Sublocade vs Suboxone in Nashville: Which Medication-Assisted Treatment Is Right for You?
If you’re researching Sublocade vs Suboxone in Nashville, you’re likely looking for a treatment option that fits your lifestyle, withdrawal symptoms, and recovery goals. Many Tennesseans want to know whether a once-monthly injection (Sublocade) or daily medication (Suboxone) is better for long-term stability — especially adults balancing work, childcare, emotional stress, transportation issues, or insurance limitations. Nashville Addiction Clinic (NAC) helps patients choose the safest and most effective MAT option based on their history with opioids, kratom, or fentanyl-laced pills. This guide explains the differences, benefits, costs, and expectations so you can make the best choice for your recovery.
Sublocade vs Suboxone in Nashville
Both Sublocade and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, but the way they’re delivered — and how they fit into daily life — is different.
Suboxone
- Daily medication (films or tablets)
- Contains buprenorphine + naloxone
- Can be prescribed via telemedicine for many patients
- Adjustable dosing
- Works well for opioid or kratom withdrawal stabilization
Sublocade
- Once-monthly injectable buprenorphine
- Given in-clinic only
- No naloxone component
- Designed for patients already stable on Suboxone
- Supports long-term consistency
Many Nashville patients start on Suboxone and transition to Sublocade later once stable.
How NAC Helps Patients Choose Between Sublocade & Suboxone
Your NAC provider evaluates several factors to determine which MAT option is best:
- Withdrawal severity
- Fentanyl or high-potency opioid exposure
- Past experiences with Suboxone
- Work schedule and daily responsibilities
- Transportation limitations
- Insurance coverage or TennCare
- History of relapse or difficulty taking medication consistently
NAC’s goal is to match you with the medication that provides the most stability and the least stress.
Understanding Suboxone at Nashville Addiction Clinic
Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone, helping reduce withdrawal and cravings. It’s often the first step for:
- Opioid withdrawal
- Kratom dependence
- Long-term maintenance
- Patients who need dosing flexibility
Benefits of Suboxone
- Works quickly
- Adjustable dosage
- Can be prescribed via telemedicine
- Covered by most TennCare and commercial plans
- Easier access in rural Tennessee
- Helps stabilize mood, sleep, and cravings
Suboxone allows patients to return to work, parenting, and daily responsibilities while addressing the physical side of addiction.
Understanding Sublocade at Nashville Addiction Clinic
Sublocade is a long-acting buprenorphine injection given monthly at NAC. It slowly releases medication into the body, keeping cravings and withdrawal consistently under control.
Benefits of Sublocade
- No daily dosing
- Less risk of missed doses
- Helpful for patients who struggle with consistency
- Reduces emotional pressure around medication decisions
- Provides steady medication levels
- Strong relapse-prevention support
Sublocade is ideal for patients who want long-term stability without worrying about daily medication.
Which Is Better: Sublocade or Suboxone?
There is no single “best” option — only what’s best for you.
Choose Suboxone if you want:
- Flexible dosing
- Adjustable dosing for tapering
- Telemedicine appointments
- A medication that can help with withdrawal from:
- hydrocodone
- oxycodone/OxyContin
- heroin, fentanyl
- methadone
- morphine
- Kratom,
- 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids
- codeine
- oxymorphone,
- and other opioids.
- Lower upfront cost
- Something you can start quickly (same-day virtual appointments)
- Want the ability to adjust your dosage as-needed
Choose Sublocade if you want:
- A once-monthly, low-maintenance solution
- Consistent buprenorphine levels
- Support staying off daily doses
Most NAC patients begin with Suboxone and consider Sublocade later.
Cost, Insurance & TennCare Considerations
Suboxone
- Generally covered by TennCare
- Often inexpensive with commercial insurance
- Self-pay treatment plans
- Sliding-scale program available
- Generic versions widely available
- GoodRX discount coupons work at most pharmacies
- Telemedicine eligibility helps reduce travel cost
Sublocade
- Higher cost
- Not covered by all insurance plans
- Prior authorization may be required
- Can be a good long-term option for stable Suboxone patients
Patients without insurance may begin with Suboxone self-pay options.
Common Fears About Switching to Sublocade or Starting Suboxone
Fear of Withdrawal
NAC providers guide timing carefully to prevent precipitated withdrawal and/or complications.
Fear of Judgment
Our clinic is a safe, judgement-free space for Middle Tennessee residents.
Fear of Injections (for Sublocade)
The monthly injection is usually quick, well-tolerated, and performed by trained professionals.
Fear of Losing Control
MAT gives patients more control — not less — by stabilizing symptoms.
How NAC Supports Long-Term Recovery, Not Just Short-Term Stabilization
NAC uses a comprehensive MAT approach that includes:
- Consistent follow-up
- Dose adjustments
- Relapse-prevention strategies
- Elevated care when needed
- Tapering support when appropriate
- 100% telemedicine program for convenience
Whether you choose Sublocade or Suboxone, NAC supports your goals with compassion and medical accuracy.
Telemedicine Addiction Treatment Anywhere in Tennessee
No matter if you live in Cookeville, Memphis, Jackson, Brentwood, or Knoxville, we’re ready to help start Suboxone therapy today.
Register Today—Feel Better Tomorrow
- Register with TennCare Medicaid
- Register with commercial insurance
- Register as a self-pay patient
- Register as a returning patient
- Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
- View insurance we accept & self-pay pricing
- See how Suboxone Telemedicine Appointments Work
- Meet our compassionate team
- 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.
Still have questions? Call or text us at (615) 927-7802
Insurance Considerations for Tennessee Patients
- Many TennCare plans cover Suboxone
- Sublocade often requires prior authorization
- Commercial insurance may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs
- Telemedicine Suboxone helps rural patients access care
- Suboxone treatment can start today at Nashville Addiction Clinic
NAC helps with every step of the insurance process.
FAQ
1. Is Sublocade stronger than Suboxone?
No — It merely provides steady levels of buprenorphine over a 30 day period.
2. Can I start Sublocade right away?
Most patients must be stable on Suboxone first.
3. Does TennCare cover Sublocade?
Some TennCare plans do, but prior authorization may be required.
4. Which option works better for kratom dependence?
Suboxone is typically used first; Sublocade may be considered later.
5. Is Sublocade painful?
The injection is quick, and most patients tolerate it well.
7. Can I use telemedicine for Sublocade?
Telemedicine is available for Suboxone; Sublocade is administered in clinic only.
Related Reading
- Sublocade vs. Suboxone: To Inject, or Not to Inject
- Low Cost Addiction Treatment in Tennessee: Virtual Recovery with Nashville Addiction Clinic
- Can Online Addiction Treatment Save You Money
