Stopping a (teen) hydrocodone addiction before its serious, please help.

My girlfriend just told me that she's developed an addiction for "pills". When I asked her what they were she said she's been taking pills from her dad's cabinet. They're labeled, straight up, hydrocodone. She said she takes anywhere from 1/2 to 2 tablets per dosage, anywhere from one to two times a day. She said that she tried to go cold turkey and stop, but said she almost passed out when she tried.

Things to keep in mind:

She is a teenager, (15), the thought of going to a doctor/help clinic/anything along those lines is MUCH scarier than the addiction itself. Therefore, if there is ANY way around going to these measures please let me know.

Questions that arise:
-If this was as a drug that contained hydro, then 1-2 tablets a day would seem very reasonable (in terms of an addiction), but this is hydrocodone tablets. Is this a serious addiction yet? How reversible is this at this point in time?

-She said she almost passed out from trying to W/D. What could this be related to? Blood pressure? dehydration? If she had to go through some pain to fix the problem, then it would be a separate matter, but physically passing out worries me.

I appreciate any help I can get, thank you.

[niknax]

Can someone please assist me in this? I'm so worried, and feel helpless :(

[madtram]

You are a wonderful boyfriend to be prepared to act on your concerns.  I agree that it's a worrying situation & it would be great to stop this problem in its tracks.

The late hour is probably partially the reason for the lack of response but it's also a tricky situation.  Dealing with addiction requires a high level of desire and commitment from the addicted person. It's a start that your gf has described her situation as an addiction and maybe you could encourage her to post here herself, given that she can remain completely anonymous.

It's too difficult to assess her response to withdrawal, we don't know anything about your gf's medical history & given her young age, my natural instinct as a parent is to say that it's too risky not to get professional help.

On the other hand, it's common for the addicted brain to justify continuing to take drugs in all sorts of ways, including maintaining a belief that withdrawals are too hard & this can become a self fulfilling prophecy.

Do you know any non judgmental adult whom your gf would respect but not be put off by? Is your school large enough that you could approach a school counsellor for suggestions without your gf being identified?

[faith_hope_love]

She is so young, she is playing with fire.  Madtram gave you good advice and others will be along to comment with suggestions too I am sure.  The only thing I would add..please have her come here and just read about 3 or 4 pages of people posting, begging for help.  She needs to know just how serious this is.  Withdrawal from opiates are terrible with a capital T.  Leg cramps, diarrhea, sweats, cold chills, major anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, it goes on and on.  That usually last about 5 good days for hydrocodone and it is out of your system BUT then the mental stuff you have to deal with can last even longer.  Maybe not for her now but if she continues down this path, you can believe that it will be bad.  
Let her read what some of these dear people are going through right now on this forum.  It's not pretty.

[gnarly_1]

HI....the 2 of you can read threw the posts here just what to expect wile going threw withdrawals sooner or later she is going to run out of the pills and be forced into withdrawal
as a parent and one of the community leaders I cant recommend
you guys try this your self coming clean with her parents would be the best answer
they may be mad at first but assure you they will want to help im the parent of a young girl that became an addict and tried to move the world to get her well it wasn't till she was ready to get will that she did...your girls habit is not that bad yet but left alone will only get worst
you need to get help and get it now keep posting for support good luck and God bless
Gnarly

[niknax]

::UPDATE::

She has told me when she trys to stop that she gets very nauseas and stomach sick. This is what came to my mind:

A: Shes putting chemicals into her body, and is eating almost nothing.
B: These chemicals mix in her stomach and NORMALLY would make her feel sick, but since shes taking the pain killers, she cant feel it
C: When she stops taking the pills, the severe stomach pain sinks in.

:::: Possible solution: Eat healthy for several days, maintain a habitual routine, then try again to stop with the pills. The food in her stomach will balance much more with the pain and make quitting much more bearable.

What are your thoughts on this?

I am set on doing everything i can to help her stop, while keeping her safe. If things become worse I will change my tactics, but its worth a try.

[gnarly_1]

the sick stomach is a sigh of withdrawals cramping the runs are all part of it if she just stops its going to take about 4 days to run it coarse please tell her mom whats going on...Gnarly