Many people don't realize this fully once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who desire to get off of the drug forever. Within an alcohol and drug detox center drug rehabilitation program which handled methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health hazards linked to methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Illness due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.