The double blind study evaluated the efficacy of WeiniCom, a Chinese herbal compound, in reducing acute opioid withdrawal symptoms and craving, and its side effects. In each instance, WeiniCom was compared with buprenorphine, an established opioid detoxification treatment agent. Forty-two heroin addicts were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, 21 each to WeiniCom and buprenorphine. The Withdrawal Symptom Rating Scale and the Craving Rating Scale were used to assess acute withdrawal symptoms and craving for heroin, and the Side Effects Rating Scale was used to measure side effects in the 14-treatment period. Both treatments were well-tolerated and very safe. Overall, relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms and craving was better in the WeiniCom group, and the rate of reduction in severity of withdrawal symptoms was faster in the WeiniCom group. By day 9 to 10, the WeiniCom group showed very few withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, from day 5 on, the buprenorphine group continued to report relatively high scores for withdrawal symptoms and craving. WeiniCom demonstrated positive effects quickly, and required a shorter treatment period to achieve a desired degree of elimination of acute withdrawal symptoms and craving. Tables, figures, notes, references