Lots of people don't realize this completely when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who need to get off of the drug for good. In a drug detox program drug treatment program which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There won't be any real health threats linked to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, but this isn't always the case. Illness as a result of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.