Many people don't realize this completely whenever they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use independently abruptly can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who wish to abstain from the drug completely. Within an alcohol and drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehab center which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health risks connected with methadone detoxification when the individual is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Bad health due to drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.