Many individuals don't realize this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates significant dependence which is way more severe than other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who wish to get off of the drug completely. In a drug detoxification center alcohol and drug treatment facility which deals with methadone dependency and addiction rehab professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health hazards linked to methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Bad health as a result of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist setting.