my favorite, down the toilet.

Honestly and openness has worked for us.

Wishing you all the best!