Many people don't realize this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates significant dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. Because of this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and many relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug completely. Within an alcohol and drug detox program drug rehabilitation facility which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab specialists do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, however this isn't always true. Illness as a result of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional setting.