Lots of people don't realize this completely when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than other opiates such as heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab specialists. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. In a drug and alcohol detox program drug rehabilitation program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however this isn't always true. Bad health because of drug abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist setting.