Medication-Assisted Treatment · Updated April 2026
Suboxone Treatment in Tennessee
FDA-approved buprenorphine therapy for opioid use disorder — prescribed by certified providers at four outpatient clinics across Tennessee and Georgia.
Same-day appointments available in most cases · TennCare, BlueCare, BCBS, UHC, and most commercial insurance accepted.
At a glance
Who Suboxone is best for
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is first-line treatment for opioid use disorder per the ASAM National Practice Guideline — and the right starting point for most patients including those with severe OUD, fentanyl dependence, prescription-pill addiction, and kratom or 7-OH dependence. Daily film or tablet doses are prescribed and managed through outpatient care; for patients who prefer monthly dosing, Sublocade or Brixadi long-acting injectables are administered in clinic. Restoration Recovery is an outpatient MAT specialty clinic with four CARF-accredited locations across Tennessee and Georgia, prescribing all three medications.
Buprenorphine cuts overdose mortality roughly in half per Sordo 2017 BMJ, with a built-in ceiling effect on respiratory depression that makes it substantially safer than full-agonist opioids. Same-week first appointments; TennCare, BlueCare, BCBS, UHC, and most commercial insurance accepted.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. It is FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and is one of the most widely studied and effective tools available for helping people stop misusing opioids.
The medication is taken sublingually — placed under the tongue to dissolve — and is available in either a film or a tablet form. Your provider will recommend the option that best fits your situation. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain just enough to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoria associated with full opioid agonists like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers. Naloxone is included to discourage misuse of the medication itself.
At Restoration Recovery, Suboxone is prescribed exclusively for opioid use disorder. It is not used for alcohol dependence or other substance use disorders. For patients who prefer an injection rather than a daily film or tablet, we also offer Sublocade (monthly) and Brixadi (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) — two long-acting forms of buprenorphine administered at our clinics.
How Suboxone Works
Opioid dependence changes the way the brain functions. When someone uses opioids repeatedly, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug. Without it, the brain signals distress through intense cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms. This cycle makes it extremely difficult to stop using opioids through willpower alone.
Suboxone works by occupying the same receptors that opioids bind to, but it activates them only partially. This achieves two critical effects:
Craving reduction. Because buprenorphine partially stimulates opioid receptors, the brain no longer sends urgent signals demanding more opioids. Patients report a significant decrease in the constant preoccupation with finding and using drugs.
Withdrawal prevention. Suboxone stabilizes brain chemistry enough to prevent the nausea, muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, and other withdrawal symptoms that drive relapse. Patients can function normally at work, at home, and in daily life.
Suboxone also has a ceiling effect, meaning that taking more than the prescribed dose does not increase its effects. This built-in safety profile makes it a lower-risk medication compared to full opioid agonists and reduces the potential for misuse.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first visit typically lasts 60 to 120 minutes and follows a four-step clinical flow:
Intake. You’ll complete paperwork and a clinical intake. For opioid use disorder, this includes a DSM-5 assessment to confirm the diagnosis and its severity, and a COWS (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) score to measure your current withdrawal state. The COWS score guides whether you’re clinically ready to begin buprenorphine the same day without risking precipitated withdrawal.
Counseling. You’ll meet with a counselor to discuss your substance use history, any previous treatment, and your personal recovery goals.
Doctor evaluation. A medical provider reviews your intake, COWS score, and counselor notes, explains how Suboxone works, walks you through film-vs-tablet and daily-vs-injection options (Sublocade, Brixadi), and answers your questions.
Prescription (and injection ordering, if chosen). If clinically appropriate, you leave the same day with a Suboxone prescription. If you prefer the extended-release route, your provider will order Sublocade or Brixadi during this visit — we don’t stock injections on-site — and you’ll continue on Suboxone as a bridge. Your injection appointment is scheduled for a follow-up once the medication arrives, typically after a short stabilization period on Suboxone (Sublocade’s FDA label requires at least 7 days of transmucosal buprenorphine before the first injection).
Bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any medications you currently take. Records from previous treatment providers are helpful but not required. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the full process, see our guide on what to expect at your first Suboxone appointment.
