What is the Difference between OxyContin and Oxycodone?

As the use and abuse of opioids continue to rise, you may have questions about this complicated situation. While a variety of different drugs have contributed to the opioid epidemic, addiction to opioids usually begins with prescription drugs like Oxycontin and oxycodone. However, what is the difference between OxyContin and oxycodone?

Difference Between OxyContin and Oxycodone

A man stares at a bunch of pill bottles trying to understand the difference between oxycontin and oxycodone

Both products are used for pain relief. Both also require a prescription to get your hands on, legally. However, the hard truth is that prescription painkillers are highly addictive, making them a fast track to physical dependency.Ironically, you can’t have OxyContin without oxycodone, as oxycodone is the active ingredient in OxyContin. Oxycodone is also found in other brand-name drugs such as Percocet, Tylox, and Percodan.The main difference is that OxyContin has had a time-release component manufactured into it in order to increase the analgesic effects of the painkiller. By ensuring the medicine lasts longer, an average of twelve hours compared to the usual four to six, the patient doesn’t have to ingest as much as often. However, it will be a higher dose. Because of this, many feel the opioid oxycodone is the safer of the two drugs. OxyContin can be lethal when abused by overdosing or mixing with other drugs, like alcohol.

Opioid Abuse in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), oxycodone has been abused by addicts for over thirty years, but the problem really escalated when OxyContin was introduced on the market. People want it because of the euphoric feeling the high gives, and in turn, find themselves facing respiratory failure or worse when continually taking it.OxyContin is the currently the most abused opioid in the US. Doctors are guilty of dispensing painkillers too easily, and addicts pick up on this. They may even start ‘doctor shopping’ if they have to. Some crush the pills to snort the resulting powder; others melt it down and inject it, which bypasses the time-release factor and gets the user an immediate rush. The product also exists on the street, under a myriad of names and in assorted forms although pill is the most common. Some of the most common street names include:

  • OC
  • Oxycotton
  • Kicker
  • Hillbilly heroin

What Happens When You Develop a Tolerance for OxyContin or Oxycodone?

Through continued use, many people that use prescription painkillers tend to build up a tolerance to their effects. This leads to a need for more of the drug to achieve the same painkilling power. Eventually, the body becomes accustomed to high levels of the drug, leading to an inability to function without it. This is called addiction.An addiction to prescription pain pills can happen to anyone, and it can ruin a person’s life. Once an individual develops an addiction, his focus rests solely on getting more of the drug. There’s no difference between OxyContin and oxycodone addiction in this respect. This laser-focused mindset can lead a person to neglect important responsibilities and relationships. This can lead to the loss of a job, living situation, spouse or partner, or educational opportunity. Without proper treatment, a person can lose everything to the disease of addiction.

Treatment for Opioid Addiction at The Last Resort

Do you think you might have an addiction to prescription pain pills? If there is any hesitancy to your answer, then it’s time to call Last Resort. We’ll help you find a therapist, get into a detox program if you need it, and understand the difference between OxyContin and oxycodone. We’ll stay by your side through a full rehabilitation plan. Some of our treatment offerings include:

Sobriety is a way of life, and it’s within your reach. Call The Last Resort Recovery Center today at 512-750-6750.