Objective:To explore the effectiveness of methadone combined with buprenorphine on the alleviation of heroin withdrawal symptoms. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with heroin dependence were randomly divided into two groups , namely the methadone combined buprenorphine treatment group (n=60)and the methadone alone treatment group (n=60). Rating scales were employed to assess the treatment outcomes. Results: Compared with patients in the methadone alone treatment group, patients in the combined treatment group reported fewer withdrawal symptoms, especially in first four days. They also subjectively considered the combined treatment as more acceptable. This effect was more pronounced in patients with relatively high levels of initial withdrawal symptoms. Conclusion: Methadone with buprenorphine was proved to be a favourable combination treatment in terms of reducing withdrawal symptoms, as well as improving the short-term detoxification success rate, especially in patients with severe heroin withdrawal symptoms.