A lot of people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for many who would like to get off of the drug completely. Within a drug detox center alcohol and drug rehabilitation program which handled methadone dependency and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There won't be any real health problems associated with methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however this isn't always true. Poor health due to drug abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist setting.