Many people don't realize this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more extreme than other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who wish to abstain from the drug completely. Within a drug and alcohol detox program drug and alcohol rehab facility which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There won't be any real health threats related to methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Poor health because of drug abuse might make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist facility.