Anything you share during intake, counseling, or treatment is protected by HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 — the federal rule that specifically shields addiction-treatment records from disclosure without your written consent, including from many subpoenas, employers, and family members.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
There is no fixed timeline for Suboxone treatment. Some patients take the medication for several months while they build the skills, habits, and support systems needed for long-term recovery. Others may continue treatment for a year or longer. The duration depends entirely on your individual circumstances and goals.
Your provider will never pressure you into stopping medication before you are ready. Research shows that patients who remain on medication-assisted treatment for adequate periods have significantly better outcomes than those who discontinue prematurely. When the time comes to taper off Suboxone, your provider will work with you to develop a gradual reduction plan that minimizes discomfort and protects your recovery.
Follow-up visits are typically scheduled weekly during the first phase of treatment, then shift to biweekly or monthly as you stabilize. Telehealth follow-ups are available for established patients, making it easier to stay on track without disrupting your schedule.
The Evidence
Why Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
Suboxone isn’t just the standard of care for opioid use disorder — it’s one of the most rigorously studied interventions in all of addiction medicine. It’s endorsed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
What does rigorously studied actually mean? Decades of peer-reviewed research across thousands of patients, multiple countries, and follow-up periods stretching from months into years. Three findings have been replicated so many times they now anchor the entire field.
Patients engaged in buprenorphine treatment experience overdose mortality at roughly one-third the rate seen among untreated peers. The Sordo meta-analysis, published in BMJ, pooled data from nearly 16,000 patients across 19 cohort studies — the most-cited mortality evidence point in modern addiction medicine.
The Kakko trial randomized 40 patients with heroin dependence to Suboxone plus counseling or placebo plus counseling. At one year, not a single placebo patient remained in treatment. Three in four Suboxone patients did. It’s among the cleanest demonstrations in clinical medicine that the medication is doing the work.
The POATS trial tested whether a short course of Suboxone plus a taper could resolve prescription opioid dependence. Only 7% succeeded. The same patients maintained on Suboxone for 12 weeks reached 49% — nearly seven times better. The lesson is simple and consistent with the rest of the literature: staying on treatment works. Rushing off it doesn’t.
These are not marketing claims. They are outcomes documented across decades of independent peer-reviewed research — published in The Lancet, BMJ, Annals of Internal Medicine, Archives of General Psychiatry, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (Full citations in References.)
MAT is not a replacement for one substance with another. It is evidence-based medical treatment that stabilizes brain chemistry and allows patients to engage meaningfully in counseling, rebuild relationships, and return to daily life. The same way insulin manages diabetes, medication is a legitimate tool for managing opioid use disorder.
At Restoration Recovery, Suboxone is not a last resort. It is a first-line, evidence-backed treatment that gets patients stable, keeps them out of crisis, and gives them the ground to rebuild everything else.
Who Is a Candidate for Suboxone?
Suboxone treatment may be appropriate if you:
Are physically dependent on opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl
Have tried to stop using opioids on your own but have been unable to manage cravings or withdrawal
Have experienced relapse after previous treatment attempts
Are looking for an outpatient treatment option that allows you to continue working and fulfilling family responsibilities
Want a structured treatment plan that combines medication with counseling and support
Suboxone is prescribed only for opioid use disorder. If you are seeking treatment for alcohol dependence or other substances, our providers offer other evidence-based options. Visit our services page for a complete overview of available treatments.
Still weighing whether this is the right path? Our Is Suboxone Right for Me? page walks through the decision honestly — who it fits, who it doesn’t, and how it compares to detox, abstinence-based recovery, and other MAT options. If you’re already leaning toward trying it but want the first-call questions answered first, see Nervous About Starting Suboxone? And if you’re specifically weighing daily Suboxone against the monthly Sublocade injection, our Sublocade vs. Daily Suboxone comparison lays out the head-to-head trial evidence, lifestyle tradeoffs, and insurance math. For a side-by-side view of all five MAT medications we offer (Suboxone, Sublocade, Brixadi, Vivitrol, Acamprosate) in two scannable tables, see our MAT Medications Compared tracker. For patients asking about alternatives to FDA-approved MAT — particularly ibogaine, which has been in the news after a 2026 federal executive order — we cover the current legal status, clinical evidence, and safety concerns in detail.
