Many people don't understand this completely whenever they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates like heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Anyone who has attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who wish to get off of the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detox center drug rehab center which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks linked to methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, but this isn't always the case. Illness due to drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.