Many individuals don't realize this fully when 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 used illegally, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug for good. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification facility drug rehabilitation program which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health risks connected with methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, but this isn't always true. Poor health because of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.