A lot of people don't realize this fully whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates significant dependence which is far more severe than other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who need to abstain from the drug once and for all. In an alcohol and drug detox center drug and alcohol rehabilitation program which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health hazards related to methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Illness due to drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.