Published: February 14, 2011

Differences between OxyContin Addiction and Heroin Addiction

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Both are CNS (central nervous system) depressants, opioid analgesics. Both are highly addictive, with tolerance and dependence. With both heroin and OxyContin it is easy to overdose. Users all have different views as to which is the most addictive, or the hardest to withdraw from.

“Addicts often switch back and forth from OxyContin to heroin, a matter of availability more than anything else, because the buzz or the “high” experienced is basically the same or the closest you can get,” says Dubreuil. He also remarks that over 20% of the calls they receive on their addiction help line is regarding addiction to OxyContin and oxycodone products (www.narconon.ca/oxycontin.htm).

Heroin addiction is supported by smoking, snorting or injecting heroin as a white or brownish powder, sometimes a black resin (black tar heroin) depending on its purity. Heroin is an illicit drug; you get it off the street. OxyContin addiction comes with capsules manufactured by Purdue Pharma, a prescription drug that can cause oxy addiction, even when used as prescribed, otherwise illicitly available on Internet and the street. Risks of associated disease such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are higher with heroin addiction due to contamination when injecting.

Although a few countries such as Britain and Belgium use heroin medically, it is not a prescription drug. Heroin is generally a Schedule 1 drug and can only be obtained illegally. Anyone’s heroin addiction is supported by criminal activities in order to get supply. There is a stigma attached to heroin addiction – a life degraded by dope. OxyContin addiction only takes its users down the slippery slope into crime when oxy addicts can no longer persuade their doctor to prescribe for them the amount of oxy that they need to support their habit. A great number of OxyContin addictions started with using oxy tablets as prescription drugs for the relief of physical pain. Heroin addiction is generally a result of intentional “pleasure seeking” in a life beset with social and emotional problems.

People with a heroin addiction tend to join drug communities – using hit houses (safe injection sites). People with OxyContin addiction, as a result of prescription drug use, are generally part of mainstream society – although predominantly from lower socio-economic groups.

Both heroin addiction and OxyContin addiction (www.oxycontinaddict.org/) cause symptoms of drowsiness, feelings of well being and contentment. Long term use brings symptoms of a “sluggish” system, with constipation, loss of sexual drive, irregular periods, and general loss of appetite – leading to malnutrition and lack of interest in personal hygiene. Both drugs are dangerous in combination with alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Withdrawal brings symptoms of diarrhea, muscle spasms, abdominal cramps, hot or cold sweats, pain, sleeplessness and anxiety.

Differences between Heroin addiction and OxyContin addiction are minimal in a chemical sense, such that drug treatments that work for OxyContin addiction will work for heroin addiction as well.

For complete addiction recovery – no cravings, no triggers, no drugs – comprehensive, natural, drug-free methods are best. OxyContin addiction treatment center like Narconon Trois-Rivieres employs such methods. More information online: www.narconon.ca/ .

For more information about the long term and natural rehab program of Narconon, call toll free 1-877-782-7409.