Many people don't understand this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab professionals. Individuals who have tried to stop methadone use on their own cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who wish to get off of the drug forever. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug treatment program which treats methadone dependency and addiction rehab specialists work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health threats connected with methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Illness due to drug abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.