Lots of people don't realize this completely when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces significant dependence which is far more extreme than most other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation specialists. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for many who would like to get off of the drug for good. Inside a drug detox facility alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility which deals with methadone dependency and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health risks linked to methadone detoxification when the individual is healthy, but this isn't always true. Poor health as a result of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional facility.