Lots of people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use independently abruptly can advise you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. Within an alcohol and drug detoxification center drug treatment program which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. 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 the case. Bad health because of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.