Switching From Methadone to Suboxone: What Tennessee Patients Need to Know

Switching from methadone to Suboxone is a decision many people in Tennessee consider when methadone treatment no longer fits their life, schedule, or recovery goals. While methadone can be effective, it often requires daily clinic visits and rigid routines that become difficult over time. For many patients, Suboxone—especially through telemedicine—offers a more flexible, private, and sustainable path forward.

At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we regularly help patients safely transition from methadone to Suboxone using evidence-based protocols and 100% virtual care.

Why Patients Consider Switching From Methadone to Suboxone

There are many reasons people begin exploring alternatives to methadone treatment, including:

• Daily or frequent clinic visits interfering with work or family life
• Long travel distances to methadone clinics
• Feeling “stuck” on methadone without progress
• Side effects such as sedation, weight gain, or emotional numbness
• Desire for more independence and flexibility
• Interest in telemedicine-based treatment

Patients in cities like Murfreesboro, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson City, and Bartlett, often discover that Suboxone treatment aligns better with their long-term recovery needs.

No matter which county you live in:

Rutherford County, Fayette County, Davidson County, Knox County, Williamson County, or elsewhere, we can provide same-day Suboxone treatment from the comfort of your home.

Understanding the Difference Between Methadone and Suboxone

Both methadone and Suboxone are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, but they work differently.

Methadone

• Full opioid agonist
• Typically dispensed at specialized clinics
• Requires frequent in-person visits
• Higher overdose risk if misused

Suboxone

• Partial opioid agonist (buprenorphine) with naloxone
• Can be prescribed via telemedicine
• Lower risk of misuse and overdose
• Allows for take-home dosing

These differences are why many patients eventually consider switching from methadone to Suboxone as they stabilize in recovery.

How Switching From Methadone to Suboxone Works

Transitioning medications must be done carefully under medical supervision. A telemedicine provider will guide you through each step to reduce discomfort and risk.

Step 1: Medical Evaluation

Register now to start Suboxone treatment from home today:

• Register for Suboxone Telemedicine using TennCare Medicaid
• Register for virtual Suboxone treatment using commercial insurance
• Register for online Suboxone therapy as a self-pay patient
• Register as a returning patient
• Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
• View all insurance plans we accept and self-pay pricing
• 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.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids), Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, Tramadol, Percocet, and other opioids.

If you would like to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program, please call or text us at (615) 927-7802. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

Step 2: Gradual Methadone Reduction

Most patients need to taper their methadone dose before switching. This step helps reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal, which can occur if Suboxone is started too soon.

Step 3: Timing the Transition

Once methadone is reduced to a safer level, patients wait until moderate withdrawal symptoms appear before starting Suboxone. This timing is critical and carefully monitored.

Step 4: Starting Suboxone

Suboxone is then introduced at the right time and dose to stabilize symptoms, reduce cravings, and support ongoing recovery.

Organizations like the FDA, DEA, and SAMHSA provide guidance supporting the safety and effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment when properly managed.

Can You Switch From Methadone to Suboxone Using Telemedicine?

Yes. In Tennessee, eligible patients can safely switch from methadone to Suboxone with telemedicine support. Nashville Addiction Clinic provides:

• Virtual medical evaluations
• Step-by-step transition guidance
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions when appropriate
• Ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments
• Counseling and recovery support

Telemedicine eliminates the need for daily clinic visits, making treatment more accessible—especially for people with transportation challenges or busy schedules.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Switching?

You may be a good candidate for switching from methadone to Suboxone if you:

• Are stable on a lower methadone dose
• Want fewer clinic restrictions
• Prefer private, at-home care
• Have work or family obligations
• Live far from a methadone clinic
• Want a lower-risk medication option

Every patient is different, which is why individualized medical assessment is essential.

Why Patients Trust Nashville Addiction Clinic

• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Clinic owners are in long-term recovery
• Over 260 Google Reviews (from real patients)
• Recipient of Tennessee’s first Virtual OBOT medical license
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• Statewide award winner of the 2025 Best of Tennessee award for substance abuse treatment
• Over 1000 patients served since 2019
• Accepts most commercial/employee health plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (all U.S. states), Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid plans: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
• Overnight Suboxone delivery is available in most areas (a delivery fee applies)
• A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who provide judgement-free care, some who are in recovery.
• Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
• Evening appointments every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (615) 927-7802, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Switching From Methadone to Suboxone

How long does it take to switch from methadone to Suboxone?

The process varies, depending on the current methadone dosage, length of use, and drug abuse history, all which play a role on your methadone transition to the safer, more accessible Suboxone medications.

Will I experience withdrawal during the switch?

Some withdrawal symptoms are common, but careful timing and medical supervision significantly reduce discomfort.

Can Suboxone control cravings as well as methadone?

For many patients, yes. Suboxone is highly effective at reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal.

Is Suboxone safer than methadone?

Suboxone has a lower risk of overdose due to its partial agonist properties, especially when taken as prescribed.

Does TennCare cover Suboxone treatment?

In many cases, TennCare covers Suboxone telemedicine treatment. Coverage can be verified during registration.

A More Flexible Path Forward

For many Tennesseans, switching from methadone to Suboxone represents a move toward greater freedom, stability, and control over recovery. With telemedicine, patients no longer have to choose between treatment and daily life.

If methadone no longer fits your needs, Nashville Addiction Clinic offers confidential, professional support to help you explore your options safely.

Register for treatment online 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.

Addiction-Related Articles

• Starting Suboxone Treatment Online in Tennessee Without Going to a Clinic
• Suboxone vs. Methadone: Understanding the Treatments for Opioid Addiction
• Online Doctors for Suboxone Treatment: A Safer Path to Recovery in Tennessee

External Resources

• Kratom/7-OH/7-hydroxymitragynine addiction is another opioid addiction-related issue facing Tennessean’s, thanks to it being readily available and unregulated. Learn more about Kratom addiction and virtual treatment options in Tennessee.
• 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