Many people don't understand this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates significant dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who need to abstain from the drug forever. Inside an alcohol and drug detox facility drug rehabilitation center which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health threats linked to methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Illness as a result of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.