Recovery & MAT Medications

Is Buprenorphine Addictive? What Tennessee Patients Need to Know

Name: Nashville Addiction Clinic
Price range: $$$

Posted by

Steve Tana

On January 21, 2026

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Is buprenorphine addictive? This is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions people ask when considering treatment for opioid addiction in Tennessee. Many individuals want relief from withdrawal and cravings but fear becoming “addicted to another drug.”

At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we believe patients deserve clear, honest answers without fear-based messaging or stigma. Understanding how buprenorphine works can help you make an informed, confident decision about recovery.

Accredited, Virtual Addiction Treatment for Tennessee

Nashville Addiction Clinic provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required, ever.

Statewide access across Tennessee
Accredited by The Joint Commission
Owned and managed by people in long-term recovery

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.

What Is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is the primary active ingredient in Suboxone, which is commonly prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Buprenorphine is classified as a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors just enough to:

Reduce withdrawal symptoms
Control cravings
Stabilize brain chemistry

—but not enough to produce the intense euphoria associated with opioids like Percocet, fentanyl, or heroin.

This unique action is what makes buprenorphine effective for recovery.

Is Buprenorphine Addictive in the Same Way as Other Opioids?

Short answer: No—not in the same way.

While buprenorphine does interact with opioid receptors, it behaves very differently from full opioids.

Key Differences That Matter

Ceiling effect: After a certain dose, buprenorphine does not increase opioid effects, lowering overdose risk
Reduced euphoria: It does not produce the same “high” when taken as prescribed
Long-lasting stability: Helps prevent the cycle of highs and withdrawals
Lower misuse potential: Especially when combined with naloxone (as in Suboxone)

This is why major health authorities like SAMHSA, the FDA, and the DEA recognize buprenorphine as a frontline treatment for opioid use disorder.

Physical Dependence vs. Addiction: Why the Difference Matters

Much of the confusion around the question “is buprenorphine addictive?” comes from mixing up two different medical concepts.

Physical Dependence

The body adapts to a medication
Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms
Happens with many medications, including antidepressants and blood pressure drugs

Addiction

Compulsive use despite harm
Loss of control
Cravings driven by reward-seeking behavior

Buprenorphine may cause physical dependence, but that does not automatically mean addiction.

When prescribed and monitored properly, buprenorphine treats addiction rather than replacing it.

Why Buprenorphine Is Safer Than Quitting Cold Turkey

Many people in Tennessee attempt to quit opioids on their own. Unfortunately, this often leads to relapse—and increased overdose risk.

Buprenorphine helps by:

Reducing intense withdrawal symptoms
Lowering cravings that lead to relapse
Allowing patients to function normally
Creating stability for work, parenting, and daily life

Patients across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro often tell us that buprenorphine was the first thing that made recovery feel possible instead of terrifying.

Addiction Treatment for Tennessee by Tennesseans in Recovery

Nashville Addiction Clinic provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required, ever.

Statewide access across Tennessee
Accredited by The Joint Commission
Owned and managed by people in long-term recovery

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.

Can You Misuse Buprenorphine?

Misuse is possible with almost any medication, but buprenorphine has safeguards that significantly reduce risk:

Naloxone discourages injection misuse
Ceiling effect limits euphoria
Medical monitoring ensures proper dosing
Telemedicine check-ins maintain accountability

At Nashville Addiction Clinic, treatment includes medical oversight, counseling support, and structured follow-ups to keep care safe and effective.

How Long Do People Stay on Buprenorphine?

There is no single timeline that works for everyone.

Some patients:

Use buprenorphine short-term
Gradually taper under medical supervision
Transition off when stable

Others:

Remain on maintenance treatment longer
Use buprenorphine to prevent relapse
Focus on long-term recovery and quality of life

According to SAMHSA, staying on medication longer is often associated with better outcomes and lower overdose risk.

Recovery is not a race—it’s about safety and stability.

Buprenorphine Treatment Through Telemedicine in Tennessee

One major barrier to care has been access. Today, telemedicine Suboxone treatment allows patients statewide to receive help without visiting a clinic.

TeleMAT at Nashville Addiction Clinic Includes:

100% virtual appointments
Same-day Suboxone prescriptions when appropriate
Care from experienced addiction providers
Ongoing support from master’s-level counselors
Discreet, judgment-free treatment

This approach is especially important for rural Tennesseans, working parents, and those without reliable transportation.

Register Today for Same-Day Buprenorphine Telemedicine Treatment

Register for Suboxone Telehealth using your TennCare Medicaid
Register for virtual Suboxone addiction treatment with your commercial insurance
No Insurance? Register for Suboxone Telemedicine therapy and make payments
Register as a returning patient
Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
View all Medicaid and commercial insurance plans we accept and self-pay pricing
We accept most private/employee health insurance, 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.

Not sure if your insurance is accepted? Click here to verify your coverage.

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.

Who Is Buprenorphine Right For?

Buprenorphine may be appropriate if you:

Are dependent on opioids like Percocet, fentanyl, or heroin
Fear withdrawal symptoms
Have tried quitting and relapsed
Need a treatment option that fits real life
Want privacy and flexibility

It can help patients transition safely from:

Oxycodone or hydrocodone
Morphine or codeine
Fentanyl or heroin
Methadone or kratom

Why Nashville Addiction Clinic Takes a Patient-First Approach

Patients trust us because we combine medical excellence with compassion:

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.

You can read our patient reviews, explore insurance and pricing, or meet our supportive team to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buprenorphine

Is buprenorphine addictive if I take it every day?

Daily use does not equal addiction. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine supports recovery and stability.

Will I have withdrawal from buprenorphine?

Stopping suddenly may cause symptoms, which is why tapering should always be done under medical supervision.

Is Suboxone safer than street opioids?

Yes. Suboxone is regulated, prescribed, and monitored—unlike illicit opioids, which carry high overdose risk.

Does TennCare cover buprenorphine treatment?

Many TennCare plans cover Suboxone treatment. Our team can help you register using TennCare insurance.

What if I’ve been buying Suboxone on the street?

Many patients start treatment this way. Our focus is safety, not judgment.

The Bottom Line: Is Buprenorphine Addictive?

Buprenorphine is not addictive in the way opioids like Percocet or fentanyl are. It is a medically proven tool that helps people regain control, reduce harm, and build a stable life in recovery.

If you’re asking this question, you’re already taking an important step.

Fast-Online Registration for Same-Day Buprenorphine Treatment

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises.

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans.

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

(615) 927-7802