OxyContin is incredibly popular as a street drug due to its high levels of oxycodone. Users crush OxyContin tablets and ingest the powder through their mouths or noses, or mix it in water and inject it with a syringe. Taking OxyContin is incredibly dangerous when consumed in these ways as it negates the time-release facet. Users receive an almost instant, intense high that is similar to heroin. The euphoric state that is experienced is why OxyContin is so popular.
OxyContin withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioid pain medications, but can be more severe depending on the type of misuse and dose. The potential for addiction and subsequent withdrawal symptoms are very high, especially with strong drugs such as OxyContin. Typically, there are two phases of oxycontin withdrawal, which combined usually last between two weeks and several months.