With the big chain pharmacies you’re fighting against them actually knowing you well enough to trust your request is legit AND the fact their hands may be tied by corporate.

At smaller pharmacies the pharmacist can often make the call themselves.

It’s really due to the opioid epidemic. Pharmacies were flagged as “you should have known it was inappropriate use”. It’s the pharmacist who will be questioned as to their judgement. If they can say “I’ve know Mr Smith for 10 years, he fills all his prescriptions here, has only asked for early refills 4 times in 5 years and each time was due to travel. In my judgement he was no misusing the controlled substance.”, then they’ll be happy to do it.

If they don’t recognize you and when they look you’re a new customer and your reason is the same one they hear all day long from obvious abusers, then they won’t put their ass on the line for you. Double so if they know corporate will say no.