Is There a Difference Between Suboxone vs Methadone?

Do you know the difference between Suboxone vs. Methadone? Both drugs are pharmaceuticals that aim to treat opiate addictions. Primarily, these drugs can help individuals stop abusing harder drugs like OxyContin and heroin. In fact, many people confuse Suboxone vs. Methadone because they are both a part of opiate replacement therapy.

If you’d like to know more about a Suboxone treatment program, call us today at 866.605.0532 for more information.

Suboxone vs. Methadone: What’s the Difference?

In some situations, the addiction to opioid drugs is so strong that non-pharmaceutical treatment doesn’t work.

In these cases, doctors and professionals may decide to take a MAT (medication-assisted treatment) approach. This means that drugs like Suboxone or Methadone are given in small doses to the individual. These drugs essentially “taper” the user off the harder opioid drugs.

So what’s the difference between Suboxone and Methadone? First of all, their chemical makeups are completely different from one another. In fact, Methadone contains a mixture of two forms of opiates: morphine and a chemical called “pethidine,” while Suboxone contains buprenorphine hydrochloride, which is the main ingredient. Also, Methadone has been around longer than Suboxone. It was first approved for use in the 1960s by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On the other hand, Suboxone was only approved in 2002 by the FDA. In addition, Methadone is available from a doctor at a clinic while you have to go to a specific pharmacy for Suboxone prescriptions. In addition, doctors can prescribe Methadone for an addiction treatment or pain relief because it’s been around longer and has more studies on its efficacy.

How Do Suboxone and Methadone Work?

A methadone treatment program or a Suboxone treatment program will be very similar. Both programs help those struggling with opioid addiction. For example, someone who has a heroin addiction may be able to benefit from one of these programs.

Furthermore, both programs will attempt to prevent relapse and manage withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction can be severe. They may include stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, tremors, headaches, etc.

Staying on one type of these drugs (Methadone or Suboxone) can help an individual avoid severe withdrawal. Keep in mind that Suboxone or Methadone is administered by medical personnel and used in small tapering doses.

Suboxone vs. Methadone: Which One’s Better?

First, Suboxone is a brand name for buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride. On the other hand, Methadone is an opioid drug that’s similar to morphine. Again, both drugs help withdrawal symptoms from opioid addictions when given in small, supervised doses.

Suboxone is somewhat safer than Methadone. That’s because Methadone is technically a “substitute” for opioid drugs like heroin or morphine. It includes some of the same addictive elements.

Methadone is also undoubtedly addictive in its own right. In other words, someone could technically overdose and die from Methadone just as well as heroin. Both drugs need to be taken with care and with a prescription from a professional. Your doctor or addiction specialist will help you decide which drug is better for you.

Get Help for Addiction at Beaches Recovery

Beaches Recovery is a Jacksonville, Florida–based rehab facility. We focus primarily on helping young people. However, our facility aims to provide comprehensive rehab treatment for anyone who needs help. We also will customize an addiction treatment plan for any number of addictions. If you have been struggling with opioid dependence, Beaches Recovery can help.

We offer numerous services and programs, including:

• Detox services at Tides Edge
• Inpatient and outpatient programs
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Transitional living program
• Extended care

Comprehensive group and individual counseling are offered to help clients recover from their addictions. Other therapies we provide our clients include art therapy, bowling therapy, fitness therapy, and mindfulness training.

Understanding the differences between Suboxone vs. Methadone can help you know how to treat opioid addiction. Remember that addiction doesn’t have to control you. It’s possible to quit for good by attending a credentialed drug rehab program.

Choosing suboxone treatment in Florida doesn’t have to be difficult. Contact Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532 to begin your journey toward sobriety.