Suboxone Dr Near Me: Your Guide to Opioid Addiction Treatment

Suboxone Dr Near Me: Opioid addiction is a growing concern in many communities, and seeking effective treatment is crucial for recovery. One of the most widely used medications in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) is Suboxone. 

This miracle medication is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone that helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for individuals to begin the path toward recovery. However, one of the first steps in accessing Suboxone treatment is finding a Suboxone doctor near you who can prescribe this life-saving medication.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the following topics:

  • What Suboxone is and how it works
  • Why Suboxone is effective for opioid addiction treatment
  • How to find a Suboxone doctor near you
  • What to expect during your visit to a Suboxone doctor
  • Benefits of Suboxone treatment
  • Insurance and payment options for Suboxone treatment

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to find the right Suboxone doctor for your needs and how to start your recovery journey.

What Is Suboxone and How Does It Work?

Suboxone is a prescription medication designed to treat opioid addiction, specifically for individuals who are dependent on opioids like heroin, fentanyl, morphine, or prescription painkillers. It contains two active ingredients:

  • Buprenorphine: A partial agonist that activates opioid receptors in the brain, but to a lesser degree than full agonist opioids like heroin or oxycodone. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing a “high.”
  • Naloxone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids, helping to prevent misuse of the medication. When taken as prescribed, the naloxone has little effect, but if Suboxone is injected or misused, naloxone can cause withdrawal symptoms, discouraging abuse.

Suboxone is typically taken as a sublingual tablet or film, which dissolves under the tongue. The medication helps stabilize the patient by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for them to engage in therapy and other recovery activities.

Do Generic Suboxone Medications Work?

There are many generic medications available for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that provide nearly identical relief from opioid withdrawals and cravings. These generic counterparts provide comparative results for opioid withdrawal while costing a fraction of the original name-brand Suboxone films.

  • Generic Suboxone Sublingual Tablets: Generic sublingual tablets were the first generic Suboxone counterparts to be approved by the FDA. Generic tablets are generally the most readily available at pharmacies and are generally the least expensive Suboxone equivalent.
  • Generic Suboxone Sublingual Films: Shortly after generic SUboxone tablets were approved bny the FDA, generic Suboxone films began appearing. Pharmaceutical companies like Mylan, Dr. Reddy’s, and Alvogen are currently the most common generic films on the market. Generic films generally cost about 1/4th when compared to the original SUboxone films.
  • Buccal Gels: Though far less popular than generic Suboxone films and tablets, buccal gels used to be more common in Tennessee. They were the preferred medication provided through TennCare Medicaid addiction treatment coverage. Buccal gels are placed inside the cheek to dissolve. One brand of buccal gels commonly confused with medication-assisted treatment is Belbuca. Like Suboxone and its generic counterparts, Belbuca contains buprenorphine, though its intended use is for pain management.
  • Generic Suboxone Dosages: Suboxone set the benchmark for daily buprenorphine dosages by offering an 8-2mg sublingual film containing 8 milligrams of buprenorphine and 2 milligrams of naloxone. A common induction and maintenance dosage for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is 16-4mg per day in which the patient takes one 8-2mg sublingual film (or tablet) twice daily. Suboxone films are also available in lower strengths, which are often used for long-term maintenance and tapering.

“In my experience, not all generic Suboxone is the same. I have taken the original films, generic tablets, and buccal gels only to find that the generic tablets are the best solution for me. I had a pretty rough experience taking Dr. Reddy’s films that I prefer never to repeat. Over the course of four to five weeks I gradually started feeling awful. It wasn’t just feelings of withdrawal: My stomach and head were aching on a daily basis and I felt sluggish. I knew something was wrong, but wasn’t sure what was causing it. I switched back to generic tablets and felt normal again within two days. If you’re taking Dr. Reddy’s generic Suboxone films and are expriencing any side-effects, Please read Are Dr. Reddy’s Generic Suboxone Films Making You Sick? You’re not supposed to feel sick while in recovery.”