Why Patients Choose Restoration Recovery
Choosing the right clinic matters as much as choosing the right medication. Suboxone works — the research is clear. But the difference between treatment that sticks and treatment that fades has everything to do with the care surrounding the prescription.
Here is what patients find at Restoration Recovery:
Four physical clinics across Tennessee and Georgia. Chattanooga, Cleveland, Soddy-Daisy, and Ringgold. You are seeing a real provider in a real clinic — not a video call with someone you may never meet in person.
Same-week appointments. When you are ready to begin, waiting two months is not an option. Most patients are seen within the same week they call.
MAT-certified providers and a CARF-accredited program. CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) is the gold standard in addiction-treatment accreditation. It is a level of clinical scrutiny most outpatient clinics do not pursue.
One of Chattanooga’s longest-running outpatient MAT clinics. Some of our patients have been with us for more than five years. Continuity matters in recovery, and so does institutional experience.
4.5 stars across more than 40 verified Google reviews. Real patients writing about real experiences. Read a few before you call.
Integrated counseling and behavioral health. Medication without counseling is only part of a treatment plan. We provide both, in-house, so nothing falls between the cracks.
Telehealth follow-ups for established patients. After your first in-person evaluation, routine check-ins can happen from home — which means staying stable does not require disrupting work, family, or daily life.
Most major insurance plans accepted. TennCare, Medicaid, Medicare, and the full range of commercial carriers. For most patients, out-of-pocket cost is minimal to none. See our insurance page for the full list.
Confidential by federal law. Your treatment is protected under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, a federal rule that specifically shields addiction-treatment records from most forms of disclosure, including many subpoenas. What you share with us stays with us.
Integrated hepatitis C screening and treatment. When the two travel together — and they often do — our team is equipped to address both under one roof.
From a verified Google review:
“I owe my entire recovery to this place. I had tried so many times in the past, but not until I found these guys did I succeed.”
If the research convinces you the treatment works, we would like the chance to show you why the clinic you choose matters just as much.
Insurance and Access
Restoration Recovery accepts most major insurance plans, including TennCare, Medicaid, and a wide range of commercial insurance providers. Our patient services team can verify your benefits before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect in terms of cost.
For TennCare members specifically, Restoration Recovery is enrolled in TennCare’s BESMART program, which removes prior-authorization delays for preferred buprenorphine products and supports same-day Suboxone prescriptions for eligible TennCare members.
If you do not have insurance or are unsure about your coverage, contact us anyway. We can help you explore options and will never turn someone away without first discussing alternatives. For more details on accepted plans and the verification process, visit our insurance page.
Four Clinic Locations
We operate four outpatient clinics across Tennessee and Georgia, each offering Suboxone treatment with same-week appointment availability:
Cleveland, TN — Serving Bradley County and surrounding areas
Soddy-Daisy, TN — Serving Hamilton County north and Sequatchie Valley
Ringgold, GA — Serving Catoosa County and northwest Georgia
All locations are designed for a comfortable, confidential outpatient experience. Telehealth follow-up visits are also available for established patients who have completed their initial in-person evaluation. For directions and hours, visit our locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Suboxone work?
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone taken as a daily sublingual film or tablet. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist — it activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings, but without the intense euphoria of full agonists like heroin or fentanyl. Naloxone is included to deter misuse (it’s inactive when taken as directed but blocks opioids if the film is injected). Over time, Suboxone stabilizes your brain chemistry so you can focus on counseling, work, relationships, and recovery instead of the using-and-withdrawal cycle.
Will Suboxone make me feel high?
For most people, no — especially once you’re stabilized on an appropriate dose. Buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect” that limits how strong the opioid response can be, which is exactly what makes it safer than full agonists. In the first week or two, some people notice mild subjective effects that resolve as the dose stabilizes. Most patients describe being on Suboxone as feeling “normal” or “like themselves again” rather than intoxicated. You’ll remain able to work, drive, and function throughout treatment.
