In 2020, approx 3 million Americans were diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder, and it is reported that every 20 minutes, there occurs an Opioid overdose that results in death. Methadone and Suboxone are the two most commonly used opioid agonists for OUD treatment. So, which is better — Methadone vs Suboxone? Read ahead and find out!
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Methadone vs Suboxone: Comparative Effectiveness
There may be multiple options for patients who treat their opioid addiction with drugs such as Suboxone®, or Subutex®. These drugs can lessen opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing for a more regulated, progressive recovery process and lowering the chance of a relapse. There was a time when Methadone® was the only treatment available, but that has changed since the advent of Suboxone in 2002. Let’s compare the two:
What Is Methadone?
Methadone® is a synthetic opioid used in addiction treatment facilities. It has been used for decades for the treatment of opiate dependence. Methadone® acts directly on the brain to lower the neurological stimulation that triggers cravings for opioids.
People who sought treatment for opioid use disorder have often relapsed after coming off of Methadone®. Moreover, Methadone withdrawal symptoms may continue for up to a month and are occasionally considered far worse than heroin withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone®, an FDA-approved drug, was introduced in 2002 as an alternative treatment method for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It is a long-acting drug that provides steady, low-level activation of opioid receptors in the brain and helps lessen opioid withdrawal symptoms. Significantly, Suboxone® may also suppress the effects of other opioids.
Suboxone® is the combination of two drugs:
- Buprenorphine®– partially activates a person’s opioid receptors and does not have Methadone’s euphoric effects
- Naloxone®– blocks the effects of opiates and eventually helps to reverse them
These two medications work well together to lessen Opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, these medications prevent the desirable euphoric effects of Opiates—many people receiving this treatment claim to feel “normal” once more. Are you looking for an Opioid treatment program near you? Contact ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 and start addiction treatment now!
Need Help Pick a Side? Methadone vs Suboxone
“Suboxone® may be the most significant development in the last 31 years when it comes to treating addiction to heroin or other opiates.”, says Jordyn Mastrodomenice– Clinical Director at ChoicePoint.
Suboxone® contains Buprenorphine®, a partial opioid agonist (doesn’t activate the opioid receptors in the brain). This means that it attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors but does not activate them, reducing symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Reportedly, almost 49% of people taking Suboxone® reduced their abuse of painkillers.
Methadone® contains only one active ingredient, Methadone Hydrochloride, which constitutes an opioid agonist. Additionally, Suboxone® is a much shorter-acting drug; it peaks in around 4 hours and disappears from the body 12 hours after being taken.
Is Suboxone Better for You than Methadone?
Should I Choose Methadone Clinic To Fight Against Opioid Addiction? Still, Confused? Let’s further compare Methadone vs Suboxone to understand how each is different in its ways:
Methadone Drug Features
- Is highly addictive
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Pose a high chance of overdose if not administered correctly
- Likely to use illicit opioids while on Methadone®
- Long-term usage may cause cholestatic pattern liver injury
- Not all states allow Methadone treatment for opioid addiction.
Suboxone Drug Features
- Patients are less likely to develop a dependency
- Milder withdrawal symptoms
- Well tolerated and has a low chance of overdose, even at high doses
- Discourages the use of illicit drugs while in therapy by removing euphoria
- A relatively safer option
- Covered most Insurance providers
If you want an online suboxone prescription, contact ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 and get your same-day prescription.
Methadone vs Suboxone: Which Is Best in Decreasing Opioid Cravings?
According to compelling clinical evidence, Suboxone® may be similar to Methadone® when it comes to effectiveness in treating Opioid Use Disorder(OUD), but it is safer than Methadone® in many ways. Suboxone® has become the drug of choice for treating opioid use disorder in addiction treatment rehabs; here are some reasons why:
- Suboxone®, unlike Methadone®, does not have habit-forming potential
- It is a long-term remedy for treating opioid addiction and
- Allows the patient to have a functional life while receiving treatment
- Blocks the ‘high’ for patients
- It may be better tolerated than Methadone® and is highly effective
Our Verdict – Methadone vs Suboxone
“Methadone® has been linked to serious cardiac side effects. Depending on the requirements and needs of each patient, Addiction treatment rehabs may consider between Methadone and Suboxone. Suboxone®, however, may be considered the safer option.”– Explains Susie Tushingham, our esteemed Nurse at ChoicePoint.
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ChoicePoint: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Near Me
Over 2 million Americans abuse prescription opioids, indicating a considerable rise in the prevalence of non-medical use of opioid painkillers. Regarding Methadone vs Suboxone, Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). It combines behavioral therapy and FDA-approved drugs to treat addiction. Compared to non-drug methods, MAT considerably lowers the use of illegal opioids, and greater accessibility to these treatments may reduce the number of fatal overdoses. Click here to learn about the Top 5 Medications Prescribed at MAT Clinic and why you should go for Medication-assisted treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.
At ChoicePoint, our doctors use the following FDA-approved medications to treat addiction:
Along with medications, ChoicePoint also offers the following therapies:
Our addiction specialists at ChoicePoint believe that mental health should also be addressed while treating physical dependence on any drug. Therefore, we have a Dual diagnosis program for co-occurring disorders. ChoicePoint is a same-day Suboxone clinic that accepts all private and state-funded Insurance. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 844.445.2565.
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.
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