Methadone Vs Suboxone: Which Opioid Addiction Treatment Is Best For Minnesota Drug Rehab Centers?
Methadone and Suboxone (also known as buprenorphine) are two FDA-approved medications commonly used by Minnesota drug rehab centers to treat opioid addiction. Though methadone is proven safe and highly effective at treating opioid addiction, families and community members are concerned the drug is too addictive, and could result in accidental overdoses during rehab treatment. Now, drug rehab centers across the state are evaluating the pros and cons of switching from methadone to Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment.
Are you or a loved one struggling with heroin or opioid addiction? Minnesota is home to several addiction treatment centers that will guide you or your loved one safely through detoxification and along the path to sobriety. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your local rehab options.
Exploring Methadone Use in Minnesota
Suboxone is being considered due to having fewer risks than methadone.
So far this year, Minnesota is on track for more than 70 overdose deaths caused by methadone, according to local news sources. In 2000, Minnesota only saw five methadone overdose deaths. In 2014, a local 26-year-old named Austin Paolo died after accidentally overdosing on prescription methadone to treat opioid addiction.
Phil Sieff, a medical malpractice attorney, says methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a valid treatment for opioid addiction when administered correctly. However, Sieff also points out that any mistakes made with MMT can result in catastrophic problems, such as accidental coma or death. At present, there are 16 clinics in Minnesota that treat approximately 6,700 opioid addicts.
Dr. Charles Reznikoff of Hennepin County Medical Center says that for every patient who dies taking methadone, there are five whose lives are saved by the medication. He adds that the state’s opioid overdose rate would be higher if methadone weren’t available, and that his medical center’s outpatient methadone clinic currently treats 300 patients per day for opioid addiction.
Replacing Methadone With Suboxone
Suboxone is a newer opioid addiction treatment that offers fewer risks and fewer federal restrictions than methadone. Though access to Suboxone has increased in recent months, physicians are hesitant to offer the drug to avoid increasing their opioid addict patient base. Addiction specialist Dr. Mark Willenbring says more medical practices must step up to the plate and offer Suboxone to address the public health crisis, also known as the nation’s opioid epidemic.
Reznikoff says one of the major cons of switching from methadone to Suboxone is the high cost of Suboxone. He says opioid addicts who live in poverty cannot afford Suboxone, and instead are forced to resort to methadone for treatment. On the other hand, increasing access to Suboxone would resolve problems associated with care gaps in rural areas that require patients to drive long distances just to take their daily methadone doses.
In either case, individuals who struggle from opioid addiction in Minnesota have a greater chance at achieving sobriety with methadone or Suboxone than with quitting opioid use on their own. Methadone and Suboxone are effective at reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings so patients can focus on recovering and overcoming addiction with fewer distractions.
If you’re addicted to opioids and live in Minnesota, understand that you don’t have to overcome dependency and addiction on your own without help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to consult with an addiction specialist who can help you find Minnesota drug rehab centers in your area. We’ll provide you with the resources you need to become healthier and overcome opioid addiction.
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