Many people don't realize this completely once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can advise you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who wish to get off of the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detox facility alcohol and drug rehabilitation center which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehab experts do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health threats associated with methadone detoxification when the individual is healthy, but this isn't always true. Poor health as a result of substance abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.