A lot of people don't understand this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medicine doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than other opiates including heroin. For this reason, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. In a drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehab program which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There aren't any real health problems linked to methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Bad health due to substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional setting.