Because both Oxycontin and heroin are opiates, their addiction treatment programs are extremely similar. For individuals who find themselves addicted to drugs, the actual substance of addiction is a mere symptom of the bigger picture. In a rehab center such as Ambrosia Treatment Centers, the big picture of a person's drug addiction will be uncovered through the processes of therapy. Drugs tend to make an addict feel whole – they make everything seem fine. But, in reality, addicts use drugs to avoid truly dealing with their problems. The sad truth is that it usually takes a serious crisis for an addict to begin to realize that they really do need help dealing with their problems. At Ambrosia, we can help you find your path back to reality. We can help you by providing ways to deal with your life without hiding behind Oxycontin or any other drug.

Oxycontin is medically prescribed as a painkiller for moderate to severe pain. The active and addictive ingredient is Oxycodone, which is a Schedule II narcotic. Schedule II narcotics are widely used in medicinal practices. They have been used for over 30 years and have been successful painkillers, prescribed in physician's offices, emergency rooms and dentist offices. Oxycontin is a time-released form of Oxycodone.

Because Oxycontin is a prescription drug, many young adults and teens may be under false pretense in thinking that these drugs are safe to use. Prescription drug abuse is a very serious problem, especially among young addicts. According to many annual studies that have been done over the years, one in five young adults have abused some sort of prescription medication. Rehab facilities all over the country are aware of this and have various programs available that are geared toward the recovery of opioid and prescription drug abuse.

Chronic use can result in tolerance. Oxycontin is very powerful due to its focus on time-release. Since its introduction in 1996, abuse of Oxycodone has increased and overdoses are very common. Once Oxycontin is prescribed or obtained illegally, the individual will begin to use it on a fairly regular basis. If this use is continued for an extended period of time, tolerance will build fairly quickly. Soon this individual will find themselves depending on Oxycontin to get through the day. And soon after that, an addiction will set in. If the individual stops using suddenly, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. If this individual sounds like someone you know, contact a rehab facility right away.

Hillbilly Heroin

Because Oxycontin is an opioid, the high experienced is similar to the high of the illicit drug heroin. Thus, Oxycontin was granted the common street name of "Hillbilly Heroin." Other street names include "Oxys" and "O.C." Oxycontin abusers have a few ways of using Oxycontin incorrectly. One way is to crush up the tablet and ingest or snort it, and another is to dilute it in water and inject it. By crushing or diluting the pill, the time-release action of this medication is disabled, causing a quick, powerful high. Many abusers who use both Oxycontin and heroin have said that the highs experienced are extremely similar.

Most healthy, nondrug-abusing patients do not report euphoria. Addiction to opioids used for legitimate medical purposes under a qualified physician's care is rare. According to NIDA however, many physicians limit prescribing powerful opioid pain medications because they believe patients may become addicted to the drugs. Recent evidence suggests however that unlike opioid abusers, most healthy, nondrug-abusing patients do not report euphoria after being administered opioids, possibly because their level of pain may reduce some of the opioids euphoric effects making patients less likely to become abusers.