Lots of people don't understand this fully once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. Because of this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. Within an alcohol and drug detox facility alcohol and drug treatment program which handled methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health problems linked to methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, but this isn't always true. Bad health because of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist facility.