Many individuals don't understand this fully when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually 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 most other opiates including heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug once and for all. Inside a drug detox center alcohol and drug rehabilitation program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There are no real health threats related to methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Illness as a consequence of drug abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.