Many people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation professionals. Anyone who has attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who need to get off of the drug for good. Inside a drug detox program drug rehab facility which deals with methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There aren't any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Poor health due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist setting.