Lots of people don't understand this fully when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who would like to abstain from the drug forever. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There are no real health risks associated with methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, but this isn't always true. Illness as a consequence of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist facility.