Thanks so much all of you!
I am positive he is not abusing his pain medications - he's taking them as directed and the dosage has not changed since before he quit drinking. And also he is not abusing the xanax - he only takes one when he absolutely needs one.
It must be the alcohol withdrawals still.
I read somewhere on this board (I'm not sure where now!) that the alcohol gets into the spine and the body can hold onto it for up to a YEAR after quitting drinking? If withdrawal symptoms last that long - YIKES.
From what all of you have said it doesn't. That is a big relief.
Thanks again!