As opioid-related overdoses continue to impact communities across East Tennessee, understanding how medication-assisted treatment (MAT) works has become a critical public health issue. One of the most common questions surrounding MAT is how long buprenorphine-based medications such as Suboxone® block opioids in the body. ReVIDA® Recovery, an outpatient opioid use disorder treatment provider that serves Knoxville and the surrounding areas, recently published new educational guidance that examines how Suboxone® interacts with opioid receptors and why the duration of effect varies from person to person.

“Opioids (sometimes called opiates) are a class of substances that include heroin, fentanyl, and painkillers. Opioids are highly addictive and, because of this, are prescribed by doctors only for a short time,” the article explains. “Opioids work by binding to the body’s opioid receptors in the brain, which are involved in one’s feelings of pain and pleasure. When they bind to the receptors, the opioids block pain signals sent from the brain to the body and release dopamine.” This dopamine release reinforces continued opioid use – overall increasing the risk of opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine, the primary active ingredient in Suboxone®, works differently by only partially activating opioid receptors while limiting the euphoric effects that are associated with full opioid agonists.

According to ReVIDA® Recovery, buprenorphine’s unique pharmacology allows it to reduce cravings and block the effects of other opioids for extended periods of time, making it a cornerstone of most outpatient MAT programs. The full educational breakdown, including how metabolism, dosage, and treatment history influence how long Suboxone® remains active, is available on the organization’s website. The article also explains why consistent dosing and structured care helps to maintain the effectiveness of the medication. This guidance comes at a time when many communities are seeking clearer information about how MAT medications actually function beyond the initial stabilization process. Providers note that understanding medication duration can help patients and families make more informed decisions about ongoing outpatient care.

“Every patient is different, so to check on your need for buprenorphine (Suboxone®), ReVIDA® Recovery will conduct an assessment,” the article notes. “The length of time that someone takes buprenorphine (Suboxone®) depends on the patient. In some cases, patients may need to take the medication indefinitely, so long as it is still working.” The article further explains how buprenorphine typically blocks opioids for about 24 hours, with blocking effects that sometimes last closer to 60 hours, (depending on individual factors such as metabolism and treatment history.)

As opioid use disorder continues to evolve, access to accurate and science-based information remains of the utmost importance. Health providers across all of Tennessee and beyond have emphasized that medications like Suboxone® are not one-size-fits-all solutions … but are evidence-based tools that support stability when delivered through properly structured outpatient care. ReVIDA® Recovery reports that increased awareness around how MAT medications function can help reduce stigma and encourage earlier engagement with treatment services.

About ReVIDA® Recovery
ReVIDA® Recovery is an outpatient medication assisted treatment provider specializing exclusively in opioid use disorder. With locations across East Tennessee and Western Virginia, they offer MAT services using Suboxone® and Sublocade®, combined with required outpatient therapy and practical support services. The organization is committed to improving access to evidence-based care while helping patients stabilize and maintain daily responsibilities.

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For more information about ReVIDA® Recovery Knoxville, contact the company here:

ReVIDA® Recovery Knoxville
Tonya Shelton
865-633-0353
generalinfo@revidarecovery.com
2001 Highland Ave
Knoxville, TN 37916