Many individuals don't understand this completely once they start 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 used illegally, produces considerable dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who wish to abstain from the drug once and for all. In a drug and alcohol detoxification center alcohol and drug rehabilitation program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation experts work tirelessly to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, but this isn't always true. Bad health as a result of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.