Lots of people don't realize this completely once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more extreme than other opiates including heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation specialists. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who would like to get off of the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detox center drug rehabilitation center which handled methadone dependency and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There aren't any real health problems associated with methadone detoxification when the individual is healthy, however, this isn't always true. Bad health because of drug abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.