Many people don't realize this fully when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, creates considerable dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates including heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who wish to get off of the drug for good. Within a drug and alcohol detox program drug treatment program which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health risks associated with methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, however this isn't always the case. Illness due to drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist facility.