Well it's great that he is going into to a detox centre. thats good news... He'll get the help he needs there.I personally don't know a lot about opiates but heroin is a very addictive drug so if he''s addicted to heroin he should go on the methadone program. You just need to be there for him to support him. I would suggest going and talking to a doctor. he may be able to prescribe something for him should he choose to give up earlier.

I have been an addict for most of my adult life and now have 5 years clean and sober. First and foremost he has to be Willing to change. There is nothing you can do or say that will help in this department. He has to do this himself. This "Change" process will be long and difficult for both of you. But if he has the willingness he can do it just like I have.

I strongly recommend you attend an AA or NA Narcotics Anonymous meeting to learn more about addiction. You should be able to find meetings online in your area. You should attend meetings marked as Open, meaning you don't have to be an addict to attend or share. During the meeting identify yourself as a visitor trying to help your fiance and would appreciate talking to someone about it. That is all you have to say. The rest of the time just sit back and listen. You will find the addicts in the room jumping at the chance to help you after the meeting. Talking with another addict is 1000 times better than talking to a book trained doctor on the subject. After attending a few regular meetings you my wish to try Al-Anon meetings.

Early on in treatment he may need methadone to help ween him off drugs, but I do not recommend staying on methadone for long. After all methadone is a drug in itself. So taking a drug to stop using another is counter productive. In my experience methadone should be used only during the detox phase of treatment ending shortly after, despite what many doctors may say. Addicts on long term methadone programs often find themselves hopelessly addicted to methadone long after they have stopped using other opiates. The goal in recovery is to learn to live life without the use of all drugs.

An addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, etc. is simpler to cure because they act mostly on body, and after some time, the pleasure is gone and it remains just a sort of compulsive habit.

But an addiction to drugs, opium, grass, etc. gets into the brain and body. These chemicals alter the state of mind and body follows suit. These drugs make one become more imaginative, more creative, more "fast" brain, and it is an experience to feel, and that is why the person forgets his real tough world and loves to remain in such a state.

So, opiates needs special professional treatment by learned person. Please don't delay it and lead him to take the first step.