Many individuals don't understand this fully when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. Because of this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Anyone who has attempted to stop methadone use independently abruptly can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who wish to abstain from the drug for good. Within an alcohol and drug detox facility drug rehab facility which handled methadone dependence and addiction treatment specialists do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health risks connected with methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, but this isn't always true. Illness as a result of substance abuse might make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.