Many people don't understand this fully when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates considerable dependence which is way more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. Because of this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who wish to abstain from the drug once and for all. Inside a drug detoxification center drug and alcohol treatment center which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health risks connected with methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Bad health because of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.