It sounds like it is really doing what it's for! Other people that do not know how we feel can be quick to judge. I take Norco and have never been high, it just takes away a lot of the pain. I'm not taking it to slow my stool but it has to be as I've been taking it daily for over 2 years. A MD friend of mine said not to worry about taking it and addiction. If I start needing more to do the job that's when I need to discuss it in depth with my doctor.
I don't know what the big deal is with xanex either. I don't get high, I just feel less anxiety.
I quit trying to explain this to people who insist in telling me what I should or should not be doing. Life is too short to be around them.