Will Suboxone Work Better Than Methadone?
Suboxone and methadone are two FDA-approved medications commonly used to treat opioid addiction. Both medications are effective at reducing drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms so recovering addicts can overcome physical dependency on opioids. But when it comes to choosing between Suboxone and methadone, what’s the difference between these two drugs, and which is better for treating opioid addiction?
If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin or painkillers, understand that help and support is just a phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) to consult with an addiction specialist who can help you find drug rehab centers that offer Suboxone.
Suboxone Vs Methadone: What’s the Difference?
Suboxone poses a lower risk of abuse and overdose than methadone.
Suboxone and methadone are synthetic opioids that mirror the effects of heroin and painkillers without offering the same feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Both medications also reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus on recovery with minimal distractions in the way of physical discomfort. Suboxone and methadone are commonly used in medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction, and often combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy to help addicts overcome the psychological causes of addiction.
Methadone maintenance treatment is often overseen by medical professionals, since methadone poses a risk for addiction when misused. Suboxone, on the other hand, is made partly of naloxone — an opioid overdose antidote that blocks the effects of illicit opioids. This prevents users from experiencing the effects of opioids should they relapse during treatment.
Suboxone acts similarly to methadone, but produces less of a high when taken in large doses. When crushed and snorted, methadone can get users high, and increases the risk for respiratory problems and overdose. However, Suboxone causes immediate withdrawal symptoms when crushed and snorted, and helps users avoid an accidental overdose.
Lastly, Suboxone can be prescribed by doctors and taken at home every other day, while methadone must be administered daily by medical professionals at methadone clinics and drug rehab centers.
Choosing Suboxone Vs Methadone for Addiction Treatment
Suboxone is often less costly than methadone since the drug can be prescribed and taken at home, while methadone maintenance requires constant monitoring. Suboxone also offers a lower potential for addiction since the drug is difficult to abuse, especially when crushed and snorted. Patients who use Suboxone often overcome physical dependence on opioids months, or even years sooner than those who take methadone.
Other benefits to choosing Suboxone are continued use during pregnancy, a lower potential for dependence and withdrawal, and longer-acting results so patients can take doses every other day. Suboxone is also covered by most health insurance providers, and associated with less stigma of drug abuse than methadone. At present, many anti-drug abuse advocates say methadone maintenance treatment simply replaces one drug addiction with another.
While both medications are effective at treating opioid addiction, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the benefits of choosing Suboxone over methadone for you or your loved one. Your family physician or doctor at drug rehab will perform an evaluation to determine the right course of addiction treatment involving Suboxone.
If you or someone you love is addicted to opioids and wants to learn more about the benefits of Suboxone treatment, call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) . Our caring addiction specialists will connect you with nearby drug rehab centers that offer Suboxone and other treatments that can help you or your loved one overcome opioid dependency.
