Suboxone or Methadone: Which One’s Right for You?

Opioid addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a powerful support as you ease into treatment.

Medications like Suboxone and Methadone are effective in treating Opioid-Use Disorder (OUD). But they work differently, and understanding those differences can help you choose the medication that is best for you. 

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication used to treat OUD that is:  

• FDA-approved
• Clinically proven
• Prescribable in various settings, including out-patient treatment
• A tablet taken once daily and dissolved under your tongue  

Suboxone works uniquely through the combination of two different medications: 

• Buprenorphine – a partial opioid agonist, meaning that it partially attaches to the same opioid receptors in your brain that are activated by drugs
• Naloxane – an opioid blocker, which helps to prevent the intense effects that occur from using opioids 

Suboxone works in treating opioid addiction by: 

Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms: Because the opioid receptors in your brain are partially stimulated through the use of Suboxone, your cravings and withdrawal symptoms are eased without producing a high.

Blocking the effects of opioids: When Suboxone binds to your brain receptors, it prevents other opioids from doing so. This ensures that, if relapse occurs, you won’t feel the effects of other drugs and overdose is more preventable.

Preventing misuse: If Suboxone is misused and injected with the purpose of getting high, Naloxane blocks you from feeling high as you would with opioids.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a medication that has been used for over 50 years in the treatment of OUD. It is:

• FDA-approved
• Clinically proven 
• Administered in licensed clinical settings with medical supervision
• Taken as a tablet or in a liquid solution

Methadone is a full agonist opioid blocker, meaning that it fully activates the opioid receptors in your brain. Methadone stimulates your brain enough to help you feel stable, without making you feel high or sick from withdrawal symptoms. 

Methadone works in treating opioid addiction by:

Preventing withdrawal: By attaching to the same brain receptors as opioids, Methadone helps your body avoid the sudden shock of opioid withdrawal and the uncomfortable symptoms that come with it.

Reducing cravings: Methadone gives your brain what it wants without having to use drugs, meaning that you can safely focus on recovery without being distracted by urges. 

Blocking effects of other opioids: Methadone attaches to your brain receptors before other opioids can, which means it blocks you from feeling the effects of other drugs if relapse occurs.

Stabilizing brain chemistry: Methadone is long-acting, meaning that its effects last for 24-36 hours. Short-acting opioids, like fentanyl, heroin, and codeine, create fast and intense highs by flooding your brain with dopamine. Methadone acts slowly, bringing healing to your brain’s dopamine pathways and helping you feel stable for longer. 

Similarities and Differences Between Suboxone and Methadone

Suboxone and Methadone are both clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of OUD. 

One study showed that those being treated with buprenorphine, the key ingredient in Suboxone, or Methadone were 76% less likely to experience over-dose from opioid use. 🛈

Suboxone and Methadone are both designed to help you feel stable and function normally by easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing drug dependence, so you can be present in day-to-day life and engage in treatment. 

Additionally, Suboxone and Methadone both: 

• Work by attaching to your brain receptors 
• Help relieve uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms by stabilizing your brain chemistry
• Prevent relapse by reducing cravings 
• Block the effects that opioid use has on your brain and body 
• Are taken daily and prescribed by your doctor 

Differences Between Suboxone and Methadone

The biggest difference between Suboxone and Methadone is the way in which they attach to your brain receptors. 

Suboxone only partially attaches to and activates your brain receptors, meaning that, when approved by your medical team, it is often safe to take in out-patient settings. 

Methadone fully binds to your brain’s opioid receptors, which is why it’s important to take it under close medical supervision at a licensed clinic. This allows your care team to safely monitor your dosages and how your body responds to the medication.

Other key differences include: 

	Suboxone	Methadone
Risk if misused	Lower risk of overdose, due to the inclusion of naloxone	Higher risk of overdose if not taken as directed
Form	Film or tablet, dissolved under your tongue	Pill or liquid
Access	Easier treatment option to fit into daily life for those who need more flexibility	More regulated and must be taken under supervision
Start time	Must be taken 12-24 hours after last use of opioids	Can be taken immediately

Choosing the Best Path for You

Suboxone and Methadone are both effective, evidence-backed medication options that can help you get back to engaging in everyday life without depending on drugs. With any medication used in treatment, it’s important to have support from a medical team that can monitor your safety and progress.

Indiana Center for Recovery provides Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid-use disorder and a professional medical staff ready to support every step of your treatment journey. Our treatment plans are customizable to your needs and include a full spectrum of medical support and therapies designed to help you reclaim your life.  

If you’re ready to take a step towards healing, contact Indiana Center for Recovery today.