Lots of people don't realize this completely whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is much more extreme than other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation specialists. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug forever. Inside an alcohol and drug detox center alcohol and drug rehabilitation program which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Bad health because of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.