A lot of people don't realize this fully when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates like heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation professionals. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. In a drug detoxification center drug and alcohol rehab program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification when the individual is healthy, however this isn't always true. Illness due to drug or alcohol use might make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.