Why Is Suboxone Effective for Opioid Addiction?

Suboxone is considered a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder because it targets both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Here’s why Suboxone works:

Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms: When someone stops using opioids, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, irritability, and intense cravings. Buprenorphine in Suboxone helps mitigate these symptoms, allowing the person to focus on recovery.

  • Prevents Opioid Abuse: The addition of naloxone helps to prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject or snort Suboxone, the naloxone can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which deters people from abusing it.
  • Long-Acting Effects: Suboxone has a long half-life, which means it stays in the system longer and helps maintain stable blood levels, preventing the “rollercoaster” of highs and lows experienced with illicit opioids.
  • Supports Recovery Efforts: Suboxone treatment is typically used alongside counseling, therapy, and other forms of support, which are essential for long-term recovery. It helps stabilize the patient, enabling them to work on their mental and emotional well-being without the distraction of cravings and withdrawal.

How to Find a Suboxone Doctor Near Me

Now that you understand the basics of Suboxone and its role in opioid addiction treatment, your next step is to find a qualified Suboxone doctor.

Suboxone Telemedicine for All of Tennessee

Nashville Addiction Clinic is Tennessee’s most trusted choice for telemedicine addiction treatment. Here’s why:

  • Nashville Addiction Clinic is the very first recipient of a Tennessee “Virtual Office-Based Outpatient Treatment” provider for addiction treatment.
  • Nashville Addiction Clinic is a TennCare BeSMART-certified addiction treatment provider. Only the top-performing clinics with the highest level of standards can become BeSMART certified
  • TennCare leaders recently noted Nashville Addiction Clinic’s telemedicine platform was the most advanced system they had ever witnessed.
  • Nashville Addiction Clinic accepts all TennCare Medicaid insurance:
    • Amerigroup Community Care
    • BCBS BlueCare
    • United Healthcare Community Plan
    • Wellpoint Community Care
  • Nashville Addiction Clinic accepts all major insurance:
    • Aetna
    • Ambetter
    • Anthem
    • Ascension
    • Behavioral Health Systems
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield  (All U.S. States)
    • Cigna
    • Humana
    • Oscar
    • UMR
    • United Healthcare
  • Nashville Addiction Clinic has a payment plan for people without insurance starting at only $210.

What to Expect During Your Visit With a Suboxone Doctor at Nashville Addiction Clinic

  1. Initial Assessment – The first visit typically involves a thorough evaluation of your medical history, including your history of opioid use, mental health status, and any other relevant conditions. Your doctor may ask questions about:
    • When you started using opioids
    • What substances you’ve been using
    • Previous attempts at treatment or recovery
    • Any co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)
  2. Screening for Other Health Issues – Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam to ensure that you are healthy enough to begin Suboxone treatment. They may also test for other substances in your system to ensure that Suboxone is the right choice for you.
  3. Discussion of Treatment Plan – Once your doctor has gathered all the necessary information, they will discuss your treatment options, including Suboxone. If they decide that Suboxone is appropriate, they will outline the dosing schedule and provide you with specific instructions on how to take the medication.
  4. Setting Recovery Goals – Suboxone is only one part of the recovery process. Counseling is a key component and is included with treatment. Your counselor will help you achieve lasting sobriety. This holistic approach increases the chances of long-term success in recovery.
  5. Regular Follow-ups – Suboxone treatment is typically not a “quick fix” for opioid addiction. You’ll need regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust dosages, and address any issues that may arise. Some patients may need to remain on Suboxone for an extended period, while others may taper off the medication over time.

Benefits of Suboxone Treatment

Like any medication, Suboxone comes with both benefits and potential risks. It’s important to weigh these carefully before starting treatment.

Benefits:

  • Effective at reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Decreases the risk of relapse by stabilizing the patient
  • Prevents opioid misuse and abuse
  • Improves overall quality of life by allowing patients to focus on recovery

Take the first step today—register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment today at Nashville Addiction Clinic. Same-day appointments are available every Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Evening appointments available every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 pm.