Which Is Better — Methadone or Suboxone®?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves medications that include methadone and Suboxone®. Both of these medicines reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings to help patients recover from opioid use disorder. While you may visit this page wondering whether you have a “better” choice to make, everyone has unique needs. Compare methadone and Suboxone to understand how each one can help you.

Which Has More Effectiveness, Methadone or Suboxone?

Professionals measure the effectiveness of a MAT medication by its ability to reduce the patient’s opioid use. In this sense, Suboxone and methadone have similar results. Research shows that methadone and Suboxone have equal success rates in lowering opiate use. However, each patient has different needs as they go through MAT. Methadone and Suboxone provide different program structures that could change how the patient moves through recovery. You can expect the following program structures from each medicine:

• Methadone: During the first stages of treatment, the patient goes to their clinic every day to take methadone. They can work toward take-home privileges as part of state and federal guidelines. This program format gives the patient added structure as they build new habits and includes counseling as a requirement of the program. Counseling offers tremendous benefit for those seeking long-term recovery and should be used as a part of any recovery plan even if it isn’t required.
• Suboxone: Suboxone is sometimes administered as a part of a program similar to methadone where patients are required to come to the clinic daily and participate in counseling. In other cases, a medical provider writes a prescription for Suboxone that the patient can fill at a pharmacy. Since they can take it at home the program is less structured and more flexible.

The right choice for the most effectiveness depends on the patient’s severity of symptoms and treatment goals.

What Has a More Affordable Price, Methadone or Suboxone?

Your cost for MAT depends on insurance coverage, service choices and other factors. If you look at each medication’s label price, you’ll see that Suboxone costs more than methadone. However, methadone MAT programs also involve more travel than Suboxone models. A MAT provider can help you understand the potential costs of your program and find the right choice for your budget.

Which Is Easier, Withdrawal From Suboxone or Methadone?

When you need to discontinue treatment or switch to a different medicine, you have to taper off your MAT medication. Your doctor will lower your amount a little at a time to make the transition smoother. During this period, you could experience some mind withdrawal symptoms from tapering off methadone or Suboxone, but the medical providers goal is always to taper the medication slowly enough to reduce or eliminate the risk of withdrawal. Whichever medication you transition from, your provider will help you every step of the way.

What’s Better, Suboxone or Methadone?

As you can see, we have no definite answer to whether you will find Suboxone or methadone better for your MAT program. Only you and your doctor can decide which option will suit your needs. Consider factors like:

• Your budget
• The severity of your symptoms
• Your clinic’s available services
• What level of structure suits your needs and lifestyle best

With careful thought and a doctor’s advice, you can find the right choice for your MAT journey.

Explore MAT at BAART Programs

At BAART Programs, we provide MAT programs that involve methadone and Suboxone. If you need assistance in recovering from opioid use disorder, let us give you the care you need. We welcome you to schedule an intake today by contacting our team online.