A lot of people don't realize this fully whenever they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than other opiates like heroin. Because of this, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for those who wish to abstain from the drug completely. Within a drug and alcohol detoxification center drug rehabilitation program which handled methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health problems associated with methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Poor health as a result of drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.