Opiates can be painful and uncomfortable to detox from without medication. There are many different medication options used by doctors, called synthetic opioids.
Methadone is the most commonly used and helps to relieve the withdrawal symptoms.
Subutex contains the active ingredient Buprenorphine and is common as well.
Suboxone contains Buprenorphine but has an added drug called Naloxone.
There is usually a stabilisation period before detox and reduction begin. Once an opiate detox has finished, symptomatic relief such as Lofexidine or Clonidine can help. This is now commonly used to help with the final part of withdrawals known as the tail end. Quinine is also used to alleviate restless leg syndrome which is an uncomfortable withdrawal symptom.