If you’re struggling with an opiate addiction near Salt Lake City, UT, you may be wondering if Suboxone or methadone is right for you. While there’s no conclusive answer to this question that works for everyone, Nexstep Medical Detox is here to help you take the first step towards addiction recovery.

What Are Suboxone & Methadone?

Methadone and Suboxone are potent opioid replacement medications that are commonly used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by heroin, morphine, and other opiates. Both of these drugs work by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain that other narcotics act on, thus reducing cravings for the more dangerous drugs.

Safer Ways To Get Off Opiates?

Suboxone and methadone are less likely to produce a euphoric “high” in people who suffer from an opiate addiction, which is why they are marketed as a reliable addiction treatment. However, this does not mean that they are completely safe or non-addictive.

Suboxone & Methadone Can Still Lead To Addiction

Unfortunately, it’s still possible to develop an addiction to these two medications or to continue being addicted to other opioids while taking Suboxone or methadone as a substance abuse treatment. In fact, some people even develop a “double addiction” where they temporarily stop taking heroin or another opiate, become dependent on methadone or Suboxone to ease withdrawal symptoms, and then relapse into their original addiction.

Trading One Addiction For Another?

While these two substances are often described as less dangerous than other opioids, it’s still possible to overdose on them, especially if you also use sedatives, benzodiazepines, or other medications. Moreover, since neither of these replacement drugs treats the underlying psychological causes of addiction, you might just end up trading one addiction for another.

Suboxone & Methadone Addiction Symptoms

  • Drug Cravings
  • Nausea, Stomach Pain, & Diarrhea
  • Muscle Pain
  • Chills, Shivering, Or Shaking
  • Feeling Overly Hot Or Cold
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Mood Swings

Suboxone & Methadone Should Only Be Used With Caution

It’s important to talk to a medical professional about whether Suboxone or methadone should be incorporated or avoided in your recovery plan, since everyone’s journey is different, and it’s essential to find a plan that works effectively for you. In some cases, moderate usage of these replacement drugs under the care of a medical professional can be helpful.

Step One: Start With Medical Detox

That being said, it’s not sustainable to rely on Suboxone or methadone alone without first detoxing and then participating in rehab, therapy, and long-term recovery programs, especially since you run the risk of developing a new addiction to the replacement drug.

Whether or not your recovery journey includes one of these medications, medical detox is an excellent place to begin.

Methadone & Suboxone Detox Centers In Utah

If you’re suffering from an addiction to Suboxone, methadone, or another opiate, Nexstep Medical Detox can help you start your path to recovery. Many of our caring staff have been through the drug detox and recovery process themselves, so they are well-equipped with plenty of knowledge, personal experience, and compassion to support you during your stay. Contact us today to begin the admission process.