Many people don't realize this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is way more extreme than other opiates including heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who desire to abstain from the drug for good. Within a drug and alcohol detoxification program drug and alcohol rehabilitation program which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehab professionals work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks associated with methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, but this isn't always true. Illness as a result of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.