Lots of people don't understand this fully when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces significant dependence which is far more severe than other opiates such as heroin. Due to this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug once and for all. Inside a drug and alcohol detox center drug and alcohol rehab center which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, however this isn't always true. Illness as a consequence of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.