Many individuals don't understand this fully once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who wish to get off of the drug completely. Within a drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug treatment center which deals with methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There aren't any real health threats linked to methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Bad health as a consequence of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.