Many people don't understand this completely whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, produces significant dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who would like to get off of the drug once and for all. Inside a drug detoxification program drug and alcohol rehabilitation program which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There are no real health problems related to methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Poor health due to drug abuse may make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.