Library > Opiate Addiction > Suboxone vs. Methadone

1. Brief Comparison of Suboxone and Methadone
2. Advantages and Disadvantages
3. Miracle Cures for Addiction Do Not Exist
4. "Don't meth it up, get subport!"
5. "We all got belly buttons, but yours looks funny!"

I. Brief Comparison of Suboxone and Methadone

II. Advantages and Disadvantages

III. Miracle Cures for Addiction Do Not Exist

The facts listed above are intended to help guide anyone who is seeking some sort of opioid replacement treatment, whether maintenance or detoxification. It's extremely easy to look at all the facts, and scare yourself out of attempting to quit; however, this is exactly what our addicted mind wants us to do. We will convince ourselves somehow, someway, that we need to stay on drugs, that we are "better off" on opioids. Whether taking Suboxone or methadone, the body is still dependent on opioids, but it can make all the difference in the world -- if you really, really want it. Neither drug will work wonders by itself. Recovery is a process that requires constant tuning and retuning, reflection, effort, persistence, and knowledge. Coupled with a good drug counselor, support group meetings (whether Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery), and a positive attitude, methadone or buprenorphine can help pave the road to a drug-free life.

IV. "Don't meth it up, get subport!"

"Don't meth it up, get subport!"

I have heard horror stories from people coming off both these drugs; however, I have never heard a horror story about Suboxone that compares with coming off of heroin or methadone cold turkey. I will admit that I do possess a bias when it comes to which drug I believe is the better candidate for addiction treatment. I used Suboxone to help break old habits, and it definitely prevented a relapse or two! I won't sit here, and list the advantages and disadvantages because they are already listed above, but I will say one thing: don't ever get on methadone! If possible, don't use either drug. Long-acting opioids are very tough to withdrawal from, and if you can stick it out for a week without using any opioids, you will be much better off.

I've heard of a lot of people who start Suboxone, and end up being on it for six months or even two years. That's way too long! An eight week program (or less) should be more than sufficient to reduce withdrawal symptoms to a bearable level. During those eight weeks, the patient should be involved in an intensive outpatient program. An intensive outpatient program usually includes going to support groups three times a week, seeing a psychiatrist (as needed), and talking with a drug counselor. If the root problems, those which (a) led to drug use, were (b) exacerbated drug use, (c) hidden by drug use, and/or (d) caused by drug use, are not acknowledged, and fixed, the patient will find themselves in a neverending cycle of misery and despair.

V. "We all got belly buttons, but yours looks funny!"

Methadone will help some people, and buprenorphine will help others. Every human being has a unique body chemistry, and some may tolerate one drug better than another. Before making any decision, talk to people, and find out what worked for them. I recommend talking to people who are clean, for they obviously did something right. Do research. Read the "Prescribing Information" for each drug. Talk to people in support forums online. Read stories... you get the picture. Before deciding on anything, educate yourself, and remember, without any extra effort/support these drugs will do nothing