What is OxyContin? How is OxyContin abused? Withdrawal symptoms associated with OxyContin dependency or addiction OxyContin, a trade name for the OxyContin tablets have a controlled- include restlessness, muscle and bone narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, is a release feature and are designed to be pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, painkiller available in the United swallowed whole. In order to bypass the cold flashes, and involuntary leg States only by prescription. OxyContin controlled-release feature, abusers movements. is legitimately prescribed for relief of either chew or crush the tablets. moderate to severe pain resulting from Crushed tablets can be snorted or Individuals who take a large dose of injuries, bursitis, neuralgia, arthritis, dissolved in water and injected. OxyContin are at risk of severe respira- and cancer. Individuals abuse tory depression that can lead to death. OxyContin for the euphoric effect it Who abusesOxyContin? Inexperienced and new users are at produces—an effect similar to that particular risk, because they may be associated with heroin use. Individuals of all ages abuse unaware of what constitutes a large OxyContin—data reported in the dose and have not developed a toler- What does OxyContinlook like? National Household Survey on Drug ance for the drug. Abuse indicate that nearly 1 million OxyContin is available as a 10 U.S. residents aged 12 and older used In addition, OxyContin abusers who milligram (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 OxyContin nonmedically at least once inject the drug expose themselves to mg tablet. The tablets vary in color in their lifetime. additional risks, including contracting and size according to dosage. The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), OxyContin abuse among high school tablets are imprinted with the letters hepatitis B and C, and other blood- students is a particular problem. Four OC on one side and the number of borne viruses. percent of high school seniors in the milligrams on the opposite side. United States abused the drug at least What is OxyContin called? once in the past year, according to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the The most common names for Future Survey. OxyContin are OCs, ox, and oxy. (Please see the Street Terms text box Whatare therisks? for additional names.) Individuals who abuse OxyContin risk developing tolerance for the drug, Street Terms for OxyContin meaning they must take increasingly 40 (a 40-milligram tablet) higher doses to achieve the same 80 (an 80-milligram tablet) effects. Long-term abuse of the drug Blue can lead to physical dependence and Hillbilly heroin addiction. Individuals who become dependent upon or addicted to the Kicker NDIC drug may experience withdrawal Oxycotton symptoms if they cease using the drug. Other productsof interest: , Huffing—The Abuse of Inhalants , Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth , Drugs,Youth, and the Internet OxyContin Fast Facts NDIC Isit illegal toabuse OxyContin? Yes, abusing OxyContin is illegal. OxyContin is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and meth- For more information on illicit drugs amphetamine, have a high poten- check out our web site at: tial for abuse. Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or www.usdoj.gov/ndic physical dependence. National Drug Intelligence Center 319 Washington Street, 5th Floor Johnstown, PA 15901-1622 Telephone: 814-532-4601 Check outFast Facts on: FAX: 814-532-4690 NDIC Washington Liaison Office + , , Crack cocaine , MDMA 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001 Crystal Methadone McLean, VA 22102-3840 methamphetamine , Methamphetamine Telephone: 703-556-8970 , , FAX: 703-556-7807 , Drug paraphernalia , PCP , DXM , Powdered cocaine NDIC publications are available on the following web sites: , Foxy , Prescription drugs ADNET http://ndicosa QuestionsQuestions , Fry , Psilocybin LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic GHB and analogs , Ritalin RISS ndic.riss.net , Heroin Rohypnol INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic andand , Inhalants , Salvia divinorum , , Call 814-532-4541 Jimsonweed Steroids AnswersAnswers , Ketamine , Teens and drugs to requestNDIC products , , National Drug Intelligence Center Khat Triple C a component of the , LSD , Yaba NDIC Product No. 2003-L0559-019 U.S. Department of Justice , Marijuana Cover photo: courtesy of Roger Kerekes, 081903 Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA.