Many people don't understand this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. 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 such as heroin. Due to this, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug for good. In an alcohol and drug detoxification facility drug rehab program which deals with methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There won't be any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Poor health due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.