No kidding, narcotics are a prescription drug for a reason, not just to make things difficult. Many people justify carrying other peoples' old prescriptions for climbing by thinking the concept does not apply to them. Others who are responsible consult their physician and ask for a prescription up front, explaining the concepts of mountain accidents and what would be good to have with them on a remote climb.
That said I'd probably be downing them if I was in a bad situation for a long period of time, and knew the contraindications.