Many people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, creates significant dependence which is much more severe than other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment specialists. Anyone who has attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who wish to abstain from the drug forever. Inside a drug and alcohol detoxification facility drug and alcohol treatment center which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehab specialists do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health threats linked to methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however this isn't always true. Poor health due to drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.