Many people don't understand this completely once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is far more extreme than other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment specialists. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who would like to abstain from the drug once and for all. In a drug detox center drug treatment program which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation experts work tirelessly to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health risks associated with methadone detoxification when the individual is in good health, but this isn't always true. Poor health due to drug abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.