HE SAID READER:  My partner of 6 months just came home from a 3 week business trip.  He was in the shower with his suitcase open and I noticed a bottle of pills which was labeled oxycodone.  There were at least 30 of them and the name of the patient and doctor were scratched off.  I didn't say anything to him.  With all of the media talking about Micheal Jackson and his prescription drugs I think I am being too scared.  But, I really don't know what to do.

BENDER:  Just what does it tell you that the name of the doc and the patient is "scratched off"?  You say that you and your partner have been together for 6 months.  Does it make sense to you that you say NOTHING?  The issue is not whether you're scared or not.  The issue is that a prescription bottle with a highly addictive drug was in  the possession of your partner.  If he was prescribed this drug, chances are good that the names would not have been tampered with. The first (and always the best) tactic is complete honesty.  Tell your partner what you saw in his suitcase.  Then, follow up with telling him about your fear.  If your friend has a problem with oxycodone, you need to know and he needs help.  If the death of Micheal Jackson prompted you to be alarmed; it's not a bad thing.  Not discussing this concern with your partner is not going to serve either one of you.  Remember; the only gift we have to give to people we love is our truth.  Go for it!