Lots of people don't realize this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces considerable dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates including heroin. Because of this, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can tell you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who need to abstain from the drug once and for all. Inside a drug and alcohol detoxification center alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There won't be any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Bad health as a result of drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.