Opioid Use Disorder
Heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and tramadol dependency
Addiction Treatment and Suboxone in Easley, SC
Evidence-Based Recovery Care
Treatment Type:Office-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Medication:Buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone), FDA-approved
Follow-Up Visits:Weekly or biweekly to start, then monthly
Approach:Confidential, judgment-free, whole-person care
Why It Matters
Addiction Treatment and Suboxone: A New Path Forward
From struggle to stability
Opioid use disorder rarely starts with a choice. Many of our patients first encountered opioids through a surgery, an injury, or chronic pain, and the condition slowly took hold of their work, relationships, sleep, and sense of self. Cravings, withdrawal symptoms, shame, and fear of stigma often keep people from asking for help. You may have tried to stop on your own, white-knuckled through withdrawal, or felt judged by past providers. None of that means recovery is out of reach. It means the right tools have not yet been put in your hands.
Recovery becomes possible when we treat addiction the way we treat any other chronic medical condition: with science, structure, and steady support. Christina pairs FDA-approved buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) with relationship-based psychiatric care to quiet cravings, ease withdrawal, and protect your brain while you rebuild your life. Many patients also benefit from related care like addiction and opioid dependency treatment in Easley, SC education and TMS therapy with Exomind in Easley, SC for co-occurring depression. Visits are private and time-honoring. You set the pace.
Treatment Timeline
Initial Evaluation
Initial Evaluation with Christina
Induction (First Dose)
Same-day or next-day, in mild withdrawal
Stabilization Phase
4 to 8 weeks of weekly visits
Maintenance Phase
Monthly visits, often 12 months or longer
Length of Treatment
Individualized, no forced taper
What Is Suboxone Therapy?
Medication-assisted treatment, explained
Suboxone is the brand name for buprenorphine-naloxone, an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder as part of a comprehensive program known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). It is one of three medications, along with methadone and naltrexone, recommended by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for opioid dependency.
The buprenorphine in Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist. In plain English, that means it gently activates the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, but only enough to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings, without producing the dangerous highs or respiratory depression of full opioids like heroin or oxycodone. The naloxone component discourages misuse. The result is a stable, ceiling-effect medication that protects against overdose, restores normal brain function, and gives you the mental space to focus on therapy, work, family, and healing.
Decades of research show that people on buprenorphine-naloxone are far more likely to stay in recovery, return to work, and avoid overdose than those treated with abstinence-only approaches. This is not trading one addiction for another, it is treating a medical condition with medicine, the same way we treat insulin-dependent diabetes.
Benefits of Suboxone Therapy
What recovery can look like
2000+ Satisfied patients
- 01
Reduced Cravings
Buprenorphine eases the daily pull of opioid cravings within hours
- 02
Lower Overdose Risk
The ceiling effect of buprenorphine sharply reduces overdose risk
- 03
Restored Daily Function
Return to work, family and stable routines without the chaos of use
- 04
Brain Recovery
Gives your brain time to heal from chronic opioid exposure
- 05
Confidential and Discreet
Office-based care, no clinic line outside, no daily dosing visits
- 06
Whole-Person Mental Health
Co-treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma and ADHD under one roof
Suboxone vs Other Addiction Treatments
Compare your options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Setting | Visit Frequency | Overdose Protection | Stigma Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suboxone (this service) | Partial opioid agonist + naloxone | Office-based, private | Weekly to monthly | High (ceiling effect) | Low and confidential | Most adults with opioid use disorder |
| Methadone clinics | Full opioid agonist | Federally regulated clinic | Daily dosing visits | Moderate | Higher (visible clinic visits) | Severe, long-standing dependency |
| Abstinence-only programs | Behavioral, no medication | Group or residential | Daily to weekly | None | Variable | Patients who decline medication |
| Naltrexone-only treatment | Opioid receptor blocker | Office-based or injection | Monthly injection or daily pill | Indirect (blocks effects) | Low | Patients fully detoxed for 7 to 14 days |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Suboxone Therapy?
Honest guidance, no judgment
Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) is a powerful tool for many adults living with opioid use disorder, but recovery is highly individual. Christina will spend time during your evaluation understanding your full history, goals, and any other medical or mental health conditions before recommending a treatment plan.
Ideal Candidates for Addiction Treatment and Suboxone
- Adults living with opioid use disorder involving heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioids
- People who have tried abstinence and want a more sustainable, evidence-based path
- Patients with co-occurring depression, anxiety, trauma, or ADHD who want integrated care
- Working adults and parents who need a discreet, office-based program with flexible scheduling
- Patients motivated to engage in counseling, peer support, or therapy alongside medication
- Individuals who want to reduce overdose risk and stabilize their daily lives
Who Should Wait or Speak With Christina First
- People currently using long-acting opioids or methadone (we will plan a safe transition)
- Patients with severe untreated liver disease, requiring closer monitoring
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding (treatment is often still appropriate, with extra care)
- Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone
- Patients who would benefit from a higher level of care, such as residential treatment, before outpatient MAT
If you are unsure whether Suboxone is right for you, please come in anyway. The conversation is confidential, and there is no wrong reason to ask for help.
What Treatment Looks Like
Step by step, at your pace
Confidential Evaluation
Christina reviews your history, mental health and recovery goals.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Christina explains Suboxone, alternatives and risks, then builds a plan you both agree on.
Induction (First Dose)
Christina starts buprenorphine-naloxone in mild withdrawal to ease symptoms quickly and safely.
Stabilization Visits
Christina sees you weekly or biweekly to fine-tune your dose and address cravings or stress.
