Lots of people don't realize this completely when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who would like to abstain from the drug forever. Within an alcohol and drug detoxification program drug and alcohol treatment facility which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There won't be any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, but this isn't always the case. Illness due to drug abuse might make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.