Understanding Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid often prescribed for pain and as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for heroin and opioid addiction. While effective when carefully managed, methadone can be highly addictive and difficult to taper off.

In Tennessee, patients sometimes turn to methadone clinics as their only option. However, daily clinic visits can be burdensome — especially for people in rural areas. Misuse or improper dosing of methadone also increases the risk of dependence, overdose, and dangerous interactions with other medications.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we offer an alternative: telemedicine Suboxone treatment that patients can access from home, without the risks and limitations of methadone clinics.

Street Names for Methadone

  • Metho
  • Done
  • Dollies
  • Fizzies
  • Jungle Juice

Effects of Methadone

Short-Term

  • Pain relief
  • Sedation and relaxation
  • Slowed breathing
  • Drowsiness

Long-Term

  • Physical dependence
  • Constipation and GI issues
  • Liver damage with prolonged use
  • Increased overdose risk when combined with alcohol or sedatives
  • Cognitive impairment and memory problems

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

Methadone withdrawal can be more drawn-out than heroin or oxycodone withdrawal due to its long half-life. Symptoms may last for weeks:

  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Sweating and chills
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Insomnia and restlessness
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Persistent drug cravings

Why Methadone Addiction is Different

Because methadone is prescribed for treatment, many patients believe it is “safe.” However, methadone’s long-lasting effects make it especially difficult to stop using. Some patients remain on methadone for years, while others misuse it outside of medical supervision.

Recovery Care of Columbia provides a safer path forward by transitioning patients to Suboxone, which is easier to taper, safer in overdose situations, and more accessible through telemedicine.

Effective Treatment for Methadone Addiction

Suboxone-Based MAT

We use Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) to help patients manage methadone withdrawal and cravings. Suboxone offers several advantages over methadone:

  • Lower overdose risk
  • Easier to taper off
  • Prescribed safely via telemedicine
  • Can be started same-day in Tennessee

👉 Get started with our telemedicine Suboxone treatment program in TN.

Counseling and Therapy

Our program combines medication with virtual counseling and support, giving patients tools to rebuild their lives and maintain recovery.

Telemedicine Care Statewide

Whether you’re in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or rural Tennessee, you can access treatment from the privacy of home.

Begin Suboxone Treatment Today—100% Online, No Waiting Rooms

  • TennCare accepted — If you have TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid), your Suboxone treatment may be covered at little to no cost to you.
  • Commercial insurance accepted — Most major commercial insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
  • Self-Pay payment plans — For patients with moderate to high income, with or without health insurance.
  • Low-Cost Sliding Scale options — For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, Recovery Care offers income-based pricing so cost is never a barrier to getting help.
  • No surprise bills — Our team walks you through your coverage before you begin so you know exactly what to expect.
  • Returning patient? — Restart your treatment by filling-in a short reinstatement form.

We serve patients throughout Tennessee — including rural areas where transportation is limited and addiction treatment clinics are hours away. Call or text us now at (931) 548-3062 to speak to someone about our 100% telemedicine Suboxone program. Or, message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app. We’re ready to help.

We’re proud to be Tennessee’s first virtual Suboxone clinic.

Why Choose Recovery Care of Columbia?

Our kind 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.

👉 Learn more about our Joint Commission–accredited addiction treatment.

Effective Treatment for Other Drug Addictions

Start Treatment Today

Methadone addiction can feel overwhelming, but there are safer treatment options. Recovery Care of Columbia offers a modern approach to recovery through telemedicine.

Registration & Next Steps

👉 Register with TennCare Medicaid
👉 Register with Commercial Insurance
👉 Register with Self-Pay
👉 Register as a Returning Patient
👉 Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
👉 View insurance we accept and self-pay pricing

Start today — recovery doesn’t have to mean daily clinic visits or years on methadone. With Recovery Care of Columbia, you can begin treatment from the privacy of your home.