Lots of people don't understand this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as 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 much more severe than most other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use independently abruptly can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug once and for all. In an alcohol and drug detox program alcohol and drug treatment facility which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health threats related to methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Illness because of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.