Lots of people don't realize this fully when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug for good. Within an alcohol and drug detox center alcohol and drug treatment facility which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Poor health due to drug abuse might make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.