Suboxone treatment frequently asked questions
Suboxone is an FDA-approved medicine that helps people who want to safely stop taking heroin, morphine, oxycodone and Vicodin. Unlike methadone, which must be distributed daily from a treatment clinic, Suboxone can be prescribed at an ICHS clinic by medical providers and picked up from a pharmacy. More information about Suboxone can be found at: http://www.naabt.org/faqs.cfm
No, when administered under a doctor’s supervision, Suboxone’s safety and benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks for further dependency.
Only a drug test that is specifically looking for “bupe” will pick up on the presence of Suboxone. You should speak with your provider about any concerns.
The ideal program candidates are adults who are motivated to overcome dependency to prescription pain medication or heroin, serious about getting help, and open to engaging in treatment programs in addition to the prescription of Suboxone.
The first visit is a 30-minute appointment. You will meet with a medical provider to find out if Suboxone is right for you. This appointment does not guarantee you will be prescribed Suboxone. Do not come while you are in withdrawal from opiate drugs including heroin, morphine, oxycodone or Vicodin.
We recommend that you review the ICHS Suboxone treatment agreement so you understand your responsibilities and your medical provider’s expectations before your first visit.
At first, you will meet with your medical provider weekly to make sure your Suboxone is prescribed at the right dosage. Afterwards, you and your medical provider will decide how often you need to meet.
Patients prescribed Suboxone at ICHS are:
- Expected to stop using drugs and alcohol
- Required to participate in routine urine drug screening
- Required to meet with a behavioral health provider at least once for an assessment
- Required to see the same medical provider during each visit
- Required to sign a treatment agreement
Your length of treatment will be based on your individual needs and progress.
No, you can stay with your current doctor, within or outside of ICHS. If you remain with a primary care provider outside of ICHS, we will ask you to give us permission to communicate and share information with them.
Please discuss this with an ICHS medical provider who prescribes Suboxone during your first visit.
Suboxone prescriptions can be filled at ICHS’s Holly Park, International District, Bellevue and Shoreline clinics. We strongly encourage patients to fill their Suboxone prescriptions at ICHS pharmacies.
Most insurance companies, including Medicaid, will cover Suboxone treatment. ICHS accepts most insurance plans and has a sliding scale fee for those without insurance. We are committed to treating all patients regardless of their insurance status. ICHS’ onsite pharmacies work with you and your insurance company to help coordinate the most affordable prescription option.
Currently, we are not able to treat pregnant patients with Suboxone. We recommend the Outreach Prenatal Clinic at Swedish Family Medicine Cherry Hill. Call 206-320-2999 for more information.
Go to Treatment Match to find a comprehensive list of area providers who can prescribe Suboxone.
Still Have Questions?
Contact ICHS at 206.788.3500. All calls and inquiries remain strictly confidential.
