Treating addiction is a complex process that involves a mix of psychotherapy and medication to treat the physical and psychological aspects of substance use disorders. In fact, there are some key differences between Suboxone vs. methadone that you should be familiar with before you begin your recovery journey. The more you know what to expect from the program, the better prepared you can be for the experience and reach your recovery goals in a reasonable amount of time.
At Skywood Recovery, we support people who are struggling with substance use disorders and ready to accept help with their recovery. Our treatment programs are designed around each patient’s individual symptoms and severity and can include a mix of behavioral therapies and medications. Patients will work with a certified therapist in group and private therapy sessions while medical staff administers medications and monitors their reactions throughout the program. To discover how our substance use disorder treatment programs can help you or a loved one, call 269.280.4673 today to schedule a tour of our facility.
Treating Addiction with Medication
Addiction is a lifelong mental health illness that is treatable using a combination of different therapies and medications. Behavioral therapy assists patients with understanding the reasons behind the abuse and their triggers, while medication is useful for reducing physical cravings and withdrawals that are common with addiction.
Medications like Suboxone and methadone can treat the physical aspect of addiction and reduce the risk of relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates for substance use disorders are between 40–60%. How does medication reduce this statistic? Medication can block the intoxicating effects of drugs and alcohol and begin breaking the physical dependence on the substance of choice.
During the detox stage, people can experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, including: such as
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle and joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stomach cramping
- Tremors
- Other uncomfortable and sometimes deadly withdrawal symptoms
Medications can reduce the effects of withdrawals and make recovery more attainable.
Skywood Recovery supports those who are ready to break their addiction to drugs and alcohol and lead healthy and productive lives. We will go over the differences between Suboxone and methadone with you. Then, we’ll answer any other questions you may have about your recovery experience before starting your journey.
Suboxone vs. Methadone
Learning about the different types of medication and how they treat addiction can ease any trepidation you may have over participating in medication-assisted treatment. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suboxone and methadone for treating addiction through treatment programs that include behavioral therapies.
Here are some of the key differences between Suboxone vs. methadone:
Methadone
This medication is administered during the detox stage to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is a full opioid agonist that completely blocks the effects of opioids and reduces withdrawals, cravings, and the desire for more opioids. It comes in a liquid or tablet form. It’s given once a day until patients are stable and withdrawal symptoms begin to dissipate.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist and has the same effect as methadone, but to a lesser degree. It is for patients with less severe withdrawal symptoms but is still effective in reducing opioid withdrawals and cravings. It comes as a dissolvable film strip or tablet, and patients can take Suboxone for an extended period of time.
Participating in a medication-assisted treatment program allows patients to reach their recovery goals with fewer risks of relapse. These medications are only meant as temporary support. In fact, most patients will be 100% drug-free by the end of the program.
Find Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Skywood Recovery
Skywood Recovery offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs that support all Michigan residents who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, prescription and illegal opioids, and other dangerous narcotics. Treatment programs include a number of beneficial therapies and treatments that can include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- 12-step recovery
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Family therapy
To learn more about the difference between Suboxone and methadone, call 269.280.4673 today to speak with our knowledgeable employees.