Methadone Versus Suboxone

A controversial debate surrounds the topic of Suboxone verses methadone in terms of use in opiate detoxification and long-term maintenance. At Meditox, we believe that there are virtues to both methods, that no one treatment is perfect for everyone. Learning about all your options is the best way to begin finding the treatment that will be most successful in terms of treating your opiate addiction.

Methadone Versus Suboxone Articles

Methadone Versus Suboxone: The Basic Differences

Both methadone and Suboxone are used in opiate addiction detox. While methadone is considered 'the gold standard' because it has been in use for more than 40 years, the medication, buprenorphine, (the key ingredient in Suboxone) is the latest alternative to the classic treatment.

The official classification of methadone is full agonist, somewhat stronger than the classification of Suboxone as partial agonist/antagonist. Methadone detox requires a daily visit to a methadone clinic for each dose and has a high potential for abuse, while Suboxone patients can expect clinic visits to be biweekly or monthly and will only need to take a dose every one to four days. Though it is possible to abuse Suboxone, it's a moderate risk. Suboxone is a dual medication containing two ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone (opioid antagonist), which serves to protect against abuse. Methadone, on the other hand, contains no blocking ingredient and is commonly abused.

Methadone Versus Suboxone: The Advantages

Both Suboxone and methadone have advantages in opiate addiction treatment.

Suboxone detox is a beneficial treatment for numerous reasons. This medication allows those addicted to opiates to avoid withdrawal symptoms when they quit using their drug of choice as well as receive their opiate detox treatment in the privacy of their own home. Visits to a clinic are minimal; most patients come in monthly and dosages are easily controlled as well as reduced when needed. The ingredient naloxone is added to Suboxone to deter patients from injecting it and its euphoric effect is minimal. When it's time to stop taking buprenorphine, the withdrawal symptoms are usually less intense than those associated with methadone.

Methadone, on the other hand, is a preferred method by many because the cost for treatment is less expensive than most. While using methadone, patients receive a controlled dose of medication in a clinic and are able to be gradually reduced over time. Like buprenorphine, methadone prevents many patients from experiencing withdrawal symptoms while detoxing and is safer than administering illicit drugs with an IV.

Methadone Versus Suboxone: The Disadvantages

As with all medications, these also have some disadvantages as well.

A drawback of Suboxone treatment includes its cost. Buprenorphine therapy is expensive compared to the traditional methadone, but part of what you're paying for is anonymity and the ability to take the drug without enduring the daily scrutiny of medical professionals. For some patients, issues such as social and psychological behaviors are not a required part of the treatment, and some require a more structured therapy. And though the withdrawal of Suboxone is less intense than a full opioid agonist, the symptoms can continue for up to two weeks.

One of the largest drawbacks of methadone treatment is the requirement that you visit a clinic daily for the first six months of treatment at least. Others include the highly addictive nature of the drug as well as the intense and prolonged withdrawal in the event that the methadone is suddenly stopped. In fact, methadone withdrawal can last longer than withdrawal from heroin or oxycodone, and many turn to Suboxone to detox off of methadone.

Suboxone Treatment for Opiate Detox at Meditox

The facts here are provided to assist you in choosing an opioid detox treatment. No one solution is perfect for everyone. At Meditox, we provide a comprehensive Suboxone treatment for opiate addiction. The Meditox Method includes referrals to agencies in your local area for further assistance as well as a 24-hour telephone support system should you have any questions or concerns any time of day. We provide you with a completely individualized plan to get you to a drug-free life and after only one appointment, you can start down your road to recovery. Call Meditox today for more information.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

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August 11, 2006

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