Choosing methadone or Suboxone is one of the most important decisions someone can make when breaking free from opioid addiction. For adults ages 18 to 65 in Tennessee—many facing divorce, mental health struggles, job pressures, legal problems, or transportation issues—the right medication can mean the difference between another painful withdrawal or finally finding stability.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we specialize in helping men and women who are tired of chasing pills, tired of buying Suboxone on the street, tired of waking up sick, and afraid of withdrawal. Our clinic has treated over 1,000 Tennesseans over the last six years, and we were the first clinic in Tennessee to receive a virtual medical license for addiction treatment using telemedicine. Today, people across Lakesite, Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and Cookeville can recover without ever stepping into a clinic.

Methadone or Suboxone — Which Is Better for Opioid Addiction?

The primary question people ask is simple: “Is methadone or Suboxone better for me?”

Both medications are approved by the FDA, regulated by the DEA, and recognized by SAMHSA as effective Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) options.

However, for most Tennessee residents searching for a safe, convenient, and flexible treatment program, Suboxone is often the better choice.

Why Suboxone Is Preferred for Virtual Treatment

Suboxone offers several advantages, especially for patients in smaller towns or rural areas who may struggle with transportation:

• Lower overdose risk compared to methadone
  
• Safer medication profile due to the built-in ceiling effect of buprenorphine
  
• Can be prescribed via telemedicine without clinic visits
  
• Reduces cravings and withdrawal within minutes to hours
  
• Works for transitions from hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, Kratom, Tramadol, Opana, and other opioids
  
• Suitable for men and women ages 18 to 65
  

Meanwhile, methadone requires daily in-person dosing at a heavily monitored clinic, which many patients in cities like Pulaski or Lawrenceburg cannot access due to work schedules, transportation challenges, or family responsibilities.

Understanding the Differences Between Methadone and Suboxone

Below is a clear comparison to help improve decision-making:

Feature	Suboxone	Methadone
Safe for telemedicine?	✔ Yes	✘ No
Overdose risk	Low	Higher
Risk of dependency	Lower	Higher
Works for fentanyl withdrawal	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
SAMHSA-approved MAT	✔	✔
Daily clinic visits required	✘	✔
Best for long-term recovery?	✔ Often	✔ For some

Why Most People Choose Suboxone in Tennessee

For the majority of adults who are ashamed of their opioid dependence, who hide their addiction from coworkers or family, who worry about losing their job or their kids, or who simply want their life back, Suboxone is the most realistic long-term plan.

People choose Suboxone because it:

• Stops withdrawal and cravings fast
  
• Allows them to stay stable at work
  
• Works even for long-term opioid users
  
• Helps people in active fentanyl addiction get control within 24 hours
  
• Can be prescribed same-day at Recovery Care of Columbia
  
• Can be sent to any local pharmacy or delivered overnight
  

TeleMAT™ — Virtual MAT Treatment First Created by Our Clinic

We coined the acronym TeleMAT™, which is now widely used across the country to describe telemedicine-based Medication-Assisted Treatment.

At Recovery Care of Columbia:

• You never need to visit a clinic
  
• Appointments are virtual and confidential
  
• Prescriptions are sent same day to your local pharmacy or shipped overnight delivery
  
• You can join using TennCare, commercial insurance, or self-pay
  
• Our counselors hold master’s degrees
  
• Our owners are in active recovery, creating the clinic they once needed
  

We are proud to be accredited by The Joint Commission, hold over 100 five-star reviews, and offer the most compassionate, respectful treatment experience in Tennessee.

Signs You May Need Medication-Assisted Treatment

If any of these feel familiar, MAT may be right for you:

• Waking up sick every morning
  
• Hiding opioid use from a spouse or partner
  
• Buying pills or street Suboxone
  
• Using heroin or fentanyl “just to feel normal”
  
• Fear of withdrawal
  
• Feeling ashamed but unable to stop
  
• Afraid of losing your job or your kids
  
• Recent legal trouble or probation concerns
  
• Waste hours each day “chasing pills” or other drugs
• Spend hundreds of dollars per week on street drugs

The Seriousness of Opioid Addiction: Overdose, Fentanyl, and Risk

Every day in the United States, according to CDC data, people die from opioid overdose—many involving illicit fentanyl.

No matter if the addiction started from:

• Surgery
  
• Pain pills
  
• Family influence
  
• A partner’s drug use
  
• Childhood trauma
  
• Workplace injury
  

… opioid dependence can quickly become life-threatening.

Both methadone or Suboxone dramatically reduce overdose risk—especially Suboxone due to its safety ceiling.

Why Choosing Recovery Care of Columbia Makes Recovery Easier

What sets us apart?

• Six years helping Tennesseans
  
• 1,000+ patients treated statewide
  
• First in Tennessee with a virtual addiction license
  
• No clinic visits required—ever
  
• Owners in active recovery who understand the struggle
  
• Master’s-level counselors
  
• Over 100 five-star Google reviews
  
• Judgment-free, kind, and respectful care
  
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
  

Whether you live in Memphis, Columbia, Franklin, or a small rural town like Three Way, Tennessee, you can get the help you need—right from your phone.

How to Get Started with TeleMAT (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose your registration link below
   
2. Submit your insurance (or select self-pay)
   
3. Receive appointment confirmation
   
4. Meet with a provider virtually
   
5. Get your same-day Suboxone prescription
   
6. Pick it up at your local pharmacy—or have it shipped overnight
   

Internal Links

• Register for virtual Suboxone treatment with TennCare Medicaid
• Register for telemedicine Suboxone therapy with commercial insurance
• Register for online Suboxone treatment as a self-pay patient
• Register as a returning patient
• Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
• View insurance plans we accept and self-pay pricing
• Meet Our Team
• Read our 100+ Google Reviews (from real patients)

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.

FAQ – Methadone or Suboxone

Is Suboxone safer than methadone?

Yes. Suboxone has a lower overdose risk and is safer when taken as prescribed.

Can I switch from methadone to Suboxone?

Yes, but it should be medically supervised. Many Tennesseans successfully transition using our TeleMAT program.

Will Suboxone stop my withdrawal?

Most patients feel relief within 30–60 minutes.

Can Suboxone help with fentanyl addiction?

Yes. It is one of the most effective treatments for fentanyl withdrawal and cravings.

Do I have to come to a clinic?

No. All care is virtual, private, and secure.

How soon can I get my medication?

Same day as your first appointment.

What if I’m embarrassed or scared?

We understand. Our owners are in recovery and built this clinic to treat people with dignity and respect.

Call, Text, or Message Us Anytime

If you’re ready to stop opioid use safely—whether you’re considering methadone or Suboxone—we’re here to help.

📱 Call or text us at (931) 548-3062
📲 Or message us securely using the Spruce Health app

Related Articles

• Get Help from an Online MAT Doctor in Tennessee Today
• Please Select the Topics You Would Like Us to Write About
• The Truth About Suboxone and Addiction Treatment

External Addiction Resources

• DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare