Many individuals don't understand this fully once they start 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 significant dependence which is far more extreme than other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who wish to abstain from the drug completely. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehabilitation center which handled methadone dependency and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health risks connected with methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however this isn't always true. Illness because of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.