Lots of people don't realize this completely whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than other opiates like heroin. For this reason, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use by themselves abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who would like to get off of the drug completely. Within an alcohol and drug detox facility drug treatment center which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health threats linked to methadone detoxification in the event the individual is in good health, but this isn't always true. Poor health as a consequence of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.