Methadone Vs. Suboxone: Which Is Better For Treating Opioid Addiction?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on June 21, 2021

Methadone and Suboxone are two medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Although both can be effective, some people prefer one over the other. These medications may be offered as a standalone treatment or as part of a drug rehab program.

Methadone Vs. Suboxone: Which One Is Better?

Methadone and Suboxone are two leading medications that are FDA-approved to treat opioid dependence and addiction, which affect millions of Americans.

Both medications have their benefits and drawbacks.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, both Suboxone and methadone are effective in treating opioid use disorder. Neither drug is definitively “better” at helping people recover.

Are Methadone And Suboxone The Same?

Although methadone and Suboxone are both used to treat opioid addiction, they’re not the same.

Primary differences between Suboxone and methadone include:

  • chemical structure
  • side effects
  • withdrawal timeline
  • what they’re used for
  • cost

What Is Methadone?

Methadone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid agonists. It is fully synthetic and long-lasting. When taken, methadone binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Methadone can come in the form of:

  • liquid solution
  • tablet
  • diskette
  • powder

Methadone has been used to treat addiction to opiates like morphine and heroin since 1947. It is also FDA-approved to treat severe pain in people with chronic pain conditions.

Benefits Of Methadone Treatment For Opioid Addiction

Methadone can be used during opioid detox and as a long-term treatment for opioid dependence and addiction. It is a long-acting drug, and is safe and effective when taken as prescribed.

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Benefits of methadone maintenance treatment for opioid addiction include:

  • reduces opioid cravings
  • reduces discomfort of opioid withdrawal symptoms
  • blocks the effects of other opioids
  • reduces opioid use
  • increases likelihood of staying in a treatment program
  • safe to use for a long period of time

People who take methadone for opioid addiction may receive this medication within an inpatient opioid treatment program or by visiting an outpatient methadone clinic.

Drawbacks Of Methadone For Opioid Addiction

Methadone isn’t a perfect treatment. No one drug is. One of the limitations of methadone is that, in most cases, it must be taken under the supervision of a medical practitioner.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, restrictions on who can take home methadone for daily dosing have been temporarily loosened to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in clinics.

Methadone can also cause some unpleasant side effects when used, including:

  • constipation
  • weight gain
  • a “high” similar to other opioid drugs
  • drug dependence

Methadone is also classified as a schedule II substance, like many other opioids, meaning it can be abused and become addictive when taken in ways other than directed by a healthcare provider.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a combination product that contains buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist).

Unlike methadone, Suboxone is approved only for the treatment of opioid dependence, and not chronic pain.

It can effectively block the effects of opiates and does not cause the “high” associated with the use of opioids like oxycodone, morphine, or heroin.

Benefits Of Suboxone For Opioid Addiction

Suboxone treatment offers many of the same benefits as methadone.

It can block opiates for about 24 hours, reduce opioid cravings, reduces overdose risk, and can be effectively used as a long-term treatment for opioid addiction.

In addition, Suboxone doesn’t cause the euphoric effects associated with methadone, or other opioids such as oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, and heroin—an illicit opioid.

Suboxone has what’s known as a “ceiling effect” that reduces the risk of misuse, respiratory depression, and drug overdose.

Furthermore, unlike methadone treatment, you don’t have to go to a clinic to get Suboxone. You can get a Suboxone prescription from a doctor to take at home.

Drawbacks Of Suboxone For Opioid Addiction

Suboxone is safe and effective when taken as directed. Compared to methadone, Suboxone is much newer and its effects haven’t been studied as thoroughly.

One drawback of Suboxone is that it’s generally more costly than methadone.

For this reason, some hospitals, doctors, or rehab centers may prefer to prescribe methadone for its cost-effectiveness.

Similar to methadone, Suboxone can also cause unpleasant side effects in some people, such as dizziness and headaches.

Chronic use can also lead to dependence, which will require a detox plan if you intend to stop taking Suboxone.

How Effective Are Medications For Opioid Use Disorder?

Medications for opioid use disorder—and medication-assisted treatment—are the most effective treatments for overcoming opioid addiction.

Medication-assisted treatment refers to a whole-person treatment that combines the use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with behavioral therapies.

Benefits of this treatment include:

  • improved recovery outcomes
  • increased likelihood of staying in treatment
  • improved birth outcomes in people with substance use disorders who are pregnant
  • reduced opiate drug use
  • reduced risk of opioid overdose
  • reduced criminal activity and recidivism

Medications like Suboxone and methadone can be used within a detoxification program, inpatient treatment program, or outpatient treatment program.

Although medications will ideally be prescribed in conjunction with counseling, the use of methadone and Suboxone can also offer significant benefits in the absence of counseling.

Finding Opioid Addiction Treatment

Both Suboxone and methadone are effective treatments that are utilized to treat opioid use disorder.

While some healthcare providers and patients prefer one over the other, both are shown to be effective at reducing the risk of relapse, overdose, and increasing treatment retention.

If you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, call our helpline today to find an opioid treatment program that’s right for you.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on June 21, 2021
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