Who this is for

  • Patients in New York or New Jersey whose buprenorphine prescriber retired, closed, moved, or stopped prescribing.
  • Patients who still have medication but can see a refill gap coming.
  • Patients leaving residential or intensive outpatient treatment with no confirmed follow-up prescriber.

Clinical context

Buprenorphine continuity matters because abrupt interruption can bring back withdrawal, craving, and relapse risk. A new physician needs enough information to evaluate safety: current dose, other medications, substance use history, pregnancy status when relevant, pharmacy details, and prior treatment records. SuboxoneNYC also maintains a broader NY/NJ buprenorphine continuity and transfer-of-care resource.

Risks to avoid

Do not borrow medication, change dose without medical direction, mix buprenorphine with alcohol or sedatives, or assume every urgent-care clinic can continue buprenorphine. If your supply is already gone, be honest about timing and symptoms so a clinician can evaluate the safest next step.

When to seek emergency help

Call 911 for overdose symptoms, severe sedation, trouble breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or severe pregnancy-related symptoms. Call or text 988 for suicidal thoughts or a mental-health crisis. For treatment navigation, SAMHSA's National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP.

Sources

  1. SAMHSA: Buprenorphine
  2. SAMHSA National Helpline
  3. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline