Lots of people don't understand this completely once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces significant dependence which is much more severe than other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who desire to get off of the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detoxification center drug and alcohol rehabilitation center which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health problems connected with methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, however this isn't always true. Poor health as a consequence of drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist facility.