A lot of people don't realize this completely once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is much more severe than other opiates including heroin. Due to this, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use independently abruptly can tell you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who desire to get off of the drug for good. In a drug and alcohol detox program alcohol and drug rehabilitation program which treats methadone dependency and addiction treatment experts work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There aren't any real health threats connected with methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Illness due to substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.