Many people don't realize this completely once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more severe than other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. In a drug detox facility drug treatment program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health threats associated with methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Bad health due to drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional setting.