Many individuals don't understand this fully when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment professionals. Whoever has tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is practically impossible, and many relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who need to get off of the drug completely. Inside a drug detoxification center alcohol and drug rehab center which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health risks associated with methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, but this isn't always true. Poor health as a result of drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist facility.