Many individuals don't realize this completely whenever they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation professionals. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who wish to get off of the drug for good. Within an alcohol and drug detox facility drug and alcohol treatment program which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab specialists do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health threats related to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Poor health due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.