Many people don't realize this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces significant dependence which is way more severe than most other opiates including heroin. For this reason, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug for good. Within a drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehab center which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehab specialists work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks associated with methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, however this isn't always the case. Poor health because of drug or alcohol use might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist setting.