A lot of people don't realize this completely whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates like heroin. Due to this, individuals who want to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Whoever has attempted 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 need to get off of the drug completely. In a drug and alcohol detoxification program alcohol and drug treatment center which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There aren't any real health threats connected with methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however this isn't always the case. Illness as a result of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.