The first step toward treating your opioid dependence is an open and honest discussion with a doctor you trust.

There is no one "best way" to start this discussion—how you approach it reflects what works for you as an individual. With that in mind, if you are anxious or unsure about how to begin a conversation about opioid dependence, the following may be helpful:

• One way to begin your discussion is by telling your doctor how you have been feeling lately (maybe jittery, tired)
• You may also want to share something about your emotional outlook (maybe upset, anxious, worried) and how long you have felt that way
• You can explain to your doctor that you are concerned about your use of opioids and that you think you may be opioid-dependent
• Tell your doctor that you trust him or her and would prefer that he or she be your treating physician

Your doctor may or may not know about office-based treatment with SUBOXONE, but either way, sharing what you have read about treatment benefits both of you.

• If your doctor is certified to prescribe SUBOXONE, talk with him or her about whether you need treatment—You can ask about the specifics of therapy with SUBOXONE in that office
• If your doctor is not already certified to prescribe SUBOXONE, you can help him or her find information online about becoming certified

If your doctor is not certified but you would both prefer for your treatment to begin in the near future, the two of you will need to discuss a possible referral to a doctor who can prescribe SUBOXONE for opioid dependence. Even though your doctor is not prescribing SUBOXONE, she/he can still be actively involved with your treatment by seeing you on a regular basis and communicating with the prescribing physician.