Lots of people don't realize this fully when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces considerable dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can advise you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who would like to get off of the drug once and for all. Inside an alcohol and drug detox program drug and alcohol rehabilitation program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehab specialists 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 risks linked to methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, but this isn't always true. Illness as a consequence of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.