Many individuals don't realize this fully once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more extreme than other opiates including heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who desire to get off of the drug forever. Within a drug and alcohol detoxification facility drug and alcohol treatment program which deals with methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There aren't any real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, however this isn't always true. Bad health as a result of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.