Hey sweetie,
I totally agree with all the replies you got on the thread titled "Need some help/advice".  I think that that's how most pain pill addictions start is exactly what you're describing.  That's how mine started about 2 1/2 years ago.  As pain, then alot of stress thinkin' "hmmm... wow this is makin' all my problems go away", then when that was established, after a while, I started takin' more and more to "feel better".  I went from about 5 pills to 40-50 pills in a matter of about a year up to about a couple of months ago.  With the help and support from this forum, I quit for 13 days straight, then started takin' pills but only 3 or 4 every 2 or 3 days.  I still want to quit completely but for now, 3 or 4 every 2 or 3 days is a huge difference and not nearly as dangerous as 40 - 50 pills every day.  Not to mention all the bill money I was taking out of our bank account.  Oh, I also had to quit my waitressing job of 4 years, just to get away from my so called "friends" that had them every nite that I worked, askin' "hey, you wanna buy some".  I had to get the hell away from that place.  I went a month without a job, (hubby and I fought almost everyday over it, he couldn't understand why I quit without another job lined up lol) found another one though and started workin' a week ago. yayyyyy... no more people with pills and I ain't askin' either cuz I want to keep it a pill free work place lol...  I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do but please please please however you decide to quit... just quit somehow.  And with only taking 4, it should be way easier than if you decide to quit when you are taking more. Just taking 4 shouldn't be that hard at all actually.  You sound like a very smart and willful person, I have faith in you.  We're here before, during, and after you go through it.  Take care and you are definitely in my prayers, god bless you, hugzzzz, Lil.  :)