Many individuals don't realize this fully once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, creates considerable dependence which is far 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 specialists. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. In an alcohol and drug detox facility drug and alcohol treatment center which deals with methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation specialists work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health threats linked to methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Bad health due to drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.