
OxyContin is the most abused prescription drug of the last 20 years. Its similarity to heroin makes it a potently addictive drug. Some have even nicknamed it hillbilly heroin.
OxyContin was designed to help patients with cancer and those with unrelenting pain. The drug was created to gradually release oxycodone, its active ingredient, over 12-hours. After its release in 1996 it was quickly abused by drug addicts who discovered that by chewing a tablet or crumbling it up to snort its powder, it gave an instant pick me up, much like that of heroin. more...