First Appointment for Suboxone Treatment of Addiction

Break the chains of addiction with Suboxone!

Your first visit is generally the longest, and may last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

When preparing for your first office visit, there are a couple of logistical issues you may want to consider.

· You may not want to return to work after your visit-this is very normal, so just plan accordingly

· Because SUBOXONE can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment, driving yourself home after the first visit is generally not recommended, so you may want to make arrangements for a ride home.

It is very important to arrive for your first visit already experiencing mild to moderate opiate withdrawal symptoms. If you are in withdrawal, SUBOXONE will help lessen the symptoms. However, if you are not in withdrawal, SUBOXONE will "override" the opiates already in your system, which will cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

The following guidelines are provided to ensure that you are in withdrawal for the visit. (If this concerns you, ask to speak with me over the telephone prior to the visit. I may be able to prescribe medication to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal.)

· No methadone or long-acting painkillers for at least 24 hours

· No heroin or short-acting painkillers for at least 10 hours

Bring ALL medication bottles with you to your first appointment.

Before I can see you all of your paperwork must be completed, so bring all your completed forms with you or arrive about 30 minutes early. In addition, you will need to pay all fees prior to treatment.

If you haven't had a recent physical exam, I may suggest one either now or soon afterwards. I may require urine drug screening prior to the induction process. To help ensure that SUBOXONE is the best treatment option for you, I will perform a substance dependence assessment and mental status evaluation. In addition, you and I will discuss SUBOXONE treatment, what it involves, and what your expectations of treatment are.

After this initial intake, I will give you a dose of SUBOXONE. Your response to the medication will be evaluated after 1 hour. Once I am comfortable with your response, you will be allowed to go home. I will schedule your next visit and give you directions for taking your medication at home. In addition, you will receive instructions on how to contact me in case of emergency, as well as information about your treatment.

CHECKLIST FOR 1^st VISIT:

Arrive experiencing mild to moderate opiate withdrawal symptoms
Bring ALL medication bottles
Fees due at time of visit (cash or credit card)