Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be prescribed by a physician in a doctor’s office as part of a comprehensive treatment program for opioid use disorder.
Suboxone is the brand name for a medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. Both Suboxone and buprenorphine can be prescribed and dispensed by eligible medical personnel.
Learn more about using Suboxone to overcome opioid withdrawal
Can My Primary Doctor Prescribe Suboxone?
Yes. Licensed physicians can prescribe Suboxone for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
In April of 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services altered the requirements for prescribing medications containing buprenorphine in order to expand access to medications like Suboxone.
What To Expect At Your First Doctor’s Appointment For Suboxone
Generally, this visit will be similar to normal visits to the doctor. One main difference is that you may be asked to submit a urine sample.
Don’t worry about this. Testing positive for opioids is normal and expected. These test results will be used to help develop a treatment plan that is suited to your needs.
Once it is time for your appointment, a medical assistant will take you to a room to privately check your vital signs and ask questions about your medical and substance use history.
After this, a medical doctor will meet with you. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan.
From here, the doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment and have office staff connect you with counseling or provide a referral for an intensive treatment program.
Getting Suboxone From A Doctor FAQs
It’s common to have questions about how to get Suboxone. Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about starting Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction here.
❓ Is It Hard To Get Prescribed Suboxone?
✔️ Suboxone is one of the top treatments for opioid dependency and addiction.
Doctors who have experience working with people addicted to opioids may prescribe Suboxone for people who show signs or symptoms of opioid dependence.
If you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, consider contacting your doctor to discuss whether Suboxone is right for you.
❓ Who Can Prescribe Suboxone?
✔️ Unlike methadone, another treatment for opioid use disorder, Suboxone can be prescribed and dispensed at a physician’s office, a rehab clinic, or within an opioid treatment program.
Authorized medical personnel can prescribe Suboxone, or buprenorphine, for opioid dependency. To become authorized, eligible medical personnel must complete specialized training.
Eligible Suboxone prescribers may include:
- general physicians
- nurse practitioners
- clinical nurse specialists
- certified registered nurse anesthetists
- physician assistants
- certified nurse midwives
Read more about increased access to buprenorphine (Suboxone) in 2021
❓ Do You Have To Be In An Inpatient Rehab Program To Get Prescribed Suboxone?
✔️ Suboxone can be prescribed as part of an inpatient rehab program for opioid addiction, or by an outpatient treatment provider.
Inpatient treatment is the gold standard for drug addiction treatment. If someone has a severe or chronic opioid addiction, an inpatient treatment program is often recommended.
Call Today To Find Suboxone Treatment Near You
Finding an authorized provider to prescribe Suboxone for opioid addiction isn’t something you have to do alone.
If you’re looking for Suboxone treatment, call our helpline today to learn more about Suboxone treatment and how to find a Suboxone treatment provider near you.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Buprenorphine
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—HHS Releases New Buprenorphine Practice Guidelines
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/27/hhs-releases-new-buprenorphine-practice-guidelines-expanding-access-to-treatment-for-opioid-use-disorder.html - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)—Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview
