Street Names for OxyContin
What Are Other Names for OxyContin?
Once a drug becomes popular and is regularly sold on the streets, it accumulates many street names. Often, these street names are created and used so that authorities, friends and family are less likely to detect the drug use.
What Is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a brand name for the drug oxycodone and is an intense pain reliever similar in strength to morphine. Although OxyContin can be very helpful for certain individuals needing pain relief, it is very important for them to take OxyContin as directed, and to minimize their risks by closely following the prescribed dose and dosing schedule. Unfortunately for some, OxyContin can become very addictive, even in small doses. OxyContin is available in a number of forms1:
- Capsule.
- Tablet.
- Extended-release tablet.
- Oral solution.
Common Street Names for OxyContin
OxyContin has its own list of common street names and nicknames. The slang terms may change often to keep police officers on their toes, which is why it is difficult to publish an exhaustive list of all drug terms. OxyContin is no different. Street and slang names include:
- Cotton.
- Pills.
- Kickers.
- OxyCotton.
- Ox.
- OCs.
- Orange County.
- Os.
- Oxys.
- Killers.
- Beans.
- Rushbo.
The drug was also once referred to as “hillbilly heroin”. However, this nickname has is not as prevalent anymore as OxyContin use has become more widespread – transcending earlier geographic and demographic characterization.
Numeral Nicknames
OxyContin also has numeric nicknames that describe the dosage amount of OxyContin in milligrams. Examples of these numbers-as-nicknames include:
- 20s.
- 40s.
- 80s.
Recognizing OxyContin Use from Street Names
OxyContin street names can be useful to more individuals than just the drug user, however. Who can also benefit from learning OxyContin street names?
1. Legal Authorities
Although those who are abusing these drugs are more likely to be familiar with all these nicknames, authorities must also keep up-to-date with these names so that they may better identify OxyContin use on the streets and potentially prosecute those who are using and selling the drug illegally.
2. Parents
It is also important for parents to be aware of street names and nicknames for OxyContin so that they may spot possible drug use in their children. It is important to treat drug use early on before addiction and serious health problems result. Decoding drug references may help with this early detection.
While OxyContin is an effective pain reliever, it is no doubt an addictive substance. When abused, it can result in the development of serious health problems. If your children ever need to take this drug for a serious medical condition, make sure they take it as directed. Once the OxyContin is no longer needed, dispose of it properly to prevent abuse and overdose.
Checking Your Insurance Benefits
If you are worried that you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, it can feel overwhelming to look for help. As you consider your options, knowing exactly what your insurance plan covers can give you peace of mind while you or your loved one is in rehab. You can do the work of getting and staying sober without worrying about unexpected costs or financial struggles. For more information on what your insurance plan covers, call AAC at , or verify your insurance.
Other Signs of OxyContin Abuse
Whether you’re a concerned parent, sibling, or friend, there are a number of signs in addition to the use of street names that indicate possible abuse of OxyContin.
Additional signs you should be on the lookout for include the following2:
- Behavioral changes.
- Depressed mood.
- Grades slipping.
- Excessive absences at school or work.
- Money missing.
- Finding paraphernalia (such as pill bottles).
- Hanging out with a different group of friends.
- Giving up once-enjoyed hobbies.
- Lethargy.
- Pinpoint pupils.
- Apathy.
- Physical changes:
- Nose bleeds.
- Perforated nasal septum.
- Track lines.
- Abscesses at injection site.
- Unexplained injuries.
Don’t ignore the signs. If you observe any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 1-888-716-9806 to find treatment for your loved one immediately. Nothing is more important than the health and recovery of your loved one.
Health Effects of OxyContin Abuse
Not only does abusing OxyContin increase your risk of violence and accidents, but it can also lead to many different detrimental, and potentially life-threatening, health effects.
Short-term Effects
Some short-term effects of OxyContin abuse include the following2,3:
- Drowsiness.
- Slurred speech.
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Coma.
- A state of unease.
- Slowed movements and reaction time.
- Impaired judgment.
- Respiratory depression.
- Mental confusion.
- Constipation.
Long-term Effects
Prolonged OxyContin abuse can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and addiction. Other long-term effects of opioid painkiller abuse include2,4:
- Damage to the brain’s white matter, which may impact:
- Behavioral regulation.
- Decision-making skills.
- Stress response.
- Increased risk of infections, including:
- HIV.
- Hepatitis.
- Bacterial endocarditis (infection of heart lining or valves).
- Tuberculosis.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Irregular menses in females.
- Cellulitis.
- Peripheral edema.
- Scars from healed lesions.
- Suicidal ideation or behavior.
- Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.
Signs and Symptoms of OxyContin Overdose
Many people, especially teens and young adults, tend to abuse OxyContin because it is an effective pain reliever and it makes them feel good. However, taking it in excess can lead to overdose.
Some common signs of overdose to look for include5:
- Muscle weakness.
- Breathing problems.
- Clammy skin.
- Decreased blood pressure.
- Faint pulse.
- Extreme drowsiness.
- Coma.
- Seizures.
- Pinpoint pupils.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
If you suspect signs of OxyContin overdose in a loved one, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you recognize the signs and symptoms of OxyContin abuse in a loved one, and are concerned about their risk of overdosing, call us at 1-888-716-9806 to help you find the best private OxyContin abuse treatment center.
Withdrawal Symptoms of OxyContin
Those with severe OxyContin dependence are often weaned off the drug gradually, as sudden withdrawal without the aid of other supportive medications can result in6,7:
- Flu-like symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, sweating, shivering, goosebumps, diffuse muscle aches.
- Gastrointestinal distress: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps.
- Central and sympathetic nervous system arousal: high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, tremor, elevated temperature.
- Miscellaneous: loss of appetite, sneezing, dizziness, yawning, leg cramps.
Treatment for OxyContin Addiction
OxyContin addiction treatment is similar to the treatment of addictions to illegal drugs. A period of detox is usually followed by behavioral therapies and individual and group counseling to keep recovering users away from the drug in the long term. Outpatient support groups are a great way to stay sober and prevent relapse.
Several types of treatment facility structures are available for you to consider as you explore recovery programs:
- Luxury rehab facilities provide 24/7 residential care alongside a range of plush, resort-like amenities that can make your recovery process more comfortable.
- Executive rehab facilities are very similar to luxury facilities, providing the same recovery treatment and many of the same high-end amenities – but these facilities also cater to busy professionals who need to maintain active involvement in the workplace throughout recovery.
- Traditional rehab facilities provide high quality recovery treatment only without all of the extra amenities and, frequently, at a lower costs. Both inpatient and outpatient services are available, depending on your needs and circumstances.