Can My Doctor Prescribe Me Suboxone?

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 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services changed the requirements for prescribing medications containing buprenorphine to expand access to treatments like Suboxone. This means your primary care doctor, family physician, or other healthcare providers can now prescribe Suboxone without needing special waivers or additional training that were previously required.

However, not all doctors choose to prescribe Suboxone even though they’re legally allowed to do so. Some physicians may not feel comfortable managing opioid addiction treatment, lack experience with medication-assisted treatment, or prefer to refer patients to addiction specialists. If your primary doctor doesn’t prescribe Suboxone, they can refer you to a provider who does.

How To Find A Doctor Who Prescribes Suboxone

If your primary care doctor doesn’t prescribe Suboxone, there are several ways to find a provider who does. Start by asking your doctor for a referral to an addiction specialist, psychiatrist, or clinic that offers medication-assisted treatment. You can also use the federal government’s treatment locator at SAMHSA.gov or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s helpline to find Suboxone providers near you.

Many addiction treatment centers, community health clinics, and specialized MAT clinics have doctors on staff who regularly prescribe Suboxone. Some telehealth services now offer online appointments where you can meet with a provider remotely and receive a Suboxone prescription if appropriate.

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 medication-assisted treatment using 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.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff