Pinnacle Treatment Centers Releases Article on Switching from Methadone to Suboxone for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Pinnacle Treatment Centers, based in Mt. Laurel Township, New Jersey, has announced that they have recently released a blog post on switching from methadone to suboxone for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD). The article points out that there are a number of possible reasons for switching from methadone to suboxone. However, there are a number of complexities that also need to be considered. For instance, there is the possibility of the patient withdrawing from methadone medication because of its higher receptor affinity. It is therefore important to consult with a professional before attempting to switch from methadone to suboxone. In most cases, medical practitioners will suggest the reduction of methadone doses or to totally discontinue its use for a number of days before switching to suboxone medication.

Melanie Eilers, Senior Director of Communications at Pinnacle Treatment Centers, says, “Subutex is also a medicine that is used extensively to treat OUD and is somewhat similar to Suboxone. Both Suboxone and Subutex contain buprenorphine; however, Subutex contains only buprenorphine, whereas Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine/Subutex/Suboxone is a newly approved medicine for OUD and is used both during and after the process of detoxification in treating OUD. Subutex is a long-acting medication that is known to provide stable, low-level activation of opioid receptors in the brain and hence, prevents the agonizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a person.”

Just like suboxone, subutex may be prescribed instead of methadone for a number of reasons. Those who are dependent on short-acting opioids and can take medications and can commit to attending the related consulting/therapy sessions on time would be more suitable to taking subutex rather than methadone. In addition, practitioners may also recommend switching from methadone to subutex for the same reasons that it might be advisable to switch to suboxone.

Reasons for possibly switching from methadone to suboxone include: the presence of side effects from methadone compared to the fewer side effects of suboxone; the fact that the methadone doses are being metabolized quicker; the fact that the patient has recovered to a certain degree and methadone treatment is no longer required; and the fact that suboxone medication is convenient because it can be taken at home after a few sessions of taking it under the supervision of a doctor.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is regarded as a leader in comprehensive alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and is at present serving more than 28,000 patients daily in Kentucky, Indiana, California, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. They have more than 110 community-based locations, providing a complete range of quality care for adult men and women. These treatments include partial hospitalization or care, inpatient or residential treatment, medically monitored withdrawal and detoxification management, medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, intensive and general outpatient programming, and sober living.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers makes use of the most up-to-date evidence-based therapeutic approaches in addiction treatment that are specifically tailored to each individual’s needs. They have an experienced team of therapists and counselors who can design and adapt a program to the specific requirements of each patient throughout the whole recovery journey. Some types of therapy that may be recommended may depend on the individual’s level of care, whether it is outpatient, office-based, or residential, and the location.

The various elements of the treatment programs offered at Pinnacle Treatment Centers include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, expressive therapy, complementary therapies, trauma support, and exercise and recreation. Group therapy involves meetings led by a trained practitioner where small groups of patients, usually eight to 12 people, discuss issues that are directly relevant to the recovery journey. Family therapy is important because family support and engagement is a vital component of a successful, long-term recovery from addiction. The involvement of the family in the treatment will be reviewed on a case-to-case basis because for some patients, direct contact with family members may not be beneficial.

Those who would like to know more about treatments for opioid addiction offered by Pinnacle Treatment Centers may want to visit their website or contact them on the telephone or through email.