Renu Chattanooga

About Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone)

Buprenorphine is a medication that comes in film and tablet form. By taking the place of the opioids used by patients this medication prevents cravings and can help avoid withdrawal symptoms. With a very slow taper of dosage, any withdrawal symptoms will be less intense. Patients on buprenorphine/naloxone report feeling normal, functional and having a clear mind all day long, which allows them to make positive choices the way that they did prior to their addiction. When buprenorphine is combined with counseling and other forms of support, it can be highly effective in helping patients recover from addiction.

Treatment Schedule

Each patient treatment plan is designed for that specific patient's needs. However, patients can assume a basic schedule that is set by state requirements. It will start with an intake visit followed by weekly stabilization appointments. Once the patient is stable they will be moved into a monthly maintenance stage.

Intake Phone Call (no cost)
The intake phone call can be scheduled at your convenience during the work day. It is used to determine the appropriateness of outpatient medication assisted treatment for your specific situation. All patients are not appropriate to receive outpatient treatment due to the severity of their opiate addiction.

Intake Appointment
Your first appointment at our clinic will take 60 to 90 minutes. If an intake packet is sent to you prior to your appointment, please have it completed prior to coming to your appointment. During this appointment you will meet with our staff to ensure your paperwork is completed and answer any additional question you may have. We will document your medical history, take your vitals, and collect a urine sample. You will meet with a provider and together you will discuss if Suboxone treatment is right for you. Any other referrals that are needed to help ensure your success with outpatient medication assisted treatment will be initiated at this appointment, including counseling.

Stabilization Period
Following the Intake Appointment and the initiation of the buprenorphine/naloxone medication, you will have at least 3 stabilization visits in the office with a provider. These visits are required by the State of Tennessee in order to progress to the maintenance phase. Further support services will be offered at these appointments.

Ongoing Maintenance
Once the provider has determined that you are doing well on the medication, and a stable dosage has been ascertained, you will move into a maintenance stage where your appointments will be every 2 to 4 weeks. At this stage, you will continue to work on familial relationships and can continue with putting your life back to normal. Counseling remains an important part of recovery during this stage as well as all of the previous stages.