Many individuals don't understand this fully once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than other opiates like heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detox center drug treatment center which deals with methadone dependency and addiction treatment specialists work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There aren't any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, however this isn't always true. Poor health due to substance abuse might make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist facility.