Chemical addiction can be difficult in many ways, especially when it comes to opiates. Opiates, due to their addictive nature, are going to be a lot more difficult to get over. As a result, many patients are required to undergo a special detox treatment that will often involve a different set of drugs. These drugs are generally known as synthetic opiods. Two of the most common synthetic opiods include suboxone and methadone. There are many debates regarding the use of both of these drugs. Methadone is well-known having been developed around the time of the Second World War. Suboxone, however, is a newer form that was approved by the FDA in 2002.

About Suboxone

According to the National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment, Suboxone is what is known as a partial opiate agonist. It means that suboxone has limited effects. Even if patients decide to take large doses of the drug, the effects are going to remain the same. Being a partial opiate agonist, the drug is quite difficult to abuse and therefore patients are able to use it at home. Suboxone consists of both buprenorphine and naloxone. Overall it is considered to be a good form of treatment for those who are moderately addicted. Something stronger, like methadone, is often needed for those who have sunk deeper into addiction.

About Methadone

Methadone is an older form of chemical treatment that has been used for decades. It is synthetic like suboxone. It is cheaper than suboxone, but there are higher risks of a fatal overdose with this particular drug. This is why methadone and its use are both highly regulated. Patients are required to go to a methadone clinic in order to receive the drug and get their medication. It is too risky to allow them to bring it home with them. Dosage is therefore going to be closely monitored. Methadone, unlike suboxone, is a better form of treatment for heavy addicts.

The Debate

According to Debate.org, many people believe that suboxone is a better choice when it comes to opiate addiction cessation. Methadone, on the other hand, is seen as being highly addictive. Due to this there is a higher level of regulation. For patients who lead busy lives, having to go to a clinic every day can be a pain. Patients may end up having to miss other important appointments as well.

Suboxone, on the other hand, can be taken home. As stated before methadone is a much more effective way of coming out of withdrawal. As a result, it is clear that patients need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Every person is different and everyone is going to react differently when it comes to drug treatment.