Lots of people don't realize this completely once they commence 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 abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is way more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who desire to get off of the drug forever. Within a drug and alcohol detoxification facility drug treatment center which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health hazards linked to methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, however, this isn't always true. Poor health due to drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.