A lot of people don't realize this completely once they commence 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 used illicitly, creates significant dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who wish to abstain from the drug completely. In a drug detox program alcohol and drug treatment center which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification when the individual is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Illness due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.