Many people don't understand this fully once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates significant dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates including heroin. Because of this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment specialists. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who need to abstain from the drug for good. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification center alcohol and drug treatment program which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There are no real health risks related to methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however this isn't always the case. Bad health as a consequence of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional setting.