Many individuals don't realize this completely whenever they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in 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 wish to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Anyone who has attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who desire to get off of the drug once and for all. In a drug and alcohol detox facility alcohol and drug treatment facility which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation experts do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There aren't any real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Poor health as a result of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist setting.