During addiction recovery, getting through withdrawal is one of the biggest challenges. This fact is especially true with opioids such as heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. For that reason, drug makers created Subutex and Suboxone detox programs to manage the withdrawal symptoms. However, what’s the difference between Subutex vs Suboxone.
Buprenorphine: The Main Ingredient
As an opioid agonist, buprenorphine is a drug that contains chemicals that attach to opioid receptors in the brain. The result is pain relief and feelings of well-being. In fact, doctors used the drug to treat pain years before it became a treatment for opioid addiction in 2000.
Before the use of buprenorphine for opioid dependence, methadone was the primary treatment. Only authorized doctors and clinics can prescribe methadone. However, any doctor with proper training and certification can prescribe buprenorphine.
The drug works by imitating the actions of opioid painkillers. However, it’s not as potent as other prescription opioids, which reduces its potential for abuse compared to methadone. It’s effective at reducing discomfort during detox and blocking cravings. Because of that, it can prevent relapse.
The Differences Between Subutex vs Suboxone
When it comes to choosing between a Subutex or Suboxone detox program, it’s important to know the differences. Both brands contain buprenorphine, but drug makers created Subutex slightly before they developed Suboxone.
Although Subutex was effective during opioid addiction treatment, abuse was a problem. A lot of people started injecting the drug to get high as they did with prescription painkillers and heroin. Because of that, drug makers produced Suboxone to address the issue.
The big difference is that Subutex only contains buprenorphine, while Suboxone also contains naloxone. This ingredient is an opioid antagonist, so it blocks the effects that opioids have on receptors in the brain.
As a result, Suboxone deters people from abusing the drug. Those who inject it immediately experience withdrawal, which causes distress. This effect makes it a better treatment option for those with severe addictions or those in treatment again after relapse.
Which Drug Is More Effective?
There isn’t enough evidence to suggest more effectiveness between Subutex vs Suboxone. When people use them as their doctors prescribe, they both reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Also, it’s essential that people use these drugs as part of an addiction treatment program. Medications alone aren’t enough to help them address the underlying issues that cause addiction. Therapy is necessary to achieve ongoing recovery.
Get Opioid Detox Today
Do you struggle with an opioid use disorder? If so, consider getting treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. We offer detox programs for a variety of drug addictions, including alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. Some of the programs that could help you include:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient drug detox
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Psychotherapy program
- A holistic approach to care
Stop letting heroin or other opioids damage your relationships and other aspects of your life. Overcome these drugs so that you can build a better future for yourself and loved ones. Contact the addiction specialists at Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.516.8356. Learn more about Subutex vs Suboxone treatment.
