What is Suboxone? A Nashville Patient’s Guide

When treatment with Suboxone works well, my patients tell me frequently, “ I feel normal again. I have my life back.”

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. For many patients, it reduces cravings, withdrawal, and helps them stop fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, or kratom.

 The Author

My name is William Conway, MD. I have had a private Suboxone practice since 2012. Many of my patients have remained in Suboxone treatment for years to decades. This article is for patients and families with questions about Suboxone. My goal is to help you understand the basics and make better decisions.

Why Does Opioid Addiction Become Self-Sustaining

When you use fentanyl, kratom, or heroin without a prescription, this is how your body changes

Tolerance means that the body requires an ever-increasing dose of fentanyl or heroin to avoid feeling sick

Dependence means that the body has adapted to opioids and now needs them to avoid feeling sick.

Withdrawal means that the body produces sickness or suffering if you reduce or stop the fentanyl or heroin

Loss of control means that you must use fentanyl or heroin despite your better judgment to avoid being sick.

 What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a combination medicine that includes buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is the main medication used to stop cravings and withdrawal.

 What is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone, as well as methadone and naltrexone, are FDA- approved medications to treat opioid use disorder.  This article focuses on Suboxone

How Does Suboxone Help Opioid Addiction?

In my patients who use Suboxone  as prescribed, they report to me that Suboxone

  • Eliminates their cravings
  • Eliminating  their withdrawal
  • Allow them to build a better life

Does Suboxone Stop Withdrawal and Cravings?

After Suboxone treatment is started correctly, most patients experience major relief from withdrawal and cravings.

After treatment has started correctly, most patients experience major relief from withdrawal and cravings. Some patients feel better the same day. Others need careful dose adjustment during the first days of treatment.

When treatment works well, my patients frequently tell me, “ I feel normal again.”

Benzodiazepines and Suboxone

Benzodiazepines include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and valium. Taken together with Suboxone, they can produce sedation and dangerous breathing problems, progressing to overdose

However, the FDA also cautions physicians that buprenorphine treatment should not be automatically withheld from patients taking benzodiazepines. The safer approach is careful physician management rather than untreated opioid addiction.

When Should You Start Suboxone Treatment?

You should consider Suboxone treatment when  your opioid use is

  • Causing loss of control
  • Cravings
  • Financial harm
  • Relationship problems
  • Work problems
  • Legal risk
  • Fear of overdose

After receiving informed consent from your physician, you should begin Suboxone when you are ready to enter recovery. Suboxone is a fundamental treatment for the illicit use of opioids.

What to Expect from Suboxone Treatment in Nashville?

When Suboxone treatment works well, my patients experience many changes. Withdrawal improves or disappears. Cravings decrease or often stop. The daily search for opioids stops. My patients regain control over their lives.

After successfully beginning Suboxone and continuing it consistently, you should expect.

  • Your craving will stop.
  • Your withdrawal will stop.
  • You will stop spending money on illicit opioids.
  • You should gain control over your life again.
  • Your risk of death from overdose will reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions about Suboxone?

Is Suboxone effective in stopping the use of fentanyl?

Yes, if you enter a Suboxone program under a physician’s care, and if you follow Tennessee rules, Suboxone should be effective in stopping fentanyl.

Is Suboxone Expensive?

Suboxone is much less expensive than fentanyl. Suboxone care is normally covered by insurance. Suboxone prescriptions are commonly paid for by insurance. If insurance does not cover your Suboxone, the medication is usually less than $200 per month in Nashville.

Does Suboxone work?

Yes, Suboxone can make you feel normal again in regard to your complications from using opioids.

Can Suboxone be taken long-term?

Yes, Suboxone can be taken long-term for years if you choose.

Is Suboxone commonly available in Nashville?

Yes, Nashville has many fine Suboxone clinics. You will have many choices.

Suboxone Treatment in Nashville with William Conway, MD

I provide Suboxone treatment with primary care in Nashville. My approach is steady, private, and practical. The goal is to reduce withdrawal, control cravings, support abstinence, and help patients rebuild their lives without judgment.

Conclusion

My work is to walk with you through those decisions — quietly, steadily, and without judgment. I am William Conway, MD, in Nashville

📞Call 615-708-0390