Slang or Street Names: Oxy, O.C.'s

History: Oxycontin is a tradename for the narcotic Oxycodone Hydrochloride. Oxycontin was developed in 1996 by Purdue Pharma.

Identification: It is legally available by prescription in the United States. On the black market, the price for one Oxycontin pill can range from $10-$150 depending upon its strength. Some other tradenames of Oxycodone include Percocet, Percodan and Tylox.

Effects:Some heroin users have turned to abusing Oxycontin in an effort to avoid the withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin use. Other started out abusing the expensive Oxycontin only to switch to the cheaper alternative, heroin.

So, why Oxycontin? Because of its potency! Percocet and Tylox each have 5 milligrams of Oxycodone. Percodan has 2.25 milligrams of Oxycodone. Oxycontin contains Oxycodone in strengths of 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 milligrams. The Oxycontin pill is designed and intended to deliver patients with a 12-hour controlled release of Oxycodone. Abusers will crush the pills and snorted or injected the powder. Users report the high experienced with Oxycontin abuse to be similar to a heroin high.