Long-term use of OxyContin both legitimately and illicitly causes the body to adapt to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped.
The original intention for methadone maintenance treatment was to reduce illegal heroin use and the criminal acts that are associated with heroin addiction.
Lortab withdrawal symptoms can be particularly uncomfortable and sometimes painful, similar to that of heroin withdrawal.
Some prescription drug theft from pharmacies as a result of employees stealing these drugs. On one occasion for example, a young female stole more than 49,000 doses of hydrocodone before being caught.