Overview
Suboxone and methadone are both FDA-approved medications used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals managing opioid use. These medications help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, creating a safer, more stable path forward. While both can be effective, they differ in how they work, how they’re administered, and how they may fit into a patient’s life.
When it comes to medication-assisted treatment, IHAT is primarily a Suboxone treatment center. We also offer Vivitrol as an option for some patients, and methadone is not part of our medication-assisted treatment programs. Continue reading to learn about the uses and differences of each.
Suboxone at a Glance
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full agonists like heroin or methadone. It contains:
- Buprenorphine – which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Naloxone – which helps deter misuse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids if injected
Suboxone can be safely prescribed through an Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) program, allowing many individuals to receive care through outpatient visits or take-home prescriptions. Learn more about how Suboxone works
Methadone
Methadone is a full opioid agonist, meaning it fully activates opioid receptors in the brain, similarly to drugs like oxycodone or heroin. It works by stabilizing brain chemistry, reducing cravings and withdrawal but because of its strength, it’s carefully regulated.
Key characteristics include:
- Considered more intensive and often recommended for those with long-term or high-dose opioid dependence
- Typically only administered through Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
- Requires daily in-person dosing, especially in the early stages
Methadone typically cannot be administered in an outpatient setting – patients must present themselves into a treatment center each day. The treatment schedule that methadone demands may create complications for those with a busy schedule or who cannot show up to a treatment center everyday. It can only be administered in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP).
Which One Is Right for You?
Methadone may be beneficial for individuals with a high level of physiological dependence or for those who haven’t found relief with other treatments. However, because of its full-agonist properties, it may also carry a higher risk of forming a new dependency.
Suboxone, on the other hand, offers a more moderate and flexible approach—often preferred for its lower misuse potential, reduced withdrawal severity, and ability to be used in less restrictive outpatient settings. It also provides a smoother transition for those ready to engage in long-term recovery.
Read more about the phases of Suboxone treatment here →
Supporting Long-Term Recovery
It’s important to note that medication is just one part of a comprehensive care model. Long-term wellness often includes:
- Behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, etc.)
- Trauma-informed counseling
- Peer support and recovery coaching
- Flexible care plans that adapt over time
If you’re considering starting or changing a treatment plan, it’s helpful to talk to a healthcare provider about your needs, goals, and past experiences. Every journey is different—and support should reflect that.
Whether someone begins with methadone or Suboxone, what matters most is engaging in a care plan that meets them where they are. For many individuals, Suboxone offers an effective middle path: strong enough to manage withdrawal and cravings, but with a lower risk of long-term dependence than methadone.
To learn about IHAT’s comprehensive treatment programs, which include medically-assisted treatment, mental health counseling, and more, visit our Services page.
