The oxycodone vs OxyContin debate isn’t a debate at all, but there is confusion about these two drugs and their properties. Both drugs treat pain, but oxycodone is an opiate ingredient featured in various medications, including the brand-name drug OxyContin. This blog will clarify what these drugs are and how they work. Both are highly addictive and are involved in a high rate of drug abuse. If you are addicted to oxycodone or OxyContin, you likely need help that you can find at an accredited addiction rehab center like Muse Treatment.
Muse Treatment is a leading rehab center in Los Angeles renowned for its blend of medically traditional, holistic, and alternative treatment programs. Our licensed clinicians provide treatment tailored to each client’s needs. Our treatment programs include alcohol and inpatient drug detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and aftercare. Because we offer comprehensive addiction treatment, we also feature medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and dual diagnosis treatment for clients who can benefit from these therapeutic options.
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Introduction to Opioid Medications
Opioid medications are game-changers in the treatment of pain. Morphine, derived from the opium poppy, was the first opioid drug used medically in the U.S. (during the Civil War) to treat pain. Over time, the medical community developed other drugs from the opium poppy or synthetic opioids. The illicit drug heroin is synthesized from morphine but has no medical use. Unfortunately, even prescription opioids are highly addictive and can be as deadly as heroin. Oxycodone and OxyContin are prescribed to treat severe pain, such as pain associated with surgery or injury, as well as health conditions associated with a high degree of pain. Patients who take these drugs, even for legitimate medical reasons, can become addicted. People who use these drugs recreationally have a high risk of developing an addiction.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a generic opiate agonist that is added to various opioid narcotics, including OxyContin, Percocet, and Percodan, which explains why people might wonder about oxycodone vs. Percocet just like they ask about oxycodone vs OxyContin. Consequently, when people discuss OxyContin, they’re technically talking about the same ingredient — oxycodone. Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug that has a significant risk of abuse. The longer a person uses this drug, the greater the risk for tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Oxycodone is featured in various medications because it is effective for treating pain.
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a brand-name narcotic that is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains the active ingredient oxycodone in a slow-release form. Like oxycodone, OxyContin is a Schedule II drug that has a high risk for abuse. The longer an individual uses this medication, the greater the risk of abuse and addiction. A person taking OxyContin or oxycodone can experience an overdose if taking too much of the drugs or mixing them with other substances. People prescribed either drug are typically monitored closely by their prescribing physician, but substance addiction may still develop.
Key Differences Between Oxycodone vs OxyContin
There is one key difference between oxycodone vs. OxyContin. OxyContin contains a slow-release formulation of oxycodone. Otherwise, both drugs are effectively the same. OxyContin is a brand-name drug for the slow-release version of oxycodone. In other respects, these drugs are effectively the same. Oxycodone is added to other drugs such as Percocet, however. Even so, the oxycodone medication may have a slightly higher risk of addiction than Percocet or Percodan because it has a higher concentration of oxycodone, owing to the slow-release action of the drug.
Similarities Between Oxycodone vs. OxyContin
Oxycodone and OxyContin are certainly similar because they are chemically the same substance. OxyContin is a slow-release form of oxycodone. oxycodone is added to various other brand-name drugs, such as Percocet and Percodan. There is often confusion about these two similar-sounding drugs, but one is a brand name (OxyContin), and one is a generic drug (oxycodone).
Risks and Side Effects of Oxycodone and OxyContin
Taking either oxycodone or OxyContin involves a similar risk of abuse and addiction. Moreover, both drugs can involve various side effects. These side effects can include:
- Increased sedation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Itching/rash
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Reduced respiratory function
- Dizziness
In some cases, people may experience seizures or organ damage, particularly if too much of the drugs are ingested.
The risk of substance abuse is great in association with these drugs because they are highly addictive. A person who uses these drugs habitually is at risk of developing a tolerance to their dose. Increasing the dose can pave the path to drug dependence and then addiction.
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Addressing Misuse and Addiction
Today, opioids, including prescription medications like oxycodone and OxyContin, are among the most widely abused drugs. Opioids are responsible for more overdoses and overdose deaths than other drugs. For this reason, the medical community and legislators have attempted to clamp down on the number of prescriptions for these medications, though there are other steps to preventing an opioid overdose that are also essential. Even so, people who take these drugs for legitimate medical reasons can develop an addiction to them. Using these drugs recreationally can be dangerous. Misuse of powerful opioids comes with a high risk of addiction development, and there are clear signs and symptoms of OxyContin abuse and oxycodone misuse to watch for.
Overcoming an opioid addiction can be difficult. The relapse rate among people recovering from an opioid addiction is high. That’s why enrolling in a high-quality treatment program such as those available at Muse Treatment is crucial. Comprehensive substance abuse treatment targets all aspects of an opioid use disorder. People can learn to manage their condition effectively to achieve lasting recovery with treatment.
Treatment Options for Oxycodone and OxyContin Addiction
If you have developed an addiction to oxycodone or OxyContin, you can get help at Muse Treatment, a top choice for oxycodone rehab centers in Los Angeles. Without treatment, an addiction is likely to get worse — not better. Treatment at our opioid rehab in Los Angeles involves customized support and a systematic approach to recovery. As you complete your recovery milestones, you can put drugs and alcohol behind you for good.
Many people who find themselves addicted to powerful opioids like OxyContin and oxycodone begin their recovery journey with opiate detox in Los Angeles for withdrawal and treatment. Although withdrawal symptoms can be expected, Muse Treatment clinicians provide treatments to reduce or, ideally, eliminate them, helping people feel as comfortable as possible. Subsequent rehab therapies help clients develop strategies to prevent relapse and transform their lives and health for the better. Contact Muse Treatment to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and enrollment process. We accept many forms of health insurance and can help you achieve the recovery you crave. Don’t put off treatment that can save your life. Make today the day you call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 and start your recovery journey.