Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone? A Complete Tennessee TeleMAT Guide

Young Tennessee father attending a late-night Suboxone telehealth appointment from his kitchen at home.

If you’re searching “is buprenorphine the same as Suboxone”, you’re likely looking for real answers and a safe way to stop withdrawals, cravings, and the exhausting cycle of chasing pills or opioids. You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

Whether your opioid use started after surgery, pain management, family influence, fentanyl exposure, or heroin, opioid addiction is serious, life-threatening, and overdose can happen at any time. But recovery is possible—privately, safely, and from your phone.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we’ve helped over 1,000 Tennesseans regain control of their lives using TeleMAT (telemedicine medication-assisted treatment) with kindness, respect, and zero judgment.

Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone?

Short answer: No—but buprenorphine is the main ingredient in Suboxone.

Suboxone is a brand-name medication that contains two active ingredients:

  1. Buprenorphine – A partial opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  2. Naloxone – An opioid antagonist added to help prevent misuse

So when people ask “is buprenorphine the same as Suboxone”, what they’re really asking is whether they do the same thing in the body. Functionally, both treat opioid addiction, but Suboxone includes an added safety feature.

Buprenorphine vs Suboxone: Key Differences

Feature Buprenorphine Only Suboxone
Controls cravings
Prevents withdrawal
Contains naloxone
Lower misuse risk ⚠️
Most commonly prescribed

Most non-pregnant adults receive Suboxone, while buprenorphine-only products are typically reserved for specific medical situations such as pregnancy.

Why Suboxone Is the Gold Standard for Opioid Addiction

Suboxone is one of the most studied and effective medications for opioid addiction. According to guidance supported by FDA, DEA, and SAMHSA, medication-assisted treatment:

  • Cuts overdose risk by more than 50%
  • Dramatically reduces relapse rates
  • Improves employment, parenting, and mental stability
  • Reduces illegal opioid use
  • Lowers criminal justice involvement

Suboxone is used for people transitioning from:

Hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, methadone, oxymorphone, tramadol, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, kratom, 7-OH, 7-hydroxy, and all opioids.

How Suboxone Stops Withdrawal and Cravings

One of the biggest fears people have is withdrawal. Suboxone works by:

  • Attaching to opioid receptors
  • Stopping withdrawal symptoms
  • Eliminating intense cravings
  • Blocking other opioids from working

This allows your brain and nervous system to stabilize without the highs, lows, sickness, or panic.

For many patients, the first Suboxone dose feels like relief within 30–60 minutes.

Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone for Withdrawal?

Clinically, both relieve withdrawal—but Suboxone is safer for long-term outpatient care due to the naloxone component. That’s why it’s the preferred option in most telehealth Suboxone programs.

The Reality of Opioid Addiction in Tennessee

Opioid addiction doesn’t discriminate—it affects parents, workers, professionals, and young adults across Tennessee. From Nashville to Columbia, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and Knoxville—overdose deaths continue to rise.

Without treatment, opioid addiction can lead to:

  • Accidental overdose
  • Legal problems
  • Job loss
  • Family separation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Death

This is why getting on Suboxone as early as possible matters.

Start Suboxone Treatment 100% Online With TeleMAT

Recovery Care of Columbia created the term TeleMAT—now a widely used model nationwide. We were also the first clinic in Tennessee to receive a virtual medical license for addiction treatment.

With TeleMAT, You Can:

  • Never visit a clinic
  • Get same-day Suboxone prescriptions
  • Use your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or self-pay
  • Have medication sent to your local pharmacy or delivered overnight
  • Receive support from master’s-level counselors
  • Stay private and discreet from home

We’ve been operating for over six years, are fully accredited by The Joint Commission, and have over 100 five-star Google reviews.

How to Get Started Today (Insurance & Self-Pay)

Choose the option that fits you:

Why Patients Trust Recovery Care of Columbia

  • Over 1,000 lives changed
  • Master’s-level counselors
  • No judgment, ever
  • Owners in active recovery
  • Built by people who were treated poorly elsewhere—and decided to do better
  • Patients treated with compassion, dignity, and respect

Meet our team

Read our reviews

FAQs About Buprenorphine and Suboxone

Is buprenorphine the same as Suboxone?

No. Buprenorphine is the main medication inside Suboxone, but Suboxone also contains naloxone for added safety.

Can Suboxone really stop withdrawal?

Yes. Most patients experience relief within the first hour of their first dose.

Will Suboxone make me high?

No. Suboxone stabilizes your brain without producing a euphoric high.

How fast can I get prescribed?

Same day as your first TeleMAT appointment.

Is treatment private?

Yes. Everything is confidential and done securely online.

What ages do you treat?

Adults 18 to 65 years old.

H2: Call or Text for Immediate Help

You can call or text us anytime at:

📞 (931) 548-3062

Or message securely through the Spruce Health app.

If you’re tired of hiding, chasing pills, fearing withdrawal, or risking overdose—it’s time for something better.

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