What is primarily used to relieve symptoms of opiate withdrawal?

Buprenorphine is primarily utilized in the management of opiate withdrawal symptoms due to its unique properties as a partial opioid agonist. This means that it binds to the same receptors in the brain as full opioids but activates them to a lesser degree. By doing so, buprenorphine helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms while reducing cravings for stronger opioids.

Additionally, buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, which lowers the risk of overdose compared to full agonists, making it a safer option in the treatment of opioid dependence. It is often part of a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes counseling and support to help individuals recover from addiction.

The other choices listed are not effective for managing opiate withdrawal. Haldol is an antipsychotic which might be used to address severe agitation or psychosis but does not directly treat withdrawal symptoms. Lithium is a mood stabilizer used primarily in bipolar disorder and does not have any role in opioid withdrawal treatment. Suboxone is a combination medication that includes buprenorphine and naloxone, also used to treat opiate dependence, but since the question specifically asks for what is primarily used, buprenorphine is more foundational in the withdrawal management process.