Palm Trees

OxyContin - The Hillbilly Heroin of Addiction

Brand Name: OxyContin
Generic Name: Oxycodone hydrochloride
 

Uses: OxyContin is a controlled-release form of the narcotic painkiller oxycodone that is prescribed for moderate to severe pain when continuous relief is needed for an extended period of time. 

How to identify the drug: OxyContin is available as a 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg tablet. The tablets vary in color and size according to dosage. The tablets are imprinted with the letters OC on one side and the number of milligrams on the opposite side.

Street names: Oxy 80s, oxycotton, oxycet, hillbilly heroin, 

How the drug is abused: OxyContin tablets have a controlled-release feature and are designed to be swallowed whole. In order to bypass the controlled-release feature, abusers either chew or crush the tablets. Crushed tablets can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected.

Effects of abuse:  One of the scary effects about OxyContin abuse effects is that they can crop up at any time during the addiction cycle. First-time OxyContin users can easily overdose. Thus, even in cases where abuse doesn't occur directly, side effects may include strong breathing problems, confusion, clammy skin, dilation of the pupils, and weakness and fatigue.

Overdose signs: Slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.

Withdrawal symptoms: Sudden stoppage of OxyContin can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal syndrome may be characterized by restlessness, secretion of tears, restlessness, anxiety, runny nose, yawning, perspiration, chills, muscle pain, and dilation of the pupils. Other symptoms also may develop, include irritability, vague pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.

Typical treatment: Professional help from a heroin detox center or drug rehab specializing in OxyContin is the best and safest way to do this but there is no painless way. OxyContin has been described as more difficult to treat than heroin withdrawal.