Lots of people don't realize this fully whenever they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates significant dependence which is way more severe than most other opiates like heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use independently abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and many relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug forever. In a drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health threats related to methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, but this isn't always true. Illness due to drug abuse may make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.