Is Buprenorphine Addictive? What Patients in Tennessee Need to Know

Buprenorphine addiction treatment information for Tennessee patients

Is buprenorphine addictive? This is one of the most common and important questions people ask when considering Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction. If you’re in Tennessee and struggling with opioids like Percocet, fentanyl, or heroin, understanding how buprenorphine works can help you make a confident, informed decision about treatment.

Buprenorphine is widely used across the United States and is considered one of the safest and most effective medications for opioid use disorder when prescribed and monitored properly. Still, confusion and stigma often prevent people from getting help.

Recovery for Tennesseans by Tennesseans in Recovery

Recovery Care of Columbia provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required.

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

What Is Buprenorphine and Why Is It Prescribed?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist approved by the FDA to treat opioid addiction. It is the primary active ingredient in Suboxone, which is commonly prescribed during medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Unlike full opioids, buprenorphine works by:

  • Reducing withdrawal symptoms
  • Decreasing cravings
  • Stabilizing brain chemistry
  • Blocking the effects of stronger opioids

Because of these properties, buprenorphine allows patients to function normally—working, caring for family, and rebuilding their lives.

Is Buprenorphine Addictive or Just Dependence?

A more accurate question than “is buprenorphine addictive?” is whether it causes physical dependence versus addiction. These are not the same thing.

Addiction vs. Dependence

Addiction is characterized by:

  • Loss of control
  • Compulsive use
  • Continued use despite harm
  • Intense cravings and destructive behavior

Physical dependence means:

  • The body adapts to a medication
  • Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal
  • Use is stable and medically supervised

Buprenorphine can cause physical dependence, but when used as prescribed, it does not create the destructive behaviors associated with addiction.

According to SAMHSA, this distinction is critical and often misunderstood by patients and families.

Why Buprenorphine Is Safer Than Other Opioids

One reason people ask “is buprenorphine addictive?” is because it interacts with opioid receptors. However, buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, which means:

  • Higher doses do not create stronger euphoria
  • Overdose risk is significantly reduced
  • Cravings are controlled without intoxication

This makes buprenorphine much safer than opioids like oxycodone, Percocet, heroin, or fentanyl. The DEA recognizes buprenorphine as a key tool in reducing opioid-related overdose deaths.

How Suboxone Reduces Misuse Risk

Suboxone contains buprenorphine + naloxone. Naloxone is added to discourage misuse:

  • If taken as prescribed, naloxone has no effect
  • If injected or misused, naloxone triggers withdrawal

This formulation further reduces abuse potential and helps patients stay on track with recovery.

Buprenorphine Treatment in Tennessee via Telemedicine

Recovery Care of Columbia provides 100% virtual Suboxone treatment across Tennessee, including patients in Michie, Guys, Gates, Braden, Dunlap, Springfield, and surrounding rural areas.

Telemedicine buprenorphine treatment helps patients who:

  • Lack transportation
  • Live far from clinics
  • Need privacy and discretion
  • Work demanding jobs
  • Have family responsibilities

Patients never need to visit a clinic in person.

What Treatment Looks Like

Step 1: Register Online

Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Click here to check your insurance coverage now.

Step 2: Video Appointment
You’ll meet with a licensed provider who understands opioid addiction and recovery. Appointments are private, supportive, and stigma-free.

Step 3: Same-Day Medication (When Appropriate)
Buprenorphine may be prescribed the same day and sent to a local pharmacy or delivered overnight.

Patients can safely transition to buprenorphine from hydrocodone, oxycodone, Percocet, OxyContin, fentanyl, heroin, methadone, kratom, 7-OH, and other opioids.

How Long Do People Stay on Buprenorphine?

There is no single timeline that fits everyone. Some patients use buprenorphine short-term, while others benefit from longer-term maintenance.

Research consistently shows that:

  • Longer treatment reduces relapse risk
  • Stopping too early increases overdose danger
  • Stability matters more than speed

Your provider will work with you to create a personalized plan based on safety, stability, and long-term recovery goals.

Why Recovery Care of Columbia Uses Buprenorphine

Recovery Care of Columbia has treated over 1,000 patients across Tennessee and follows evidence-based best practices.

Patients choose Recovery Care of Columbia because the clinic offers:

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

You can meet our team to learn more about our recovery-focused approach.

Insurance, Cost, and Accessibility

If you’re worried about affordability, help is available. Recovery Care of Columbia offers:

Thanks to our unique virtual medical license, anyone living in East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, or West Tennessee can safely and legally access online Suboxone treatment using any smartphone, tablet, or computer, without ever having to visit a clinic.

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises. 

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans. 

You can review insurance and pricing or speak directly with our staff to explore options.

FAQs: Is Buprenorphine Addictive?

Is buprenorphine just replacing one addiction with another?

No. Buprenorphine treats opioid addiction by stabilizing the brain and eliminating compulsive use behaviors.

Can I get high on buprenorphine?

When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine does not produce a euphoric high.

Will I have withdrawal if I stop?

If stopped abruptly, withdrawal can occur. Providers taper medication safely when appropriate.

Is buprenorphine safe long-term?

Yes. Long-term use is supported by research and endorsed by national health agencies.

Will people know I’m in treatment?

No. Treatment is private and protected by medical confidentiality laws.

Hope and Recovery Are Possible

If you’ve been asking “is buprenorphine addictive?”, it likely means you’re looking for a safer way out of opioid addiction. For patients across Tennessee—from Knoxville to Jackson to Memphis—buprenorphine treatment offers stability, dignity, and real hope.

You don’t have to suffer through withdrawal or do this alone.

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