Oxycodone as gained notoriety recently. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in both OxyContin and Percocet, and OxyContin remains one of the most commonly abused prescription medications. Oxycodone contributed to the deaths of 5,587 as one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths in 2011. In the same year, doctors wrote 32 million prescriptions for Percocet.

By 2016, the amount of deaths from Oxycodone increased to 6,199, following behind Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine and Methamphetamine deaths. Percocet and OxyContin continue to be glamorized in popular culture for their ability to temporarily create feelings of happiness, reduce anxiety, and cause relaxation.