Many individuals don't understand this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. Because of this, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who need to get off of the drug forever. Inside a drug and alcohol detoxification program drug and alcohol treatment program which deals with methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health problems associated with methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Bad health as a consequence of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.