Many people don't realize this fully whenever they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is much more severe than other opiates like heroin. Due to this, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment specialists. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who would like to get off of the drug forever. Within a drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug treatment program which deals with methadone dependency and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health problems related to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Illness due to substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.