Many people don't realize this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates significant dependence which is much more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug completely. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification facility drug and alcohol rehab center which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health threats related to methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however this isn't always true. Poor health because of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist facility.