Is Subutex the Same as Suboxone? A Complete Guide for Tennessee Patients

Opioid addiction is a serious, life-threatening condition affecting thousands across Tennessee. If you’ve ever asked, “Is Subutex the same as Suboxone?”, you’re not alone. Understanding these medications can be the first step toward recovery. Recovery Care of Columbia has been helping patients in cities like Nashville, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Chattanooga, and Clarksville for over six years with TeleMAT—virtual, medication-assisted treatment designed to safely stop opioid dependence without in-person visits.

What Are Subutex and Suboxone?

Both Subutex and Suboxone are FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder. While they contain similar active ingredients, there are key differences:

• Subutex contains buprenorphine only, which helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
  
• Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone discourages misuse by injection.
  

Understanding the distinction is crucial for safe treatment. SAMHSA and FDA recommend these medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including counseling.

Accredited, 100% Virtual Addiction Treatment for Tennessee

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

• Serving all communities across Tennessee
• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Owned and operated by people in long-term recovery

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.

Key Differences Between Subutex and Suboxone

While both medications relieve withdrawal and cravings, your clinician will determine which is best depending on your opioid history—whether it’s heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, or Tramadol.

How TeleMAT Makes Treatment Easy and Private

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we are Tennessee’s first clinic licensed to deliver virtual TeleMAT (telemedicine medication-assisted treatment). Patients never need to visit a clinic. Our process includes:

• Register for virtual Suboxone treatment with TennCare Medicaid insurance
• Register for online Suboxone therapy using private health insurance
• Schedule a virtual Suboxone doctor appointment as a self-pay patient
• Returning patient? Click here to register
• Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
• View all insurance plans we accept
• View our affordable self-pay program with biweekly and monthly payments
• We accept all TennCare Medicaid insurance plans, including Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care
• We accept all major private insurance plans (from your employer or Healthcare.gov) including BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare.
• Same-day appointments and Suboxone prescriptions are often available when fully-registered before 10:00 am Central Time. (based on availability)
• Telehealth Appointment: Meet with a licensed clinician using your mobile device.
  
• Same-Day Prescriptions: Medications can be sent to your local pharmacy in Memphis, Knoxville, or delivered overnight.
  
• Counseling and Support: Work with our master’s-level counselors for personalized care.
  
• Ongoing Monitoring: Our team ensures you stay on track to recovery.
  

This approach is especially helpful for Tennessee patients with transportation challenges or busy schedules.

Benefits of Suboxone and Subutex Treatment

• Eliminates withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the high associated with opioids.
  
• Reduces overdose risk—Opioid overdoses kill thousands each year, according to the DEA.
  
• Supports long-term recovery when combined with counseling and clinical oversight.
  
• Virtual access from any location—no need to commute.
  
• Flexible insurance options including TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or sliding-scale self-pay.
  

Our clinic has treated over 1,000 Tennessee residents with more than 100 five-star Google reviews, earning accreditation from The Joint Commission.

FAQs: Is Subutex the Same as Suboxone?

1. Can I switch from Subutex to Suboxone?
   Yes. Clinicians often start patients on Subutex during induction, then transition to Suboxone for maintenance to reduce misuse risk.
2. Are Subutex and Suboxone safe?
   Both are FDA-approved and safe when used under medical supervision. Misuse or unsupervised use increases risks.
3. Will Suboxone make me high?
   No. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone stabilizes opioid receptors without producing euphoria.
4. Can I get Suboxone treatment without leaving home?
   Absolutely. Our TeleMAT program allows patients in Memphis, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and beyond to receive care entirely online.
5. Do you offer counseling with medication?
   Yes, our team includes licensed counselors who provide virtual therapy, addressing both opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.

Subutex vs Suboxone: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between Subutex and Suboxone depends on:

• Your opioid use history (heroin, fentanyl, OxyContin, Percocet, Kratom, etc.)
  
• Your risk for misuse
  
• Current medical conditions
  
• Access to telemedicine vs in-person care
  

Recovery Care of Columbia ensures that every patient receives a personalized plan with kindness, respect, and the latest evidence-based care. Learn more about our team.

Tired of Visiting Clinics and Pharmacies? You Don’t Have to Anymore

We know the frustrations and stigmas often associated with addiction treatment, as well as the time it takes to get to a clinic, sit in a waiting room with unfamiliar people, wondering if you’re being judged, watching the second hands on the clock in hopes of leaving within a few hours. 

Sadly, your day isn’t over yet. You still have to drive to a pharmacy to pick up your Suboxone medications, which can sometimes be met with judgement, stigma, embarrassment, and even rejection.

By using our telemedicine addiction treatment and overnight Suboxone delivery program, you can receive professional addiction care entirely from home—without ever having to visit a clinic or a pharmacy again.

How Our Clinic Supports Lifelong Recovery

Recovery isn’t just about medication. At our clinic, patients benefit from:

• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Clinic owners in long-term recovery
• Over 100+ Google Reviews (from real patients)
• Recipient of Tennessee’s very first Virtual OBOT medical license
• Over 1000 patients served since 2021
• 2025 regional award winner for the “Best Substance Abuse Facility” by Best of Tennessee
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• A kind and caring staff, some who are in recovery
• TennCare Medicaid and all major health insurance accepted
• Overnight Suboxone delivery available in most areas (the pharmacy charges a delivery fee)
• A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who genuinely care about your recovery.
• No clinic visits, ever. 100% online/virtual Suboxone treatment statewide
• Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
• Evening appointments available every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM
• Compassionate, stigma-free, judgement-free care
• No referral needed

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 view insurance and pricing or apply for our sliding-scale program today.

Take the First Step Today

If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, Recovery Care of Columbia can help you safely transition to Suboxone or Subutex. Patients can call or text (931) 548-3062 or send a secure message via the Spruce Health app. Returning patients can register here.

Related Articles

• Subutex Treatment Online – Virtual Opioid Recovery Care (Tennessee)
• Subutex vs. Suboxone: Understanding the Differences
• Dealing with Opioid Addiction: How to Help Someone You Care About

External Addiction Resources

• DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
• The DEA Announces Intent to Schedule Kratom

Suboxone Treatment in Rhea County, Tennessee