Is Suboxone just trading one addiction for another?
Clinically, no — though it’s a fair question, and one patients and families often raise. Addiction is characterized by compulsive use despite harm, loss of control, and continued use despite negative consequences. Suboxone is a prescribed, medically supervised medication that treats the underlying condition (opioid use disorder) by normalizing brain chemistry. Patients on Suboxone can work, drive, raise families, and live normal lives — something that’s typically impossible during active addiction. The alternative — untreated opioid use disorder — has a mortality rate roughly 4 times higher than Suboxone-treated patients (Sordo 2017, BMJ). For a deeper answer, see our Nervous About Suboxone? page.
How long do people stay on Suboxone?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Research shows longer treatment duration correlates with better outcomes — the Weiss 2011 POATS trial found patients who stayed in maintenance for a full year had 49% success versus 7% for short tapers. Many patients stay on Suboxone for years, some indefinitely. Treatment length is a conversation between you and your provider based on your clinical history, life circumstances, and goals. We don’t push tapers; we support whatever duration works clinically.
Does my insurance cover Suboxone?
Most insurance plans cover Suboxone, including TennCare (BlueCare, Wellpoint, UHC Community Plan), traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and most commercial plans. TennCare members typically have $0 out-of-pocket for both the office visit and the medication. Commercial copays vary. Prior authorization is sometimes required. Our intake team verifies your specific coverage before your first appointment. For patients without insurance, we offer self-pay rates and can discuss pricing up front. See our insurance page for carrier details.
Do I have to go through withdrawal before my first appointment?
For patients using shorter-acting opioids (heroin, pills), yes — you need to be in mild-to-moderate withdrawal at the time of your first dose (typically a COWS score around 12 or higher) so buprenorphine doesn’t cause precipitated withdrawal. That usually means 6 to 24 hours since your last dose of a short-acting opioid, or longer for long-acting ones. For fentanyl users, the rules are different because fentanyl accumulates in body tissue — we offer microinduction and direct-to-injectable protocols that don’t require you to be in deep withdrawal first. Your provider will plan the right approach at your first visit.
Take the Next Step
Starting treatment is the most important decision you can make for your health and your future. You do not need to have all the answers before you call. Our team will walk you through the process from your first phone call to your first appointment and every visit after that.
Same-week appointments are available at all four locations. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation, or call 423-498-2000 to speak with our team directly.
References
The statistics and clinical findings on this page come from peer-reviewed medical research and authoritative public-health sources. Patients, family members, and providers are welcome to verify any claim against the original source.
Sordo L, Barrio G, Bravo MJ, Indave BI, Degenhardt L, Wiessing L, Ferri M, Pastor-Barriuso R. Mortality risk during and after opioid substitution treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ. 2017;357:j1550. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1550 [PubMed]
Kakko J, Svanborg KD, Kreek MJ, Heilig M. 1-year retention and social function after buprenorphine-assisted relapse prevention treatment for heroin dependence in Sweden: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2003;361(9358):662–668. [PubMed]
Weiss RD, Potter JS, Fiellin DA, et al. Adjunctive counseling during brief and extended buprenorphine-naloxone treatment for prescription opioid dependence: a 2-phase randomized controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(12):1238–1246. [PubMed]
Mattick RP, Breen C, Kimber J, Davoli M. Buprenorphine maintenance versus placebo or methadone maintenance for opioid dependence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014;(2):CD002207. [Cochrane]
Larochelle MR, Bernson D, Land T, et al. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder After Nonfatal Opioid Overdose and Association With Mortality: A Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(3):137–145. [PubMed]
Williams AR, Samples H, Crystal S, Olfson M. Impact of Long-Term Buprenorphine Treatment on Adverse Health Care Outcomes in Medicaid. Health Affairs. 2020. [PubMed]
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: 2020 Focused Update. Published via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). [ASAM]
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Accessed 2026. [NIDA]
SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film. Prescribing Information. Indivior Inc. Accessed via DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. [DailyMed]
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