Many people don't realize this completely once they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is way more severe than most other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation specialists. Individuals who have tried 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's hope for those who desire to get off of the drug for good. In a drug detoxification facility drug rehab center which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health problems linked to methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Illness because of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.