Lots of people don't realize this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces significant dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who desire to get off of the drug for good. In an alcohol and drug detox center drug treatment center which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation experts do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There won't be any real health problems connected with methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, but this isn't always true. Illness as a result of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist facility.