Many individuals don't realize this completely whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who need to abstain from the drug forever. Within a drug and alcohol detox facility alcohol and drug rehab program which handled methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There aren't any real health problems associated with methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however, this isn't always true. Illness due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.