A lot of people don't realize this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used 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 need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who need to get off of the drug for good. Within a drug and alcohol detox facility drug rehab center which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, however this isn't always true. Bad health as a consequence of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional setting.