Lots of people don't realize this fully whenever they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces considerable dependence which is way more severe than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation specialists. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who wish to get off of the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detox facility drug treatment facility which deals with methadone dependency and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, however this isn't always true. Illness due to drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional setting.