Long-Term Maintenance
Christina transitions you to monthly visits with ongoing support, with no forced taper.
Side Effects and Safety
Honest information
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Common Side Effects
Most patients tolerate Suboxone well after the first one to two weeks of dose adjustment. Common, mild effects include headache, nausea, constipation, sweating, mild insomnia, and fatigue. These usually respond to small dose changes or simple supportive care, which Christina walks you through at every visit during your stabilization phase.
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Rare but Serious Risks
Less common but more serious risks include allergic reactions, liver irritation, and respiratory depression if Suboxone is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedating substances. Christina reviews every medication and supplement you take, performs liver labs as needed, and monitors closely so any warning signs are caught early and addressed quickly.
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Safety and Oversight
Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) has decades of research and a well-established safety profile when prescribed by a qualified clinician. Christina is a board-certified PMHNP-C in medication-assisted treatment. She follows SAMHSA and ASAM guidelines, and care stays confidential, office-based, and judgment-free at every step.
Cost of Addiction Treatment in Easley, SC
Cash pay and insurance accepted
Riverstone Wellness accepts both cash pay and health insurance for psychiatric and addiction services, including Suboxone therapy. New patient appointments are typically available within two business days. We believe cost should never be the reason someone stays in active addiction.
What Pricing Includes
- Comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation with Christina Holliday, PMHNP-C
- Personalized Suboxone induction and stabilization plan
- Coordination with primary care, therapy, and any specialists involved
- Discreet, secure messaging between visits when clinically appropriate
Insurance and Payment
Many private insurance plans cover both office visits and the cost of buprenorphine-naloxone, often as a tier-one or tier-two medication at the pharmacy. We are happy to verify your benefits before your first appointment. CareCredit financing and HSA/FSA payments are also accepted for cash-pay patients.
Call our team at (864) 520-4474 for a confidential conversation about pricing, insurance, and the next steps. There is no charge for that call, and there is no judgment, ever.
Why Choose Riverstone Wellness for Addiction Treatment and Suboxone in Easley, SC
Recovery-affirming, judgment-free care
Specialized Provider
Christina Holliday, PMHNP-C, treats addiction as a medical condition, not a character flaw
Whole-Person Psychiatry
Co-occurring depression, anxiety, ADHD and trauma treated alongside addiction
Time and Privacy
Long visits, discreet office-based care and a small-practice atmosphere
Integrated Wellness
On-site primary care, vitamin injections, TMS and pelvic health under one roof
Insurance and Cash Pay
Both options accepted, with benefits verified before your first visit
Quick Access
New patient appointments typically available within two business days
Related Treatments
Complementary services that support whole-person recovery and wellbeing.
Suboxone and Addiction Treatment FAQ
Honest answers, no judgment
What is Suboxone therapy?
Suboxone therapy uses buprenorphine-naloxone, an FDA-approved medication, to treat opioid use disorder. It eases cravings and withdrawal so you can focus on rebuilding your life. SAMHSA endorses it as a gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for opioid dependency.
How long does Suboxone treatment last?
Length of treatment is highly individual. Some patients stay on Suboxone for a year, others for several years, and some long-term. There is no forced taper at Riverstone Wellness. Christina will work with you to decide when, and whether, to reduce your dose.
Do you accept insurance for addiction treatment?
Many private insurance plans cover both Suboxone visits and the medication. We will verify your benefits before your first appointment. For patients without coverage, we offer transparent cash-pay pricing and CareCredit financing to keep care accessible.
What addictions do you treat?
We focus primarily on opioid use disorder, including dependency on heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone and other prescription opioids. Christina also addresses co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and prescription pain medication dependence.
Is medication-assisted treatment just trading one addiction for another?
No. This is one of the most common, and most harmful, myths about MAT. Buprenorphine restores normal brain function rather than producing a high. SAMHSA, FDA and decades of research support MAT as legitimate medical treatment, like insulin for diabetes.
Will my treatment be confidential?
Yes. Care is delivered in our private Easley, SC office, not a daily clinic line. Records are protected by HIPAA and federal substance use confidentiality rules. We do not share information with employers, family or anyone else without your written consent.
Do I need to be in withdrawal to start Suboxone?
Yes. To prevent precipitated withdrawal, you must be in mild to moderate opioid withdrawal before your first dose, usually 12 to 24 hours after your last short-acting opioid. Christina will walk you through the timing and what to expect.
Location4891 Hwy 153 Unit E
Easley, SC, 29642
Easley, SC, 29642
Phone(864) 520-4474
Schedule Your Addiction Treatment and Suboxone Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 24500948) - Mattick RP, et al. Buprenorphine maintenance versus placebo or methadone maintenance for opioid dependence. Cochrane review demonstrating buprenorphine effectiveness for retention in treatment.
- PubMed (PMID: 28249798) - Sordo L, et al. Mortality risk during and after opioid substitution treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis. Buprenorphine and methadone substantially reduce all-cause and overdose mortality in opioid use disorder.
- PubMed (PMID: 29080866) - Larochelle MR, et al. Medication for opioid use disorder after nonfatal opioid overdose and association with mortality. MAT with buprenorphine or methadone is associated with significant reductions in all-cause and opioid-related mortality.
- PubMed (PMID: 30571912) - Wakeman SE, et al. Comparative effectiveness of different treatment pathways for opioid use disorder. Only buprenorphine and methadone were associated with reduced overdose and serious opioid-related acute care use.
- PubMed (PMID: 26977696) - Volkow ND, et al. Medication-assisted therapies: tackling the opioid-overdose epidemic. Endorses MAT as the standard of care for opioid use disorder, addressing stigma and access barriers.