After March 2020, the number of overdoses involving Methadone® increased to almost 54.2 deaths per month. In contrast, Suboxone® has shown a remarkable success rate, and studies show that it helps to improve the lives of those overcoming addiction. In this blog, we will discuss whether Suboxone is the antidote for Methadone withdrawal treatment and how one can develop Methadone addiction.
Table of Contents
Beginning Of An Addiction: Methadone Perscription
Before we discover whether Suboxone is the antidote for Methadone withdrawal treatment, we must understand how people form an addiction to Methadone.
People may become addicted to Methadone® in one of two ways:
- Their doctors may recommend Methadone hydrochloride for problems with persistent pain, and they develop an addiction to the substance after some time.
- They might have used Methadone® frequently; they do so to get high and afterward discover they have formed a habit of it.
- They start abusing the drug or taking it in higher doses than recommended by their doctors.
When Is Methadone Prescribed?
Methadone® may be prescribed for:
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- fibromyalgia linked to multiple sclerosis,
- herpetic neuralgia, or another kind of pain that travels down neurological pathways.
However, the analgesic benefits do not last the entire time the drug is in your system. As a result, while Methadone® is still in your system, you may still want more pain relief.
The Antidote For Methadone Addiction- Methadone Withdrawal Treatment
Methadone® has a depressant impact on the respiratory system. FDA has issued a public alert about the dangers of cardiac and pulmonary issues brought on by Methadone addiction. Buprenorphine, more commonly referred to as Suboxone®, may be the best and most efficient treatment for Methadone addiction. Suboxone® may also be administered to treat respiratory depression brought on by Methadone overdose. Therefore, Methadone withdrawal is hard and should not be attempted alone. Get in touch with an addiction treatment center near you that offers Methadone withdrawal treatment, and they can help you in the following ways:
1. Drug Treatment For Methadone Withdrawal
A drug treatment program is a MAT program where your doctor gives FDA-approved drugs to lessen the Methadone withdrawal symptoms. FDA-approved medications, including Suboxone®, Naltrexone®, Subutex®, and Buprenorphine, may ease some Methadone withdrawal symptoms and speed up the process of recovery.
2. Detoxification
Detoxing the body from Methadone® is important because it greatly improves the chances of recovery. During detoxification, your medical healthcare provider might taper or gradually reduce the Methadone dosage.
3. Guided Methadone Therapy
Methadone therapy may help ensure the withdrawal process is safe and efficient. A doctor may keep track of your Methadone® consumption and response. The doctor keeps up the therapy until your body no longer requires Methadone® at all.
The Need For Methadone Withdrawal Treatment Using Suboxone®
Whether someone gets Methadone® from a doctor’s prescription or a random person selling it on the street, the result is addiction. If you or a loved one is battling Methadone addiction, then your best option may be a joining a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Most MAT clinics provide methadone-based treatment; however, you’re looking for one that starts you on Buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment. Suboxone® may assist in stopping an individual from needing to use opioids, or in this case: Methadone®.
Did you know Suboxone® is safe to take during pregnancy too? If you are an expecting mother looking for a MAT clinic that prescribes Suboxone® during Methadone withdrawal treatment, contact ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 and schedule an appointment.
Methadone Withdrawal Treatment- How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone® is a combination of two drugs, Buprenorphine and Naloxone®. Here is how Suboxone® helps during Methadone withdrawal Treatment:
What Does Buprenorphine Do?
Lowering Methadone withdrawal symptoms and cravings can aid in the treatment of Methadone dependence. The main ingredient in Suboxone® is Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. This is because it enters the same receptors as opiates but does not result in the same high or euphoria from using opiates recreationally.
What Does Naloxone Do?
Naloxone® is an opioid antagonist that prevents the psychoactive effects of opioids such as heroin or fentanyl. Narcan is the injectable form of Naloxone®.
Therapy Phase
There are two stages in the Methadone withdrawal treatment program. Induction, the first stage, could last for a week. During this phase, Suboxone® may be introduced into your system to treat Methadone withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is administered orally, intravenously, or as a tablet and dissolves gradually in the body. The goal of the second phase, known as maintenance treatment, is to help people go for a long time without relapsing into Methadone abuse.
At ChoicePoint, we offer a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program where FDA-approved medications and evidence-based therapies are provided to people struggling with addiction. Contact us at 844.445.2565; the sooner you call, the sooner you can begin your recovery journey.
Beating Methadone Addiction With Suboxone
“If you have become dependent on Methadone, withdrawal treatment will assist you in returning to normalcy in your life.”– says Jordyn Mastrodomenico, Clinal Director, ChoicePoint.
Suboxone® aids those who are addicted to opioids. Moreover, it also works well for treating chronic pain. By attaching to the same opioid receptors in the brain, Suboxone begins to act. Methadone is also a synthetic opioid, and treating Methadone with Suboxone is an effective method. Suboxone may aid in reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms of Methadone.
Our DEA-certified addiction specialists at ChoicePoint are dedicated to providing 24/7 care to people needing Methadone withdrawal treatment. Contact us at 844.445.2565 and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment today!
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.