A lot of people don't realize this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who wish to get off of the drug for good. Inside a drug and alcohol detoxification program alcohol and drug rehabilitation center which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health problems connected with methadone detoxification if the person is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Illness as a consequence of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist facility.