Which is Cheaper: Active Addiction or Treatment?
Treatment is cheaper than active addiction isn’t just a saying—it’s a fact. Every day, people across Tennessee spend more money, time, and energy maintaining their opioid addiction than they ever would in recovery. At Recovery Care of Columbia, we help people reclaim their lives through affordable, judgment-free Suboxone telemedicine treatment—no travel required.
Why Active Addiction Costs More Than Recovery
For most people over the age of 18, active opioid addiction drains every part of life—finances, relationships, and physical health. The daily cost of maintaining addiction often includes:
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Buying pills or heroin from the street
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Legal fees and fines
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Lost jobs or reduced income due to instability
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Emergency room visits or hospitalizations
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Risk of overdose or death
- Time spent “chasing drugs”
According to the DEA and SAMHSA, opioid-related overdoses continue to claim over 80,000 lives annually in the U.S.—more than 200 people every day. Yet, safe and affordable recovery options like Suboxone are available to anyone ready to take the first step.
How Suboxone Telemedicine Makes Treatment Affordable
Our Suboxone telemedicine program—also known as TeleMAT (telemedicine medication-assisted treatment)—eliminates many of the barriers that make recovery seem out of reach. There’s no travel, no waiting room, and no judgment. We’ve treated more than 1,000 Tennesseans since opening in 2018, making Recovery Care of Columbia the first clinic in Tennessee licensed to provide fully virtual addiction treatment under Tennessee’s very first virtual medical license.
Cost Comparison: Active Addiction vs. Treatment
| Expense Type | Active Addiction | Suboxone Telemedicine |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Spending | $40–$200/day | $0–$10/day (with insurance) |
| Time Lost | Hours spent searching for drugs/chasing pills | 15-minute telemedicine visits |
| Legal Risk | High (possession, DUI, probation) | None |
| Health Costs | ER visits, infections, or overdose | Improved health and stability |
How Suboxone Works to Stop Withdrawal and Cravings
Suboxone, approved by the FDA, contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It helps stabilize brain chemistry and virtually eliminates opioid withdrawal and cravings. This allows patients to return to work, care for their families, and rebuild their lives—often within days of starting treatment.
Our patients come from cities like Ridgetop, Samburg, Byrdstown, Celina, and Tellico Plains. They share one thing in common: they’ve realized that treatment being cheaper than active addiction is not just about saving money—it’s about saving their lives.
Benefits of Recovery Care of Columbia’s TeleMAT Program
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Same-day Suboxone prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy or delivered overnight
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Accredited by The Joint Commission
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Over 100 verified five-star patient reviews
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Master’s-level counselors providing personalized support
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Staff and owners who are in active recovery—people who understand
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Secure telemedicine appointments from anywhere in Tennessee
Patients can meet our kind, non-judgmental team and get started today using the method that fits their insurance type:
Real Tennessee Stories of Hope
Many of our patients once thought recovery was impossible. After starting with our TeleMAT program, they now live stable, fulfilling lives—some even mentor others through the recovery process. Whether from Knoxville, Murfreesboro, or Franklin, every patient reminds us that treatment is always cheaper—and more rewarding—than active addiction.
How to Start Treatment Today
Our registration process takes less than 10 minutes. Once registered, new patients receive same-day appointments and Suboxone prescriptions—without ever visiting a clinic in person.
If you have questions, you can call or text us at (931) 548-3062 or send a secure message through the Spruce Health mobile app.
We also offer a sliding-scale program for those facing financial hardship, ensuring cost never prevents someone from getting help.
FAQs About Affordable Suboxone Treatment
Is treatment really cheaper than active addiction?
Yes. Between drug purchases, legal fees, and medical emergencies, active addiction costs far more than recovery. Suboxone telemedicine allows for low-cost, sustainable recovery.
Can I get treatment if I don’t have insurance?
Yes. Our self-pay option and sliding-scale program make treatment affordable even without insurance.
Is Suboxone available the same day as my appointment?
Yes. Suboxone can be prescribed and sent to your pharmacy or delivered overnight on the same day as your first appointment.
How can I verify the clinic’s credibility?
Recovery Care of Columbia is accredited by The Joint Commission and has over 100 verified five-star patient reviews. We’ve been operating safely and effectively for over six years.
What if I live in a rural area?
Our TeleMAT model lets you connect with a licensed provider by phone or video anywhere in Tennessee—whether you’re in Jackson or Bristol.
Is Treatment Cheaper than Active Addiction? Here’s the Bottom Line:
Active addiction will always cost more—financially, emotionally, and physically. Recovery Care of Columbia exists to make recovery affordable, accessible, and respectful. We believe everyone deserves a chance at freedom without judgment or barriers. Start today and find out why treatment cheaper than active addiction is the best investment you’ll ever make.
We’re Ready to Start Your Treatment Today – Are You?
Recovery Care of Columbia is Joint Commission-accredited. Read our over 100 Google reviews from real patients.
- Register using your TennCare Medicaid
- Register with commercial/employer insurance
- Register as a self-pay patient (make payments)
- Are you a returning patient? Restart your treatment
- No insurance? Limited income? Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
- We accept most commercial/employee health plans, such as BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid insurance: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
- View all insurance plans we accept and self-pay payment pricing
- Learn more about Kratom & 7-OH Addiction Treatment
External Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
- Locate a Peer Recovery Support Specialist
- DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction-Related Articles
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
A Note About Kratom/7-OH/7-O Addiction in Tennessee
In 2025, Kratom addiction appeared to have risen sharply. Kratom/7-OH/7-hydroxymitragynine addiction is an unregulated substance that is readily available in many gas stations and convenience stores. What may appear to be a harmless food supplement is actually a highly-addictive substance that has been under investigation at both the DEA and FDA for many years. Kratom could soon be regulated due to its similarities to opioids. Learn more about Kratom addiction and virtual treatment options near you.
