Suboxone is a form of medication assisted treatment (MAT) that is used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Suboxone treatment works against opioid addiction by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and easing opioid withdrawal symptoms. The medication is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, a partial opioid agonist and an opioid antagonist that work together to reduce the risk of relapse and opioid overdose. Unlike other drugs used for medication assisted treatment, suboxone does not have to be administered at a rehab center as part of a medical detox program. People struggling with opioid dependence can get prescribed suboxone from an eligible suboxone treatment provider. This can include licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, or other eligible medical professionals. If you feel that your addiction is severe, it may be beneficial to receive suboxone as part of an addiction treatment program at an inpatient rehab center. Suboxone clinics can help monitor your use and talk you through any cravings or withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing. Since suboxone is meant to be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral therapies and support groups to address your mental health, a residential treatment program is considered convenient to many patients. However, not everyone can afford to take the time off or spend the money required to seek inpatient rehab, so outpatient suboxone administration is also a good option. Receiving a suboxone prescription from a licensed medical professional and not a residential rehab facility allows patients to continue their daily life and not have to uproot their routine in order to seek treatment. To receive a suboxone prescription, you must make an appointment with an eligible suboxone treatment provider. During this appointment, you will be assessed for the necessity of receiving medication assisted treatment. One of the first things you will have to do is take a urine drug test to determine your opioid use. After this, the doctor will then ask questions about your medical history and substance abuse history, as well as check your vital signs. If the doctor determines you are eligible to receive suboxone, the next step is devising a treatment plan. The treatment plan for receiving suboxone will vary for each individual, but typically doctors will take into consideration factors such as the length of time you have been dependent on opioids, the amount of opioids you use in a day, and how many different kinds of opioids you have used. This helps your doctor determine the correct suboxone dosage for your treatment. During the beginning of suboxone treatment, your doctor may require you to receive weekly or daily drug tests to make sure the suboxone is not interacting with any other drugs, such as opioids. After a few weeks into the treatment, you may only be asked for a monthly drug test. As treatment progresses, your doctor will schedule appointments less frequently and you may only have monthly visits to check your progress and make any necessary changes to your prescription.