Many individuals don't understand this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates considerable dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates including heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for many who desire to abstain from the drug completely. Within a drug detoxification facility drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility which handled methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health problems linked to methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, however this isn't always true. Bad health due to drug or alcohol use might make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.