Many individuals don't realize this fully when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is way more extreme than other opiates including heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug completely. Within an alcohol and drug detox center alcohol and drug treatment center which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There aren't any real health hazards related to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however this isn't always true. Illness as a result of drug or alcohol use might make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.