Suboxone is currently one of the gold standard treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) because it’s safer than other options and it makes it harder to get “high” on opioids. Studies have shown that people are more likely to succeed in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) when they take MOUD. It decreases the risk of death by overdose by more than half. Data from several studies showed that people were 1.82 times more likely to stay in treatment when taking buprenorphine (the main ingredient in Suboxone) than those who took a placebo. It also decreased the number of opioid-positive drug tests by 14.2%.
It’s important to understand your options before beginning any treatment for OUD. There are other types of MOUD available. Each one has unique risks and benefits, and they all improve your chance of success to a certain degree. For long-term recovery, it’s also important to work with a licensed counselor and feel supported by others who are in recovery from OUD.
Suboxone works by only partially activating opioid receptors in the brain. It doesn’t cause as much of a “high” as methadone. It also contains naloxone (Narcan), which helps prevent misuse. If you do take an opioid while on Suboxone or inject or snort your medication, the naloxone will kick in, causing intense withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone can be taken indefinitely, and many people stay on it long after the initial phase of recovery.
In this blog post, we’ll share four ways you can get a Suboxone prescription and some tips to help you get the treatment you need.
4 ways you can get a Suboxone prescription
The best way to get a prescription for Suboxone may depend on where you are in your recovery process, the resources available to you, and the urgency of your need. If you are seeking out Suboxone for the first time because you’ve decided to begin recovery — and you aren’t experiencing withdrawal symptoms — a qualified treatment center is a great place to start. If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms and you need Suboxone right away, you can get a prescription at an emergency room or urgent care center.
There are variations of MOUD that are similar to Suboxone. Some have the same ingredients but different delivery methods and dosage amounts (e.g., Zubsolv, Bunavail, and Cassipa). Others like Sublocade and Brixadi only contain buprenorphine with no naloxone. Methadone and naltrexone are other medications for opioid use disorder that work differently. The right MOUD for you will depend on your body and your treatment goals. You should work closely with a qualified prescriber to determine which one you should take.
There are four main ways you can get a prescription for Suboxone:
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Find an OUD treatment center — Professionals who specialize in treating OUD will be your best guides for medication management during recovery. They may combine medication with other forms of treatment such as counseling and group support. Different treatment centers may prioritize different MOUD. While we mostly prescribe Suboxone at Groups, we can also help you explore other options if that’s what’s right for you.
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Ask your primary care provider for a Suboxone prescription — Your primary care provider may be able to write a prescription for you. In some cases, they may want to see you in person first. You may have to wait until their next available appointment.
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Find an online Suboxone treatment program — Groups prescribes Suboxone online or in person. Find out if we have a location in your state or contact us at (888) 858-1723 for more information.
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Go to an emergency room or urgent care to get Suboxone right away — ER doctors can dispense a three-day supply of Suboxone. However, they will likely want to know that you’re also receiving counseling and social support.
What questions will my provider ask before they prescribe Suboxone?
Typically, before writing a prescription, your doctor will want to get to know you and understand your situation. They’ll ask questions about your health history and your substance use. They’ll also ask about your goals and plans for recovery. Your doctor will want to see that you’re taking steps to get the support you need and build up positives in your life. They may be able to recommend helpful resources in your community.
Your doctor may ask the following questions before prescribing Suboxone:
- When did you start using opioids? What you take, how much, and how often?
- Did you have a prescription or more than one prescription for opioids? Did you get them from more than one doctor?
- How do you take opioids? Have you crushed pills to take them in another form, such as snorting or injecting?
- Have you ever felt sick from not taking opioids?
- Have you used heroin or other illicit drugs?
- How do you plan to manage cravings during recovery? What is your support system like?
- What triggers make you want to use? How do you plan to avoid them?
- What other prescription medications are you taking?
- (Other questions about your lifestyle and health history)
Tips for seeking a Suboxone prescription
The laws about prescribing MOUD like Suboxone used to be a lot more restrictive. In the past, doctors needed a special certification to prescribe them. More recently, doctors had to submit a waiver stating their intent to treat patients with OUD. As of 2023, all doctors who can prescribe Schedule III medications can prescribe Suboxone without this extra step.
There are still barriers to treatment, largely because of the stigma around opioid use. Some pharmacies don’t carry Suboxone because they don’t want to serve opioid users. MOUD are still highly regulated compared to other medications, and some doctors choose not to prescribe them. A lack of insurance and living in a rural area are other common barriers people face. Black people are much less likely than white people to receive treatment for OUD, including medication. At Groups, we are working to reduce the stigma around opioid use and the barriers it creates.
Here are some tips for seeking a Suboxone prescription:
- Make sure your pharmacy carries Suboxone.
- Ask your doctor to refer you to a pharmacy that carries it, or search GoodRx.
- Find a care provider who can prescribe Schedule III medications. A person who specializes in OUD treatment is even better.
- Most Medicare and Medicaid programs cover Suboxone. Commercial insurance plans are also required to offer some coverage for MOUD. Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s covered.
- If you’re underinsured or you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to save. Find discounts on GoodRx or search for prescription savings cards and patient assistance programs. Your doctor may be able to suggest other resources.
- Call Groups at (888) 858-1723.
Groups offers a lot more than just Suboxone prescriptions
At Groups, members meet with a provider and a licensed counselor for personalized care. Group support sessions are also an important part of our programs. What we offer is more than treatment. It’s comprehensive support in all areas of your life, including your health, family, mental wellness, and more. We help you find a sense of direction so you can keep taking steps toward the life you want to live after you’ve finished our program.
Treatment at Groups includes the following:
- Care team including a provider and a licensed counselor
- Suboxone prescription (for most)
- Group support meetings
- Custom life-goal assistance
- Access to naloxone
When you’re on the road to recovery, time is of the essence. It’s good to maintain a relationship with a prescribing provider and a licensed counselor. Make a plan to refill your Suboxone prescription regularly. With other MOUD, you might need to make appointments to receive injections or visit a daily clinic.
Suboxone helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, you should also have plans to manage these things as they come up. At Groups, we help our members figure out what they can do at home when they’re feeling symptoms. We encourage people to find an emergency or urgent care clinic where they can get an emergency dose of Suboxone if they miss an appointment.
Are you looking for a Suboxone prescription and personalized support? Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
