Medication-assisted treatment Tennessee: Top 10 Proven Benefits 2025

Why Medication-Assisted Treatment Tennessee Access Matters for Recovery

Medication-assisted treatment Tennessee programs combine FDA-approved medications with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. If you’re looking for MAT in Tennessee, here’s what you need to know:

Quick MAT Access Guide for Tennessee:
• 22 opioid treatment programs operate statewide
• 3 FDA-approved medications: buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone
• TennCare covers 100% of MAT services through BESMART program
• Telemedicine available for rural areas and privacy needs
• Same-day appointments possible at many clinics

Tennessee faces a serious opioid crisis. Over 700 people die from drug overdoses in Davidson County alone each year. About 36,676 Tennesseans received substance use treatment in 2021, but many still lack access to care.

The challenge is real – 26 counties in Tennessee don’t have a publicly listed buprenorphine provider. In those same counties, 86 people died from opioid overdoses. This gap between need and access makes finding the right treatment critical.

MAT works by using medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you focus on counseling and rebuilding your life. It’s not “trading one drug for another” – it’s evidence-based medicine that normalizes brain chemistry and blocks the euphoric effects of opioids.

As Dr. Chad Elkin, founder and Chief Medical Officer of National Addiction Specialists, I’ve dedicated my career to expanding medication-assisted treatment Tennessee access through telemedicine and reducing barriers to care. My work with the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine focuses on ensuring every Tennessean can access life-saving MAT regardless of location or circumstances.

Key terms for Medication-assisted treatment Tennessee:

• Counseling for opioid addiction
• Online addiction counseling
• Telehealth Suboxone doctors

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Tennessee

Medication-assisted treatment Tennessee programs offer hope for anyone struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction. Think of MAT as giving your brain the medical support it needs while you work on healing the rest of your life. It’s like having a safety net that catches you when cravings hit hard.

When addiction takes hold, it literally changes how your brain works. The reward pathways that used to respond to simple pleasures – like a good meal or time with family – get hijacked by substances. Your brain starts believing it needs opioids or alcohol just to function normally.

That’s where MAT medications step in. They work behind the scenes to restore normal brain chemistry without making you feel high. Instead of fighting overwhelming withdrawal symptoms and cravings on your own, you can focus your energy on counseling, rebuilding relationships, and creating a life you actually want to live.

The research is crystal clear: people who receive MAT have much better outcomes than those trying to quit “cold turkey.” Studies show MAT reduces illicit drug use, improves physical and mental health, and helps people keep their jobs and stay connected with family. It’s not just about stopping drug use – it’s about getting your whole life back.

Unfortunately, stigma still follows MAT around like a shadow. Some people wrongly believe it’s just “trading one drug for another.” This misses the huge difference between chaotic street drug use and carefully monitored medical treatment. You wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes to stop taking insulin, right? Addiction is also a medical condition that often requires ongoing treatment.

Scientific research on naloxone shows how medications can literally save lives in addiction treatment. While naloxone reverses overdoses after they happen, MAT medications prevent them from happening in the first place.

How Medication-Assisted Treatment Tennessee Programs Work

Understanding how these medications actually work can help ease any worries you might have. These aren’t “feel-good” drugs designed to get you high. They’re precisely engineered to stabilize your brain chemistry without producing euphoria.

Partial agonists like buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone) are pretty clever. They attach to the same brain receptors as opioids but only partially activate them. This gives you enough stimulation to prevent withdrawal and cravings while having a built-in “ceiling effect” that prevents overdose. Think of it like having a dimmer switch instead of an on/off switch for those brain receptors.

Antagonists like naltrexone work differently – they completely block opioid receptors. If someone tries to use opioids while on naltrexone, they won’t feel any effects at all. This medication works best for people who’ve already completed detox and feel motivated to stay clean.

Full agonists like methadone fully activate opioid receptors but in a controlled, long-acting way. This prevents the roller-coaster of highs and crushing withdrawals that make opioid addiction so miserable. Instead, people can function normally throughout their day.

The real magic happens when you combine medication with comprehensive support services. Medication alone isn’t enough – you need counseling, peer support, and sometimes help with housing or employment too. At National Addiction Specialists, we provide More info about How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works through our telemedicine platform, making it easier for Tennesseans to access care from the comfort and privacy of home.

FDA-Approved Medications Used in Tennessee MAT

The FDA has approved several medications for treating substance use disorders, and each one has specific strengths. Let’s break down what’s available in Tennessee:

For opioid use disorder, buprenorphine (found in Suboxone and Subutex) is the most commonly prescribed MAT medication in Tennessee. From 2015 to 2019, buprenorphine prescription rates actually increased in 82% of Tennessee counties – a sign that more doctors are recognizing its value. It’s safer than methadone and can be prescribed in regular doctor’s offices, making it much more accessible.

Methadone is only available through certified opioid treatment programs, and Tennessee has 22 OTPs spread across the state. Methadone requires daily clinic visits at first, but as patients stabilize, they can earn take-home doses for weekends and eventually longer periods.

Naltrexone comes as daily pills or monthly injections (Vivitrol). It works best for people who’ve already completed detox and want extra protection against relapse. Since it blocks all opioid effects, you need to be completely clean before starting it.

For alcohol use disorder, naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of drinking, making alcohol less appealing. Acamprosate helps restore normal brain chemistry after someone stops drinking, while disulfiram creates unpleasant reactions when combined with alcohol – though this one requires a lot of motivation to stick with.

Our team at National Addiction Specialists specializes in buprenorphine treatment, offering More info about Suboxone for Opioid Addiction through convenient telemedicine appointments. This means you can start your recovery journey without having to travel to a clinic or take time off work.

Levels of Care & Eligibility for MAT Across Tennessee

Finding the right level of care for medication-assisted treatment Tennessee programs can feel overwhelming when you’re already struggling with addiction. The good news is that treatment options range from intensive hospital-based care to flexible outpatient programs that let you keep working and caring for your family.

Think of treatment levels like a ladder – you start where you need to based on your situation, and you can move up or down as your needs change. Some people need intensive support initially, while others do well starting with outpatient care.

The most important thing to understand is that there’s no “wrong” level of care – only what works best for your circumstances right now. In 2021, over 36,000 Tennesseans received some form of substance use treatment, proving that recovery is possible at every level.

Inpatient treatment provides round-the-clock medical supervision in a hospital setting. This intensive level makes sense if you’re dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms, have other medical conditions, or have tried outpatient treatment several times without success. About 309 Tennesseans received this level of care in 2021.

Residential treatment offers a structured living environment with 24/7 support, but it’s less medically intensive than inpatient care. You’ll live at the facility for 30-90 days typically, receiving MAT along with counseling and life skills training. Tennessee served 2,158 people in residential programs in 2021.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) bridge the gap between residential and outpatient care. You’ll spend 6-8 hours daily in structured treatment but go home each evening. This works well if you need intensive support but have family responsibilities or a job you can’t leave.

Outpatient treatment is where most Tennesseans – 34,209 people in 2021 – receive their care. This flexible option lets you maintain your daily responsibilities while getting the support you need. Intensive outpatient programs provide 9-12 hours of therapy weekly, while regular outpatient care might involve just a few hours per week.

Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) allows qualified doctors to prescribe buprenorphine in regular medical offices. This is where telemedicine really shines – you can receive your MAT medication and counseling from the comfort of your own home through secure video appointments.

Comparing Inpatient, Outpatient, Residential & PHP

The main differences between treatment levels come down to structure, intensity, cost, and flexibility. Higher levels of care provide more structure and intensity but cost more and offer less flexibility with your daily life.

Inpatient care offers the most structure with 24/7 medical supervision, but it’s also the most expensive and requires you to be away from home and work. The intensity can be life-saving if you’re medically unstable or have severe addiction.

Residential programs provide high structure and intensity while being less expensive than inpatient care. You’ll still need to live away from home for weeks or months, but the focus shifts from medical stabilization to learning recovery skills.

PHP programs offer moderate structure with high intensity – you get comprehensive treatment during the day but maintain some flexibility to handle important responsibilities at home.

Outpatient treatment provides the most flexibility and is usually the most affordable option. The trade-off is less structure, which means you need more self-motivation and a supportive home environment.

At National Addiction Specialists, we specialize in outpatient MAT through telemedicine, making treatment accessible regardless of where you live in Tennessee. This approach works especially well for people who need medication support but have jobs, children, or other commitments they can’t abandon.

Who Qualifies for Medication-Assisted Treatment Tennessee Services

The good news about MAT eligibility is that most adults with opioid or alcohol use disorders can access treatment. The requirements aren’t designed to keep people out – they’re meant to ensure you get safe, appropriate care.

Age requirements are straightforward – most programs serve adults 18 and older. Some facilities treat adolescents with parental consent, recognizing that addiction doesn’t wait until adulthood to strike.

Getting a diagnosis involves a clinical assessment with a qualified provider. This isn’t about judgment – it’s about understanding your specific situation so you get the right type of help. The assessment looks at your substance use patterns, medical history, and any mental health concerns.

Medical evaluation is crucial because MAT medications can interact with other drugs or medical conditions. Your doctor needs to know about any medications you’re taking, health problems you have, and whether you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Special populations receive priority consideration. Pregnant women get fast-tracked access to MAT because continuing opioid use during pregnancy poses serious risks to both mother and baby. Buprenorphine is often safer during pregnancy than continued illicit drug use.

Insurance coverage has improved dramatically in Tennessee. TennCare covers 100% of MAT services through the BESMART program, removing financial barriers that once kept people from treatment. Medicare and most private insurance plans also cover MAT, though some require prior authorization.

At National Addiction Specialists, we accept TennCare, Medicare, and many private insurance plans. Our team handles the insurance paperwork so you can focus on recovery instead of bureaucracy.

Don’t let uncertainty about eligibility stop you from seeking help. Make an Appointment to Treat Addiction – our team can quickly determine if MAT is right for you and help you access the care you need. Please don’t hesitate. Make an appointment today.

Accessing Medication-Assisted Treatment in Tennessee: Providers, Insurance & BESMART

Finding quality MAT providers in Tennessee can be challenging, especially in rural areas. Here’s how to steer the system and access care.

Finding a MAT Provider in Tennessee

SAMHSA Provider Locator: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains an online locator for buprenorphine prescribers. However, this database isn’t always current, and many providers listed may not be accepting new patients.

Tennessee State Resources: The Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services maintains a licensure search tool and map of the state’s 22 opioid treatment programs.

Telemedicine Options: This is where we’ve seen tremendous growth. Telemedicine allows patients in rural counties to access MAT without traveling hours to the nearest provider. Our More info about Online Suboxone Doctors explains how virtual appointments work for buprenorphine treatment.

The provider shortage is real – remember, 26 Tennessee counties lack publicly listed buprenorphine providers. Telemedicine helps bridge this gap by connecting patients with qualified physicians regardless of geographic location.

Scientific research on MAT access shows that reducing barriers to treatment saves lives and reduces healthcare costs.

Insurance, TennCare & the BESMART Program

TennCare Coverage: Tennessee’s Medicaid program covers 100% of MAT services through the Buprenorphine Improved Medication Assisted Recovery and Treatment (BESMART) program. This includes:

• Medications (up to 16mg daily, or 24mg for specific populations)
• Doctor visits and medical monitoring
• Counseling and behavioral therapy
• Case management services

BESMART Program Details: Launched in 2019, BESMART creates a specialized provider network focused on high-quality MAT services. Providers in the network receive improved reimbursement, clinical support, and streamlined prior authorization processes.

Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part B covers MAT services, including physician visits and counseling. Part D covers MAT medications, though formulary restrictions may apply.

Private Insurance: Federal law requires most private insurance plans to cover MAT as an essential health benefit. However, prior authorization requirements and network restrictions can create barriers.

Financial Assistance: For uninsured patients, options include sliding-scale fee programs, grant-funded treatment slots, and payment plans offered by individual providers.

Special Considerations & Common Myths

Several populations require special consideration for MAT, and persistent myths continue to create barriers to treatment.

MAT During Pregnancy & Postpartum

Pregnancy doesn’t disqualify someone from MAT – in fact, it often makes treatment more urgent. Untreated opioid use disorder during pregnancy carries significant risks including:

• Maternal overdose
• Poor prenatal care
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Buprenorphine is generally preferred during pregnancy because it causes less severe neonatal abstinence syndrome than methadone. The 2019 Tennessee Addiction Treatment Act specifically permits prescribing buprenorphine monotherapy (without naloxone) to pregnant and nursing women.

Methadone remains an option for pregnant women, particularly those who don’t respond well to buprenorphine. Methadone treatment requires daily clinic visits but provides comprehensive prenatal care coordination.

The key message: MAT during pregnancy is safer than continued illicit opioid use. Any woman who’s pregnant and struggling with opioid use disorder should seek treatment immediately.

Debunking Misconceptions About MAT

Myth: “MAT is just trading one drug for another.”
Reality: This misconception ignores the fundamental difference between therapeutic medication use and addiction. MAT medications are prescribed by doctors, taken as directed, and don’t produce euphoria. They restore normal brain function rather than disrupting it.

Myth: “People on MAT aren’t really in recovery.”
Reality: Recovery looks different for everyone. Many people on MAT hold jobs, maintain relationships, and live fulfilling lives. The goal is functionality and health, not necessarily complete abstinence from all medications.

