Many people don't realize this fully whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of 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 would like to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who desire to abstain from the drug for good. Inside an alcohol and drug detox center alcohol and drug treatment center which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation experts do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks associated with methadone detoxification in the event the individual is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Bad health due to substance abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.