One of the key differences between OxyContin vs. heroin is their legal status. OxyContin is a Schedule II prescription opioid once promoted as a miracle painkiller. By contrast, heroin is an illicit opioid widely considered one of the most dangerous and deadliest drugs. And yet, both of these opioids have played a pivotal role in the opioid crisis plaguing the United States.
Read along to learn more about the similarities and differences between OxyContin vs. heroin and discover how ANR treatment can help you with opioid dependence.
What Is OxyContin, and How Does It Work?
OxyContin is a long-acting opioid medication containing oxycodone that is prescribed for ongoing pain severe enough to require opioid therapy. This drug specifically refers to the controlled-release formulation of oxycodone rather than immediate-release forms. It comes as a tablet with 10–80 mg of oxycodone.
Once ingested, OxyContin binds to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), preventing the brain from receiving pain signals. Besides pain relief, it also induces a strong sense of euphoria and relaxation by stimulating dopamine release.
Introduced in 1996 by Purdue Pharma, OxyContin was aggressively marketed as a safe painkiller for chronic non–cancer-related pain with a very low potential for addiction.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth; soon after its release, it became the catalyst behind the first wave of the U.S. opioid epidemic. OxyContin is also known by its numerous street names, such as Oxy, Kicker, and Blue.
What Is Heroin, and How Does It Work?
Heroin (diamorphine or diacetylmorphine) is a dangerous, fast-acting illicit opioid that comes as a powder, sticky tar-like substance, or granules that can be smoked, injected, or snorted. A popular street drug, it is also known as Dope, Horse, Smack, and Big H, among other names.
Like other opioids, heroin works by interacting with opioid receptors, relieving discomfort and causing an intense “high” marked by euphoria, sedation, and deep relaxation. While its onset and duration of action may differ based on the method of administration, heroin tends to exert intense yet short-lasting effects shortly after ingestion.
Heroin ushered in the second wave of the opioid epidemic in 2010, which saw a dramatic increase in heroin-involved overdoses. Tragically, thousands of Americans dependent on prescription opioids switched to it following the reformulation of OxyContin and the implementation of stricter prescribing regulations.
According to SAMHSA, nearly 80% of heroin users have previously misused prescription pain relievers.
Now that you’re more familiar with both drugs, it’s time to explore the differences between OxyContin vs. heroin.
5 Major Differences Between OxyContin vs. Heroin
The key difference between OxyContin vs. heroin is the onset and duration of their effects. While both are opioids and thus affect the body and the brain similarly, OxyContin takes more time to work. However, its effects last much longer than those of heroin.
With this in mind, let’s compare OxyContin vs. heroin in terms of effectiveness, chemical structure, addictiveness, and more:
OxyContin vs. Heroin: Effectiveness
Heroin is not FDA-approved for pain management, which in and of itself makes OxyContin more effective for pain relief.
While some countries (e.g., the United Kingdom) use diamorphine as an analgesic, heroin is regarded as a hard drug with no approved medical uses in most of the world.
OxyContin vs. Heroin: Chemical Structure
OxyContin and heroin have somewhat similar chemical structures in that they are both semi-synthetic opioids. However, OxyContin contains oxycodone—a semi-synthetic thebaine derivative—while heroin is derived from morphine.
However, OxyContin is a modified-release oral formulation of oxycodone, meaning it delivers the drug into the system steadily over 12 hours. Meanwhile, heroin is a short-acting opioid; it exerts effects virtually immediately, yet these effects subside much faster than those of OxyContin.
OxyContin vs. Heroin: Addictiveness
Although heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, whereas OxyContin is treated as a Schedule II drug, this doesn’t necessarily make OxyContin less addictive. Both OxyContin and heroin are highly addictive because they gradually alter brain chemistry and produce rewarding effects, such as euphoria.
Importantly, prolonged OxyContin use and abuse (e.g., snorting crushed tablets) considerably increase the risk of opioid dependence and addiction. Therefore, you should take it strictly as prescribed.
OxyContin vs. Heroin: Cost
In terms of OxyContin vs. heroin cost, keep in mind that only OxyContin can be obtained legally, and its price largely depends on the strength of your prescription. Generic versions of this drug are cheaper and may be covered by insurance.
Meanwhile, heroin is only sold illicitly, which makes it extremely dangerous. At worst, it may be laced or substituted with fentanyl or other substances, considerably increasing the risk of a potentially lethal overdose. This is one of the main reasons why you should never buy drugs illicitly, even if they may cost less.
OxyContin vs. Heroin: Overdose
Both OxyContin and heroin can cause an opioid overdose, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. However, given that heroin is an illicit, fast-acting drug that may be mixed with other substances without your knowledge, it generally exposes users to a higher risk of overdose than OxyContin.
For comparison, natural and semi-synthetic prescription opioids, including OxyContin, have claimed the lives of more than 225,000 Americans between 1999 and 2022. During this time, over 150,000 Americans have lost their lives to a heroin overdose.
Next, let’s explore OxyContin vs. heroin side effect profiles.
OxyContin vs. Heroin: Side Effects
The side effects of OxyContin and heroin tend to be similar because both drugs belong to the class of opioids.
Some common OxyContin and heroin side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Appetite loss
OxyContin and heroin can also cause serious adverse effects, such as difficulty breathing and allergic reactions. In case of severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately. If you experience any adverse effects after taking either of these drugs, talk to your doctor.
