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:

  1. 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.
  2. Counseling. You’ll meet with a counselor to discuss your substance use history, any previous treatment, and your personal recovery goals.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

Why Medication-Assisted Treatment Works

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the standard of care for opioid use disorder. It is 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).

The evidence is clear. MAT with buprenorphine-based medications like Suboxone has been shown to:

  • Reduce the risk of fatal opioid overdose by more than 50 percent
  • Increase retention in treatment programs
  • Decrease illicit opioid use
  • Improve social functioning and employment outcomes
  • Lower rates of infectious disease transmission associated with injection drug use

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 productive daily life. Just as a person with diabetes uses insulin to manage their condition, medication is a legitimate and effective tool for managing opioid use disorder.

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.

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.

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:

  • Chattanooga, TN — 6141 Shallowford Rd, Suite 100, Chattanooga, TN 37421
  • 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.

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.