854
Views
5
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Article

Comparing methadone and Suboxone in applied treatment settings: the experiences of maintenance patients in Lanarkshire

, , &
Pages 171-178 | Published online: 01 Dec 2010
 

Abstract

Background. Although there is evidence that buprenorphine is more effective than placebo in suppressing heroin use, and is a recommended treatment for opioid dependence, methadone remains the dominant maintenance treatment. However, this may have adverse consequences in increased dependence liability and greater withdrawal effects. Rationale. The study assessed the experiences of clients in Lanarkshire who had experienced both substances to report on the strengths and weaknesses of each. Method. Two phases of opportunistic data were collected – open narrative accounts of those successfully detoxifying from Suboxone (a buprenorphine/naloxone combination) and structured interviews with clients comparing Suboxone and methadone. Results. Consistently, clients reported more clarity of thinking while on Suboxone. However, this was not always perceived positively as increased clarity necessitated more psychosocial therapeutic support than was needed on methadone. Suboxone was associated with increased confidence and lower stigma than methadone. Concerns were expressed about the antagonistic effect of Suboxone, with several reports of “use on top”. Conclusion. Participants made clear distinctions between methadone and Suboxone, with the strongest difference being increased clarity of thinking on Suboxone. Suboxone has significant potential for staged use within a “recovery journey” but only if prescribed within an appropriate package of psychosocial care.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.