Is Oxycontin Similar to Heroin

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a psychoactive, addictive drug. It is an illegal or “street” drug, and it can be found in the form of a white or tan powder, or a black, sticky substance called “black tar” heroin. Most people who use heroin began after using other substances, like prescription painkillers.1
Heroin is part of a class of drugs known as opioids. Opioid overdoses have been on the rise in the last decade, and this increase can be attributed to the misuse of prescription painkillers like Vicodin and Oxycontin.2

Is Oxycontin Similar to Heroin?

Oxycontin is similar to heroin in that it is an opioid that produces a euphoric high when used, but different in that it is a prescription drug that is legal when prescribed. However, many people use the drug illegally. Below, we’ll discuss more about Oxycontin, including Oxycontin side effects, Oxycontin vs. oxycodone, and how to spot Oxycontin addiction.

Oxycontin vs. Oxycodone: Is Oxycodone the Same as Oxycontin?

When thinking about Oxycontin vs. oxycodone, some may wonder the difference. Oxycontin and oxycodone are the same drug; Oxycontin is just the name brand for oxycodone. Oxycodone can be marketed alone or as Oxycontin 10 Mg up to 120 mg prolonged-release tablets. Some may have misconceptions concerning Oxycontin vs. oxycodone and believe the substances are different drugs, but essentially, they are just different names for the same substance.

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction

People who use Oxycontin will typically experience immediate effects, including feelings of relaxation, euphoria, pain reduction, anxiety, and increased sedation. People misuse Oxycontin because of the euphoric high that can be achieved from the drug. However, someone using or misusing the substance may also exhibit the following Oxycontin side effects:

Dry mouth
Dilated pupils
Sweating
Weakness
Poor hygiene or grooming
Depression
Constipation
Extreme fatigue
Dizziness
Loss of appetite

Several severe side effects can occur when using the drug, including low blood pressure, lightheadedness, slowed breathing, and cardiovascular issues—including heart attacks. In severe cases, death or coma can occur.3

Long-Term Issues with the Use of Oxycontin

There are several issues associated with the use of Oxycontin, including long-term consequences. If someone uses the medication for more than a short amount of time, they may:

Develop severe tolerance to the drug, where they need larger and larger amounts to feel its effects
Develop opiate use disorder, which has the potential to take over your life to the point where your daily activities revolve around the drug
Face liver and kidney failure, in some rare cases
Experiences changes in the brain that can lead to issues with memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities

In addition to these health effects, Oxycontin use can also create tension in relationships, problems in your career, and drag you down a negative life trajectory. Without addressing a substance use disorder, you put yourself at the risk of severe dependence and drug overdose in the worst-case scenario.

Oxycontin Lawsuits

Regardless of side effects, any drug must be determined by the FDA to be safe to use. Companies that produce the drug are supposed to warn consumers of potential risks, but this doesn’t always happen.
Oxycontin lawsuits have unfortunately become common due to the increasing number of Oxycontin deaths and addictions. Purdue Pharma, the company that manufactures Oxycontin, did not warn patients or doctors about Oxycontin’s high potential for addiction. This lack of transparency is one of the leading allegations driving lawsuits against Purdue Pharma.4 Ultimately, these Oxycontin lawsuits may make the drug less accessible and increase awareness of the drug, ideally leading to fewer Oxycontin deaths.5

Warning Signs of Oxycontin Abuse

It’s not always easy to spot the signs of opioid addiction, especially for people who are taking prescribed medication. Below are some common signs of Oxycontin abuse to look out for.

Increase in Dosage or Frequency of Use

It’s common for people to be prescribed low doses of painkillers, like Oxycontin 10 mg, unless they have incredibly severe injuries. However, if someone tries to increase their Oxycontin 10 mg dose to a higher amount or tries to dose up often, this may indicate Oxycontin abuse.

Ongoing Use

Painkillers are typically prescribed to treat acute pain and due to their addictive nature, are not intended to be used long-term. Someone using Oxycontin for longer than expected or longer than their doctor intended can indicate substance misuse.

Neglect of Responsibilities

Like other addictions, shunning usual responsibilities and daily tasks can indicate a substance use disorder, especially if this neglect of duties is new, sudden, or uncharacteristic. This can include missing appointments, neglecting personal hygiene, and missing work or school.

Time Spent Seeking Out the Drug

If you find yourself or someone else spending a lot of time and energy trying to get more Oxycontin—or even if you notice yourself or someone else thinking or talking about the drug often—this can point to Oxycontin addiction and abuse.

Isolation

Sometimes, people who become addicted to substances deal with feelings of shame that cause them to want to isolate themselves from others. Additionally, someone addicted to Oxycontin may become isolated from loved ones because the desire to acquire and use the drug has taken over their life.

Treatment at San Diego Detox

If you or someone you know is suffering from substance use disorder or Oxycontin addiction, there are many opportunities available for you to move forward and get better. You do not have to resign yourself to a life of addiction.
At San Diego Detox, compassionate and caring professionals guide you through recovery with a full range of services. These services include detox, medication-assisted treatment, and inpatient rehab. You can heal on your own time while also rediscovering joy in your daily life, enjoying the facility’s onsite movie theater, swimming pool, and other luxury amenities.

Reach Out Today

If you or your loved one are looking for a family-oriented, close-knit organization with an experienced team to meet your unique needs, San Diego Detox may be the right fit for you. You deserve to recover and feel your best—don’t hesitate to reach out. Jumpstart your recovery journey today and regain autonomy over your own life once more.

Is Oxycontin Similar to Heroin

What is Heroin?