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Similar to heroin, oxycodone produces â along with pain management â a euphoric high caused by stimulation of the reward center of the brain. Oxycodone elevates levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is considered the pleasure chemical of the brain. On the street, OxyContin is known as âOxy,â âOC,â âOxyCotton,â âHillbilly Heroin,â and âKickers,â and is often used if heroin or morphine is not available.
When ingested, both OxyContin and oxycodone bind to these cell sites and stimulate the release of neurotransmitter chemicals. This chemical reaction changes the way a person experiences pain and can also produce feelings of euphoria and calm in the process.