Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain medication. OxyContin is a brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride, a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. While it can be effective for pain management, it carries a high risk of abuse and addiction.
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a prescription medication containing oxycodone, an opioid analgesic. It’s prescribed for pain relief related to injuries, arthritis, neuralgia, bursitis, and cancer. The drug’s effects are similar to those of heroin, which is why some individuals abuse it for its euphoric effects.
What Does OxyContin Look Like?
OxyContin tablets come in various strengths, including 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. The color and size of the tablets vary depending on the dosage. Each tablet is imprinted with “OC” on one side and the number of milligrams on the other.
How is OxyContin Abused?
OxyContin tablets are designed with a controlled-release mechanism, intended for oral consumption as a whole tablet. However, individuals seeking a more intense effect often bypass this mechanism by chewing or crushing the tablets. The crushed tablets can then be snorted or dissolved in water for injection. Bypassing the controlled-release feature intensifies the drug’s effects, increasing the risk of overdose and addiction.
Who Abuses OxyContin?
OxyContin abuse affects people of all ages. Data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse suggests that nearly 1 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older have used OxyContin nonmedically at least once. The drug is particularly abused by high school students. According to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey, around 4% of high school seniors in the United States have abused OxyContin at least once in the past year. This highlights the importance of education and prevention efforts targeting young people.
What are the Risks of OxyContin Abuse?
Abusing OxyContin carries significant health risks:
- Tolerance: Individuals who abuse OxyContin may develop a tolerance, requiring increasingly higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
- Dependence and Addiction: Long-term abuse can result in physical dependence and addiction. People who become dependent on OxyContin will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, and involuntary leg movements. These symptoms can be severe and uncomfortable, making it difficult for individuals to stop using the drug on their own.
- Respiratory Depression: Taking a large dose of OxyContin poses a risk of severe respiratory depression, which can be fatal. Inexperienced users are at higher risk because they may not know what constitutes a safe dose and haven’t developed a tolerance.
- Infection Risks from Injection: Injecting OxyContin increases the risk of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne viruses.
What are Common Street Names for OxyContin?
Common street names for OxyContin include OCs, ox, and oxy. Other terms include:
- 40 (a 40-milligram tablet)
- 80 (an 80-milligram tablet)
- Blue
- Hillbilly heroin
- Kicker
- Oxycotton
Is OxyContin Abuse Illegal?
Yes, OxyContin abuse is illegal. It is classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, have a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. The illegal use, possession, or distribution of OxyContin can result in severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Where to Find More Information
For more information on drug abuse and related topics, visit www.usdoj.gov/ndic. Contact the National Drug Intelligence Center at 814-532-4541 for NDIC products.
Contact Information:
National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
Telephone: 814-532-4601
FAX: 814-532-4690
NDIC Washington Liaison Office
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
McLean, VA 22102-3840
Telephone: 703-556-8970
FAX: 703-556-7807