Myth: “MAT should only be short-term.”
Reality: Opioid use disorder is a chronic condition. Some people benefit from long-term MAT, just as people with diabetes benefit from long-term insulin. Treatment duration should be individualized based on patient needs and preferences.

Myth: “MAT doesn’t work.”
Reality: Research consistently shows MAT reduces overdose deaths, criminal activity, and infectious disease transmission while improving employment and family stability. It’s one of the most effective treatments we have for opioid use disorder.

For comprehensive information about evidence-based treatment, visit our More info about Medication-Assisted Treatment page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medication-Assisted Treatment Tennessee

How do I start MAT in Tennessee?

Starting MAT involves several steps:

1. Initial Assessment: A healthcare provider evaluates your substance use history, current health status, and treatment goals. This can often be done via telemedicine.
2. Medical Clearance: Basic lab work and physical examination ensure you’re healthy enough for MAT medications.
3. Medication Selection: Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate medication based on your needs, insurance coverage, and preferences.
4. Induction: For buprenorphine, this involves taking your first dose under medical supervision to ensure proper response.
5. Stabilization: Dose adjustments over the first few weeks until you’re comfortable and stable.
6. Maintenance: Ongoing medication management combined with counseling and support services.

At National Addiction Specialists, we streamline this process through telemedicine, often scheduling same-day appointments for people in crisis.

What medications are most common for opioid and alcohol use disorders?

For Opioid Use Disorder: Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is most commonly prescribed in Tennessee due to its safety profile and ability to be prescribed in office settings. Methadone remains important for people who don’t respond to buprenorphine or prefer daily clinic structure.

For Alcohol Use Disorder: Naltrexone is most widely used, available as daily pills or monthly injections. Acamprosate helps with protracted withdrawal symptoms, while disulfiram creates negative consequences for drinking.

Does TennCare or Medicare cover the full cost of MAT?

TennCare: Yes, through the BESMART program, TennCare covers 100% of MAT services including medications, doctor visits, counseling, and support services. There are no copays or deductibles for covered MAT services.

Medicare: Coverage varies by plan. Part B covers physician services and counseling, while Part D covers medications. Copays and deductibles apply based on your specific plan.

Make an Appointment to Treat Addiction
Please don’t hesitate. Make an appointment today at https://www.nationaladdictionspecialists.com/new-patient-packet/

Conclusion

Medication-assisted treatment Tennessee programs represent a lifeline for thousands of people fighting opioid and alcohol use disorders. The landscape has transformed dramatically – what once seemed impossible is now within reach for most Tennesseans seeking recovery.

The numbers tell a powerful story. Tennessee now has 22 opioid treatment programs statewide, TennCare covers 100% of MAT costs through the BESMART program, and buprenorphine prescribing has increased in 82% of counties since 2015. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real people getting their lives back.

Yet challenges remain. Those 26 counties without buprenorphine providers and the hundreds of overdose deaths each year remind us there’s still work to do. That’s exactly why telemedicine has become such a game-changer. When you can’t travel two hours to the nearest clinic, having a qualified doctor available through your phone or computer can literally save your life.

At National Addiction Specialists, we’ve made it our mission to eliminate the barriers that keep people from getting help. Our confidential tele-MAT services mean you can start treatment from your living room, often with same-day appointments. We accept TennCare and Medicare because cost should never stand between someone and recovery.

If you’re reading this and struggling with substance use, please know that recovery isn’t just possible – it’s probable with the right support. MAT isn’t about trading one problem for another. It’s about giving your brain the medical support it needs while you rebuild your life, relationships, and future.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re taking your first step toward recovery or looking for better treatment options, our team understands what you’re going through. We’ve helped thousands of Tennesseans find their path to healing, and we’re here to help you find yours too.

The science is clear, the medications work, and the support is available. What matters most is taking that first step. Your recovery story can start today.

For more information about getting started with treatment, visit our More info about online Suboxone appointments page to see how convenient and private telemedicine treatment can be.

Make an Appointment to Treat Addiction
Please don’t hesitate. Make an appointment today at https://www.nationaladdictionspecialists.com/new-patient-packet/

Medically Reviewed By

Chad D. Elkin, MD, FASAM, ABIM, ABPM

Chad D. Elkin, MD, FASAM, ABIM, ABPM, is double board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). His professional interests focus on social determinants of health, addiction medicine, public education concerning the opioid epidemic, public speaking engagements, and addiction medicine legislative advocacy at the state and national level . He is heavily involved with ASAM with both national and state roles including activity on the Practice Management and Regulatory Affairs Committee (PMRAC), State Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Committee (SALC), and is the Legislative Chairman and President-elect for the Tennessee chapter of ASAM.

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