Suboxone vs. Methadone: How do They Compare?

Why Medically Assisted Treatment Can Work for You

With an opioid epidemic sweeping the U.S., the need for unique and effective treatment has become more critical than ever before. With more treatment options also now available as a result, modern alternatives are increasing in popularity as patients and clinics forego more traditional medications while undergoing medically assisted treatment.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

While being treated under MAT (medically assisted treatment), the two most common medications typically provided by rehab centers are methadone and suboxone. WhiteSands Treatment offers MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) for people struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Both methadone and suboxone have proven effective when used as medications in MAT, so each drug has become an option when treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

Keep reading to understand the side effects and benefits to each medication as well as how the drugs can be useful in the fight against the opioid crisis.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is a long-lasting opioid addiction management drug used to help those struggling with opioid abuse or addiction. The drug has been used for decades and is administered to patients during the medically assisted detox process and can also be prescribed to recovering addicts.

Some of the addictive substances that methadone can help with are:

• Fentanyl
• Oxycodone
• Heroin
• Hydromorphone

Both methadone and suboxone, when taken as directed, can help manage negative withdrawal symptoms and lessen cravings. The anti-craving detox drugs are generally only offered through a prescription at a methadone clinic and a suboxone clinic. The drugs can be given to patients in a treatment center environment as well.

Risks and Benefits of Using Methadone

As with most pharmaceuticals, there are benefits and drawbacks to prescription drugs, even if they are technically designed to help you.

Some of the short-term risks of methadone use are:

• Restlessness
• Suppressed breathing/respiratory issues
• Nausea
• Itchy skin
• Swelling of the feet
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Irregular heartbeat

Some of the benefits of using methadone are:

• Reduced illicit drug use
• Lessens the risk of overdose
• Is accessible and affordable through local pharmacies
• Effective in treating opioid addiction
• Minimize cravings and reduces ‘dope sickness’
• Permits addicts transition into sobriety with ease

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone, a similar drug to methadone, is a combination of withdrawal management and a detox drug helping curb cravings and lessen the urge and desire to use. Those addicted to short-acting opioids, such as prescription painkillers and heroin, often require suboxone to ease the withdrawal symptoms associated with detox. The two main active ingredients that makeup suboxone are:

• Buprenorphine
• Naloxone

The use of suboxone as a methadone alternative is becoming widely popular as it is far less habit-forming. WhiteSands Treatment uses suboxone as a methadone substitute due to its effectiveness in weaning individuals off addictive substances.

Risks and Benefits of Using Suboxone

WhiteSands Treatment utilizes suboxone for opioid withdrawal management as a preferred method of opioid addiction therapy due to its benefits over methadone. Some of the advantages of suboxone in recovery are:

• Stabilizes the patient in just a matter of days
• Easier to wean off than methadone
• May not require daily use, unlike methadone
• Fewer side effects

Some of the disadvantages of suboxone are:

• Can create social isolation
• Slowed breathing
• Confusion
• Swelling
• Hallucinations
• Tiredness

The Benefits of Medically Assisted Treatment

WhiteSands Treatment is a firm believer in suboxone for use in medically assisted treatment programs as there are many benefits to this drug over similar ones. The combination of MAT (medically assisted treatment), counseling, and therapy has proven to be very useful in patients’ long-term sobriety. When patients are given the tools and resources for recovery, they can reach long-lasting recovery with confidence.

The specialists at WhiteSands Treatment will help determine the best treatment program for you based on the severity and the length of the addiction. Once a patient assessment has been completed, the individual will be presented with a treatment plan to help them reach long-lasting sobriety.

If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, the key to overcoming your struggles is getting help today. Contact us now to speak with an intake specialist who can help guide you toward recovery. The sooner you call for help, the sooner you can get your life back on track.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.