Lots of people don't realize this fully once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation professionals. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug for good. Inside a drug and alcohol detoxification facility drug and alcohol treatment center which treats methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation experts do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health problems linked to methadone detoxification if the person is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Illness due to substance abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.