Lots of people don't realize this fully when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for those who need to get off of the drug once and for all. In a drug detox program alcohol and drug rehab facility which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health hazards linked to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Poor health because of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.