Furthermore, prolonged use of OxyContin and heroin may lead to:
- Organ damage
- Opioid dependence
- Reproductive issues
- Chronic constipation
- Hormonal imbalances
- OxyContin or heroin addiction
- Potentially lethal opioid overdose
Importantly, injecting heroin exposes users to the risk of contracting bloodborne diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Drug Interactions of OxyContin and Heroin
Common OxyContin and heroin drug interactions include:
- Alcohol
- Antibiotics
- Barbiturates
- Other opioids
- Antipsychotics
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxers
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleep medications
This list is by no means extensive; for your safety, do not mix opioids with any other substance without consulting your doctor. Otherwise, you may face an increased risk of serious side effects, organ damage, respiratory depression, opioid overdose, and other adverse—and often life-threatening—reactions.
Plus, you should never mix opioids with stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Known as speedballing, this dangerous practice significantly amplifies the risk of respiratory failure, stroke, overdose, and death.
Other Risk Factors of OxyContin and Heroin
Certain health conditions may increase the risks associated with OxyContin and heroin, including:
- Brain injury
- Constipation
- Seizure disorder
- Allergy to opioids
- Respiratory problems
- Cardiovascular disease
- Impaired kidney or liver function
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs)
If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby while using OxyContin or heroin, talk to your doctor to find the best course of action. Be aware that using opioids during pregnancy can put you and your baby’s well-being at risk, enhancing the risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), miscarriage, maternal death, and more.
Physical Dependence and Addiction to Opioids
Physical dependence and addiction to opioids are some of the greatest risks of taking both illicit and prescription opioids, including heroin and OxyContin.
While dependence is physical, opioid addiction is primarily psychological. Put simply, opioid dependence refers to the physical reliance on these drugs people develop with repeated opioid exposure. Due to opioid-induced changes in brain chemistry, opioid-dependent individuals have to take these drugs just to feel normal.
If not treated, dependence can evolve into an addiction, which is characterized by a problematic drug use pattern. In those addicted to opioids, the urge to take these drugs overpowers the ability to control opioid use, causing people to continue using opioids, even when it destroys their lives.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Dependence
The main signs and symptoms of opioid dependence are:
- Tolerance. Over time, OxyContin, heroin, and other opioids cause the brain to stop producing endorphins in exchange for more opioid receptors, leading to tolerance. Because of this, you’ll eventually need higher doses to recreate the same effects as before.
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms. Opioid-dependent people experience a set of uncomfortable physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms upon drug discontinuation.
If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with heroin or OxyContin addiction or dependence, seek professional help. A comprehensive treatment for opioid addiction like ANR is key to making a safe and successful recovery.
Break Free From Opioid Dependence With ANR Treatment
Developed by Dr. Andre Waismann, Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is a state-of-the-art treatment that eradicates opioid dependence by addressing its neurobiological causes.
ANR works by re-regulating the endorphin-receptor system, thereby reversing the damage opioids cause to the brain. Once your endorphin system is reset, you can resume a normal, healthy life without cravings—all within a matter of days.
Benefits of Undergoing ANR Treatment
Some of the key benefits of undergoing ANR treatment are:
- Speed. Performed under sedation, the ANR procedure takes just 4–6 hours, whereas the hospital stay for most patients lasts around 36 hours. Patients can return home just a couple of days later. Thus, you won’t have to worry about missing weeks of work or special occasions with your family by opting for this treatment.
- Safety. Patient safety is ANR Clinic’s highest priority. Therefore, this innovative procedure is only carried out by a team of board-certified medical professionals in an ICU setting of accredited hospitals. Plus, it is tailored to each person individually, making it suitable even for those with co-occurring medical conditions.
- Effectiveness. ANR treatment has an exceptionally high success rate, as it attacks the root of opioid dependence by modulating the endorphin-receptor system. By bringing the brain back to its pre-dependence state, it eliminates withdrawal symptoms, negating the risk of relapse.
Here’s the inspiring story of Thomas, who reclaimed his life from opioid dependence with ANR treatment:
To learn more about ANR, contact us today for a free, 100% confidential consultation.
Key Takeaways
Comparing OxyContin vs. heroin reveals that these drugs have more similarities than most people may expect. While OxyContin is generally safer than heroin when used as prescribed, it can also cause dependence, addiction, and overdose.
Lastly, let’s summarize what we covered today:
- OxyContin is an extended-release form of oxycodone prescribed to control severe persistent pain.
- Although heroin has similar effects to OxyContin, it is not FDA-approved for pain management or other medical uses.
- If you’re battling OxyContin or heroin dependence, ANR can help you overcome it safely and effectively by repairing your endorphin-receptor system.
OxyContin vs. Heroin FAQ
What makes OxyContin different from most other opioids, including oxycodone, is its controlled-release formulation. Unlike short-acting medications, OxyContin gradually releases oxycodone into the system over 12 hours.
Some people transition from OxyContin to heroin because doctors may refuse to refill their prescriptions, as they are aware of its potential for addiction. Unfortunately, people dependent on OxyContin may resort to heroin or other illicit opioids to curb their cravings and prevent withdrawals if they cannot obtain it legally.
Heroin is more dangerous than OxyContin because it is a Schedule I controlled substance. As such, it is unregulated, and its purity and potency may range from one batch to the next. Nonetheless, both heroin and OxyContin are dangerous due to the risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose, especially if taken for a prolonged time or abused.
ANR treatment is very safe, as it aligns with the highest patient safety and care standards. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment; each patient receives a personalized treatment plan, making it safe for virtually everyone. ANR has successfully treated nearly 25,000 patients worldwide, and none have had any serious adverse effects or complications.
Additional Information
Understanding Methadone vs. Heroin: Which Is More Dangerous?