The whole purpose behind "pain medication" is to allow the body to be free to do what's necessary to recuperate. I.E. Barb's recent thoracic lung surgery at MD Anderson was major stuff and they wanted her up and around the hospital almost immediately following surgery. In order to do this she had to be under some heavy pain killers-that gradually wore off after a few days.
As far as stocking up for a trip I've done that. Diving in the Corral Sea-not a Costco pharmacy in site! My internist gave me presriptions for emergencies should I run out of the normal stuff. Same for my dog when we car travel for any length of time.
Is overuse a problem. Of course.