I used valium and ambien the first time I detoxed for the first 3 or 4 days. But 2 weeks later I used and went ct . It depends on the opiate, dose, length of time etc we have to know in order to help. Some opiates have to have a taper down .
Benzos help tremendously with opiate withdrawals.Valium is the best choice but xanax or ativan will work too.Calms all the restless leg and shaking and allows you to get some sleep.Just make sure you lay off them as soon as the withdrawals are over.
You could check in to the amino acid protocol. It lists a bunch of vitamins and supplements that will get the mind and body back on track. I would get him to come to this forum. No one here will judge as we have our own problems. There are some wonderful and caring people that will help him through this.
I wish you both the best of luck.
Brian