Many people don't realize this completely when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more severe than other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug forever. In a drug detox facility alcohol and drug rehabilitation program which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehab experts do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There aren't any real health risks connected with methadone detoxification if the person is healthy, however, this isn't always true. Bad health because of drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.