Many people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates considerable dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for many who need to get off of the drug completely. In a drug and alcohol detox program drug rehabilitation center which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation experts work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There won't be any real health problems associated with methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Bad health as a result of drug abuse might make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.