Lots of people don't understand this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates significant dependence which is way more severe than other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation professionals. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use independently abruptly can advise you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who need to abstain from the drug forever. In a drug detoxification center alcohol and drug rehab program which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health problems related to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, but this isn't always the case. Bad health because of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.