Medication assisted treatment (MAT) can be essential to recovery for those struggling with opioid addiction. Methadone and Suboxone are among the commonly prescribed medicines in MAT programs. These drugs work by curbing cravings and blocking the effects of opioids while allowing individuals to focus on their recovery plan. Though they share similarities, there are several critical differences between methadone and Suboxone.
Are you looking for a methadone or Suboxone treatment program? BrightView can meet your or your loved one’s needs. Our centers accept a range of insurance plans, and we never turn patients away. Call us at 888.501.9865 or reach out online to learn more about methadone vs. Suboxone and get answers to your questions about opioid use disorder treatment.
What Are the Differences Between Methadone and Suboxone?
Clinicians may prescribe methadone and Suboxone as part of a medication assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid use disorder. Methadone is a full opioid agonist; it chemically mimics substances such as heroin and hydrocodone, providing some of the same effects, such as relaxation and euphoria. It is an oral medication and can be helpful in recovery if it’s carefully administered at controlled doses by a doctor. It can allow patients to wean off opioids and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
The effects of one dose typically last four to eight hours, and most patients’ methadone course lasts about one year. This drug helps patients taper off the effects of opioid dependence slowly. It also substantially reduces cravings and unpleasant or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It can be very effective within the context of an accredited recovery program and combined with behavioral therapy.
Suboxone affords patients more freedom while effectively combating cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This drug combines the opioid partial agonist buprenorphine and the opioid antagonist naloxone. The antagonist binds to the receptor sites in the brain, preventing illicit drugs from having any effect. This medicine can sever the psychological addiction component of opioid use disorder.
What Else Does Opioid Recovery Include?
During treatment for an opioid use disorder, patients require other interventions besides medication. Effective treatment addresses psychological and social aspects of addiction and may include the following:
- Individual therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients identify and reframe negative thought patterns. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses on managing extreme emotions to reduce relapse triggers. Individual therapy allows patients to explore the underlying causes of drug use and find healthier coping mechanisms.
- Group therapy: Group approaches such as 12-step programs can help patients progress toward lasting recovery. Engaging regularly with a community of peers can build accountability, orient patients toward a higher purpose, and provide non-judgemental support.
- Family therapy: Those close to people with opioid use disorder may also struggle. In family therapy, participants can work to repair relationships harmed by substance use. Family therapy likewise educates loved ones about addiction, laying the groundwork for practical support in recovery.
- Holistic approaches: Holistic approaches like art therapy or yoga are a great way to round out an opioid recovery program. They give patients an outlet for feelings that are difficult to verbalize. Moreover, engaging the body through mindful practices helps build psychological resilience and restore physical health.
Contact BrightView to Learn More About MAT
Don’t wait to learn more about how medication assisted treatment can help you or your loved one with opioid dependence. The caring team at BrightView can answer your questions about methadone vs. Suboxone and build an individualized recovery plan that meets your needs. Our Suboxone and methadone treatment programs use evidence-based interventions to help people live more fulfilling lives. Call 888.501.9865 or utilize the chat function on our website to begin your recovery journey today.
