A lot of people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medicine doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who would like to get off of the drug completely. Within a drug and alcohol detox facility drug treatment facility which handled methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There won't be any real health hazards connected with methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Illness as a consequence of drug abuse may make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.